Hyderabad: Veteran Carnatic musician Nukala Chinna Satyanarayana died here on Thursday. He was 89. He was suffering from a heart-related ailment since some months.
Popularly known as a Carnatic vocal maestro, the veteran musician was born in Aadurru villaige of East Godavari District in 1923.
He took a masters degree in English and Telugu literature and began his musical journey as a violinist. However, he switched to vocal under the tutelage of veteran Mangalampalli Pattabhiramaiah, the father of another Carnatic exponent, Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna.
Recognising his skills in vocal music, Bharat Gandharva Maha Vidyalaya mandal in 1983 awarded him the prestigious “Maha Mahopadyaya” title.
He was appointed by TTD as their court musician and for 20 years he worked to tune various Annamacharya krithis.
Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Srigeri Peetham, Pushpagiri Peetham, Ganapathi Sacchidananda ashramam have recognised his services and appointed him as their court musician.
Nukala worked as principal in Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Vijayawada government music colleges.
He was the head of the department of music at Telugu University. He penned many books like Raga Lakshana Sangraham and the monograph of Thyagaraja Pancharatna Kirthanas. He gave performances in the presence of late Dr Radhakrishnan, V.V. Giri and P.V. Narasimha Rao.
He was awarded Padma Bhushan by the Centre. Chief Minister N. Kiran kumar Reddy expressed grief over the demise of Dr Nukala China Satyanrayana. In a condolence message Chief Minister said late Nukala was a great Carnatic musician, a classical vocalist and musicologist.
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/india/hc-why-isn-t-delhi-top-cop-accountable-013