M Balamuralikrishna Passes Away At 86

Veteran Carnatic musician Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna passed away in Chennai on Tuesday at the age of 86 after a prolonged illness.

Born at Sankaraguptham village of the East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh, Balamuralikrishna started singing at the age of six. He was well-versed in Carnatic vocal music and the classical violin from his youth. Later in life, his career took him to Chennai, where he remained for the most part.

The late artist's father was a renowned musician, too, and could play the flute, violin and veena. His mother died when he was an infant and he was raised by his father. Observing his talent and passion for music, Balamuralikrishna's father had encouraged him to learn it. Considered a child prodigy, he became a virtuoso in music since the age of 15 when he mastered all the 72 'melakartha ragas' and had composed several 'krithis'.

Balakmuralikrishna was also a Carnatic vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, music composer and playback singer. He had received the Padma Vibhushan - India's second-highest civilian honour - for his myriad contributions to Indian classical music. He was also conferred the National Award twice in 1976 (singing) and in 1987 (composing). Besides this, he also got several State government awards (Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh).

The veteran musician had also acted in a few films. He was seen as Narada in 'Bhakta Prahlada' in 1967, and was much acclaimed. Balamuralikrishna has composed over 400 compositions in various languages like Telugu, Sanskrit, Kannada and Tamil. His compositions range from Devotional to Varnams, Krithis, Javalis and Thillans, in all the fundamental 72 melakartha ragas to film music.

Honouring the maestro, French government, in 2005, had made him "Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres".

Several members of the southern film industry and singers came in unison to condole the demise of Balamuralikrishna, and called it an irrevocable loss. The funeral reportedly will be held in Chennai.