The legendary and the great carnatic musician Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna garu passed away

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Renowned Carnatic vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, music composer, playback singer Mangalampalli  Balamuralikrishna breathed his last on Tuesday at his residence in Chennai. He was 86. He had received the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, for his outstanding contribution towards Indian Art - especially for his work in music. He was also conferred National Award twice (one for his singing in 1976 and one as a music composer in 1987). Besides this, he has got several state government awards.

Born in Sankaraguptam, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh state. His father was a well known musician and could play the flute, violin and the veena and his mother was an excellent veena player. His mother died when he was an infant and he was raised by his father. Observing his penchant for music, his father had encouraged him learning music. Later he grew up to prove his prowess in music. He was considered as child prodigy. At the age of 15, he had mastered all the 72 melakartha ragas and had composed krithis in the same

Though a noted musician, he also acted in a few films.  He was seen as Narada in 'Bhakta Prahlada' in 1967 that earned him applause. 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 his talent, French government in 2005 had made him 'Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres'

Film fraternity, music legends in unison have condoled his demise and called it an irrevocable loss.

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