Balamuralikrishna is TTDs Asthana Vidwan for third time
Tirupati | Sunday, Nov 22 2009 IST
 

Carnatic vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and playback singer Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna has been appointed as the ''Asthana Vidwan'' of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for the third time. Dr Balamuralikrishna, who performed in more than 25,000 concerts worldwide and made over 400 compositions in various languages including Sanskrit, Tamil and Telugu, has now become the official singer in the Lord's court.

The 80-year-old singer would now perform at annual ceremonies and important festivals at the temple for the next two years, TTD Spokesman Ravi said here yesterday.

During 1987-90, the honorary post of ''Asthana Vidwan'' was held by Dr Balamuralikrishna along with M S Subbalakshmi. The post later remained unfilled due to some reasons but again embraced the classical music maestro.

Before this, he was appointed for the same post during the T Anjaiah Chief Ministership in 1980.

The legendary vocalist has received awards of Padma Vibhushan, Padmashree, Best Playback Singer in 1976, Best Music Director in 1987 and UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Silver Medal award.

He is also the only carnatic musician to have won ''Chevaliers of Ordre des Arts et des Letters'' from the French Government, besides many honorary Doctorates from various prestigious universities.

Dr Balamuralikrishna had given his first solo performance in 1938 at the age of eight years old in Vijayawada. He had mastery over instruments like Veena, Violin, Mridangam and Khanjira. The Carnatic Musician also acted a role of ''Narada Muni'' in a Telugu movie ''Bhakta Prahlada'' and sang his own songs in the film. His appointment was announced by the TTD yesterday after procuring his consent to become the Asthana Vidwan and contribute to improve and preserve the massive treasure cove of devotional and classical music collected by the Temple administration.

-- (UNI) -- 22DR4.xml

 

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