Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna
Encyclopedia
Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna (born July 6, 1930) is a Carnatic
vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and a playback singer. He is also acclaimed as a poet, composer and respected by all Indian classical musicians for his knowledge of Carnatic Music.
, 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. He lost his mother when he was just a baby and since then, he was taken care by his father. Observing his inner penchant towards music, his father put him under the tutelage of Sri Parupalli Ramakrishna Pantulu. Sri Pantulu was a direct descendant of the sisya parampara of Saint Thyagaraja
. Under his guidance, the young Balamuralikrishna learnt Carnatic Music
. At the age of eight, Balamuralikrishna gave his first full fledged concert at a Thyagaraja Aradhana, Vijayawada. Musunuri Suryanarayana Murty Bhagavatar, a distinguished Harikatha
performer, saw the musical talent in the child and gave the prefix 'Bala' (child) to the young Muralikrishna. This title has stuck ever since and Balamuralikrishna has been known so.
Balamuralikrishna thus began his musical career at a very young age. By the age of fifteen he had mastered all the 72 melakartha ragas and had composed krithis in the same. The Janaka Raga Manjari was published in 1952 and recorded as Raagaanga Ravali in a nine-volume series by the Sangeeta Recording Company.
Balamuralikrishna soon became very famous as a singer. The number of concerts for this young musician began to increase and hence he had to discontinue his school.
Not merely content with his fame as a carnatic vocalist, very soon Balamurali proved his immense versatility by playing the kanjira
, mridangam, viola and violin. He also accompanied various musicians in violin and is also noted to give solo viola concerts.
His immense versatility in all the fields of music, his mesmerizing voice, his unique way of rendering the compositions helped him to carve out a niche in the Music era. He collaborated with the top musicians in the Hindustani circle and is known to be the first to start the jugulbandi type of concerts. The first of such kind was in Mumbai, where he accompanied Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
. He also gave jugalbandi concerts with Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia
and Kishori Amonkar
, among others. These concerts made him popular throughout the country and also helped in national integration through music.
Poet composer and musicologist, Balamuralikrishna has restored the trinity's composition to their original whole. He represents a new era in Carnatic music. Like the galaxy of giants preceding him, he has helped in the preservation of the musical heritage in his own way. He is also known for popularising the Compositions of Sri Bhadrachala Ramadasu and Sri Annamacharya
.
Balamurali Krishna has been invited to give concerts in many countries, including US, Canada, UK, Italy, France, Russia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Middle East and many more.
While his native tongue is Telugu
, he sings not only in Telugu but also in many languages including Kannada
, Sanskrit
, Tamil
, Malayalam
, Hindi, Bengali
, Punjabi
.
He also acted in the Telugu movie "Bhakta Prahlada
" (1967) under the banner of AVM Productions
as Narada
wherein, he sang his own songs. He also acted in a few more movies as well.
He appeared as featured soloist with an award-winning British choir, performing the "Gitanjali Suite" with words from Rabindranath Tagore
's Nobel Prize
-winning poetry and music by Dr. Joel, the noted UK-based Goan composer. His clear diction in several languages prompted an invitation to record Tagore's entire Rabindra Sangeet
compositions in Bengali
, preserving them for posterity. He has sung in French, and even ventured into jazz fusion
, collaborating with the top Carnatic
percussion teacher, Sri T.H. Subash Chandran, in a concert for Malaysian royalty.
He has recently become increasingly interested in music therapy
, and now performs only occasionally. He gave its authorization to S. Ram Bharati to found "Academy of Performing Arts and Research" in Switzerland and is also working on music therapy. He established the 'MBK Trust' with the objective of developing art and culture and for carrying out extensive research into Music Therapy. A dance and music school, 'Vipanchee' is a part of this Trust and is run by his managing trustee Kalaimamani Saraswati.
, Sanskrit
and Tamil
. His compositions ranges from Devotional to Varnams, Krithis, Javalis and Thillans. His greatest achievement are the compositions in all the fundamental 72 melakartha ragas.
Characteristic of Balamuralikrishna's musical journey has been his non-conformism, spirit of experimentation and boundless creativity.
Dr Balamuralikrishna has innovated the whole Carnatic Music System by keeping its rich tradition untouched. The ragas like Ganapathi, Sarvashri, Mahati, Lavangi etc. are credited to him. The ragas which he invented represent his quest for new frontiers.
Ragas like Lavangi are set to three or four notes in ascending and descending scale. Ragaas created by him, like Mahathi, Lavangi, Sidhdhi, Sumukham have only Four Notes; While Ragaas created by him, like Sarva Sri, Omkaari, Ganapathy have only Three Notes .
He also innovated the tala system. He has incorporated "Gathi Bedam" in the "Sa Sabdha Kriya" ( Actions in Talas, which can produce sound/Sabdha are called Sa Sabdha Kriya )part of the existing Tala chain, thus throwing open a new chain of Tala System. Saint Arunagirinaadhar used to inject such systems in his famous Thirupugazh, but only as Sandham, while Balamuralikrishna is known to be the pioneer in bringing such Sandhams into a logical rhythm, with Angam & Definition. Thri Mukhi, Panchamukhi, Saptha Mukhi & Nava Mukhi are the Basic Classifications, he has named for his New Tala System.
When coming to his compositions, his Thillanas speaks of the glory. Balamuralikrishna is supposed to be the pioneer in injecting Sangathis in Thillanas too as well.
His emotional interpretation to the Thyagaraja Krithi Nagumomu has won him accolades and is popular even today.
Sangeetha Kalanidhi
, Gaana kousthuba, Gaanakalabhooshana, Gaana gandharva, Gaayaka Sikamani, Gaayana Chakravarthy, Gaana Padmam, Nadajyothi, Sangeetha Kala Saraswathi Nada Maharishi, Gandharva Gana Samrat, Jnanasagara, The Musician of the Century, to name a few. For the cause of National Integration, the Governor of Maharashtra honored him for services rendered.
He has been awarded the All India Radio
's "Top Grade" for seven different performance areas.
Balamuralikrishna has received the National awards such as Padmashree, Padma Bhushan
and Padma Vibhushan
. He is also the only Carnatic musician to have won Chevaliers of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Government.
He was awarded the Lifetime achievement Global Indian Music Academy Award for 2011.
Apart from all these, he has received many honorary doctorates from various prestigious Universities.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! Film !! Language !! Credits
|-
| 1957 || Sati Savitri || Telugu || Singer: Oho Ho Vilasala
|-
| 1959 || Jayabheri
|| Telugu || Suklaam Brahma Vichaara Saara Paramaam (Sloka)
|-
| 1963 || Karna || Telugu || Singer: Neevu Nenu Valachitimi Nandaname Eduruga Nilichitimi
|-
| 1963 || Nartanasala
|| Telugu || Singer: Salalitha Raga Sudharasa Saaram
|-
| 1965 || Dorikite Dongalu || Telugu || Singer: Tirupativasa Srivenkatesa
|-
| 1965 || Thiruvilayadal
|| Tamil || Singer: Oru Naal Pothuma
|-
| 1966 || Palnati Yudham
|| Telugu || Singer: Seelamu Galavari Chinavada
|-
| 1967 || Bhakta Prahlada
|| Telugu || Acted as Narada
Singer: Aadi Anaadiyu Neeve Deva Narada Sannuta Narayana,
Siri Siri Laali Chinnari Laali,
Varamosage Vanamali Naa Vanchitammu Neraverunuga
|-
| 1973 || Andala Ramudu
||Telugu || Singer: Paluke Banagamayera Andala Rama
|-
| 1974 || Sree Rama Anjaneya Yuddham || Telugu || Singer: Meluko Srirama Meluko Raghurama
Karunalola Narayana Sritajanapala Deenavana
|-
| 1975 || Hamsageethe
|| Kannada || Music director and Singer
|-
| 1975 || Muthyala Muggu
|| Telugu || Singer: Srirama Jayarama Seetarama
|-
| 1977 || Kurukshetram
|| Telugu || Singer: Kuppinchi Egasina Kundalambula Kanthi (Padyam)
|-
| 1977 || Kavikkuyil
|| Tamil || Singer: Chinna Kannan Azhaikkiraan
|-
| 1979 || Guppedu Manasu
|| Telugu || Singer: Mauname Nee Bhasha O Mooga Manasa
|-
| 1979 || Nool Veli
|| Tamil || Singer: Mounathil Vilayadum
|-
| 1982 || Ente Mohangal Poovaninju
|| Malayalam || Singer:
|-
| 1983 || Adi Shankaracharya || Sanskrit || Music director
|-
| 1983 || Meghasandesam
|| Telugu || Singer: Paadana Vani Kalyaniga
|-
| 1986 || Madhvacharya
|| Kannada || Music director and Singer
|-
| 1987 || Swathi Thirunal || Malayalam || Singer: Moksha Mukalada
Winner, Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer
|-
| 1990 || Muthina Haara || Kannada || Singer: Devaru Hoseda Premada Daara
|-
| 1991 || Bharatham
|| Malayalam || Singer:
|-
| 1993 || Bhagvad Gita || Sanskrit || Music director
|-
| 1997 || Priyamaina Srivaaru || Telugu || Singer: Jatakalu Kalisevela Jeevitalu Mugisaayi
|-
| 2009 || pasanga
|| Tamil || Singer: Anbaley Azhgagu Veedu
|-
Carnatic music
Carnatic music is a system of music commonly associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, with its area roughly confined to four modern states of India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu...
vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and a playback singer. He is also acclaimed as a poet, composer and respected by all Indian classical musicians for his knowledge of Carnatic Music.
Early life
Balamuralikrishna was born in SankaraguptamSankaraguptam
Sankaraguptam is a village in Malikipuram mandal of East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Located in the delta region of Godavari the village has rich scenic beauty...
, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
state. His father was a well known musician and could play the flute
Flute
The flute is a musical instrument of the woodwind family. Unlike woodwind instruments with reeds, a flute is an aerophone or reedless wind instrument that produces its sound from the flow of air across an opening...
, violin
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
and the veena
Veena
Veena may refer to one of several Indian plucked instruments:With frets*Rudra veena, plucked string instrument used in Hindustani music*Saraswati veena, plucked string instrument used in Carnatic musicFretless...
and his mother was an excellent veena player. He lost his mother when he was just a baby and since then, he was taken care by his father. Observing his inner penchant towards music, his father put him under the tutelage of Sri Parupalli Ramakrishna Pantulu. Sri Pantulu was a direct descendant of the sisya parampara of Saint Thyagaraja
Tyagaraja
Kakarla Tyagabrahmam , colloquially known as Tyāgarājar and Tyagayya was one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music or classical South Indian music. He, along with his contemporaries Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Shastry, forms the Trinity of Carnatic music...
. Under his guidance, the young Balamuralikrishna learnt Carnatic Music
Carnatic music
Carnatic music is a system of music commonly associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, with its area roughly confined to four modern states of India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu...
. At the age of eight, Balamuralikrishna gave his first full fledged concert at a Thyagaraja Aradhana, Vijayawada. Musunuri Suryanarayana Murty Bhagavatar, a distinguished Harikatha
Harikatha
Harikatha , otherwise called Katha Kalakshepa is a form of Hindu religious discourse, also known as Katha storytelling format, in which the story teller explores a religious theme, usually the life of a saint or a story from an Indian epic.Harikatha is a composite art form composed of story...
performer, saw the musical talent in the child and gave the prefix 'Bala' (child) to the young Muralikrishna. This title has stuck ever since and Balamuralikrishna has been known so.
Balamuralikrishna thus began his musical career at a very young age. By the age of fifteen he had mastered all the 72 melakartha ragas and had composed krithis in the same. The Janaka Raga Manjari was published in 1952 and recorded as Raagaanga Ravali in a nine-volume series by the Sangeeta Recording Company.
Balamuralikrishna soon became very famous as a singer. The number of concerts for this young musician began to increase and hence he had to discontinue his school.
Not merely content with his fame as a carnatic vocalist, very soon Balamurali proved his immense versatility by playing the kanjira
Kanjira
The kanjira, khanjira or ganjira, a South Indian frame drum, is an instrument of the tambourine family. It is used primarily in concerts of Carnatic music as a supporting instrument for the mridangam...
, mridangam, viola and violin. He also accompanied various musicians in violin and is also noted to give solo viola concerts.
Performing career
Balamuralikrishna started his career at a very young age. Till date, he has given over 25000 concerts worldwide!His immense versatility in all the fields of music, his mesmerizing voice, his unique way of rendering the compositions helped him to carve out a niche in the Music era. He collaborated with the top musicians in the Hindustani circle and is known to be the first to start the jugulbandi type of concerts. The first of such kind was in Mumbai, where he accompanied Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
Bhimsen Joshi
Pandit Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi ; February 4, 1922 - January 24, 2011) was an Indian vocalist in the Hindustani classical tradition. A member of the Kirana Gharana , he is renowned for the khayal form of singing, as well as for his popular renditions of devotional music...
. He also gave jugalbandi concerts with Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia
Hariprasad Chaurasia
Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia is an Indian classical instrumentalist. He is a player of the bansuri, the North Indian bamboo flute. Chaurasia is a classicist who has made a conscious effort to reach out and expand the audience for classical music.-Early life:Hariprasad Chaurasia was born in...
and Kishori Amonkar
Kishori Amonkar
Kishori AmonkarN- is an Indian singer who performs in the classical genre khyal and the light classical genres thumri and bhajan. Amonkar trained under her mother, classical singer Mogubai Kurdikar of the Jaipur gharana , but experimented with a variety of vocal styles in her career...
, among others. These concerts made him popular throughout the country and also helped in national integration through music.
Poet composer and musicologist, Balamuralikrishna has restored the trinity's composition to their original whole. He represents a new era in Carnatic music. Like the galaxy of giants preceding him, he has helped in the preservation of the musical heritage in his own way. He is also known for popularising the Compositions of Sri Bhadrachala Ramadasu and Sri Annamacharya
Annamacharya
Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya was the official songmaster of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, and a Telugu composer who composed around 36000 keertana songs, many of which were in praise of Venkateswara, the presiding deity of the temple...
.
Concerts
Balamuralikrishna's concerts combine sophisticated vocal skills and rhythmic patterns of classical music with the popular demand for entertainment value.Balamurali Krishna has been invited to give concerts in many countries, including US, Canada, UK, Italy, France, Russia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Middle East and many more.
While his native tongue is Telugu
Telugu language
Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
, he sings not only in Telugu but also in many languages including Kannada
Kannada language
Kannada or , is a language spoken in India predominantly in the state of Karnataka. Kannada, whose native speakers are called Kannadigas and number roughly 50 million, is one of the 30 most spoken languages in the world...
, Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
, Tamil
Tamil language
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
, Malayalam
Malayalam language
Malayalam , is one of the four major Dravidian languages of southern India. It is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India with official language status in the state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry. It is spoken by 35.9 million people...
, Hindi, Bengali
Bengali language
Bengali or Bangla is an eastern Indo-Aryan language. It is native to the region of eastern South Asia known as Bengal, which comprises present day Bangladesh, the Indian state of West Bengal, and parts of the Indian states of Tripura and Assam. It is written with the Bengali script...
, Punjabi
Punjabi language
Punjabi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by inhabitants of the historical Punjab region . For Sikhs, the Punjabi language stands as the official language in which all ceremonies take place. In Pakistan, Punjabi is the most widely spoken language...
.
He also acted in the Telugu movie "Bhakta Prahlada
Bhakta Prahlada (1967 film)
Bhakta Prahlada is a Telugu film made in 1967 by AVM Productions about a devotee Prahlada in Hindu mythology.-Crew:* Producer - A. V. Meiyappan using the banner AVM productions along with Veerappan & Co....
" (1967) under the banner of AVM Productions
AVM Productions
AVM is the oldest and largest film production studio in India. It is currently owned by M. Saravanan and his son, M. S. Guhan. The most recent film they have produced since their opening with Nam Iruvar in 1947, is Vettaikkaaran and Leader. The filming studios are located in Vadapalani, Chennai....
as Narada
Narada
Narada or Narada Muni is a divine sage from the Vaisnava tradition, who plays a prominent role in a number of the Puranic texts, especially in the Bhagavata Purana, and in the Ramayana...
wherein, he sang his own songs. He also acted in a few more movies as well.
He appeared as featured soloist with an award-winning British choir, performing the "Gitanjali Suite" with words from Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore , sobriquet Gurudev, was a Bengali polymath who reshaped his region's literature and music. Author of Gitanjali and its "profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse", he became the first non-European Nobel laureate by earning the 1913 Prize in Literature...
's Nobel Prize
Nobel Prize
The Nobel Prizes are annual international awards bestowed by Scandinavian committees in recognition of cultural and scientific advances. The will of the Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, established the prizes in 1895...
-winning poetry and music by Dr. Joel, the noted UK-based Goan composer. His clear diction in several languages prompted an invitation to record Tagore's entire Rabindra Sangeet
Rabindra Sangeet
Rabindra Sangeet , also known as Tagore Songs in English, is a form of music composed by Rabindranath Tagore who added a new dimension to the musical concept of India in general and Bengal in specific....
compositions in Bengali
Bengali language
Bengali or Bangla is an eastern Indo-Aryan language. It is native to the region of eastern South Asia known as Bengal, which comprises present day Bangladesh, the Indian state of West Bengal, and parts of the Indian states of Tripura and Assam. It is written with the Bengali script...
, preserving them for posterity. He has sung in French, and even ventured into jazz fusion
Jazz fusion
Jazz fusion is a musical fusion genre that developed from mixing funk and R&B rhythms and the amplification and electronic effects of rock, complex time signatures derived from non-Western music and extended, typically instrumental compositions with a jazz approach to lengthy group improvisations,...
, collaborating with the top Carnatic
Carnatic music
Carnatic music is a system of music commonly associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, with its area roughly confined to four modern states of India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu...
percussion teacher, Sri T.H. Subash Chandran, in a concert for Malaysian royalty.
He has recently become increasingly interested in music therapy
Music therapy
Music therapy is an allied health profession and one of the expressive therapies, consisting of an interpersonal process in which a trained music therapist uses music and all of its facets—physical, emotional, mental, social, aesthetic, and spiritual—to help clients to improve or maintain their...
, and now performs only occasionally. He gave its authorization to S. Ram Bharati to found "Academy of Performing Arts and Research" in Switzerland and is also working on music therapy. He established the 'MBK Trust' with the objective of developing art and culture and for carrying out extensive research into Music Therapy. A dance and music school, 'Vipanchee' is a part of this Trust and is run by his managing trustee Kalaimamani Saraswati.
Poet and Composer
Dr Balamuralikrishna has composed over 400 compositions in various languages like TeluguTelugu language
Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
, Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
and Tamil
Tamil language
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
. His compositions ranges from Devotional to Varnams, Krithis, Javalis and Thillans. His greatest achievement are the compositions in all the fundamental 72 melakartha ragas.
Innovations
Dr Balamuralikrishna has innovated the whole Carnatic Music System by keeping its rich tradition untouched. The ragas like Ganapathi, Sarvashri, Mahati, Lavangi etc. are credited to him. The ragas which he invented represent his quest for new frontiers.
Ragas like Lavangi are set to three or four notes in ascending and descending scale. Ragaas created by him, like Mahathi, Lavangi, Sidhdhi, Sumukham have only Four Notes; While Ragaas created by him, like Sarva Sri, Omkaari, Ganapathy have only Three Notes .
He also innovated the tala system. He has incorporated "Gathi Bedam" in the "Sa Sabdha Kriya" ( Actions in Talas, which can produce sound/Sabdha are called Sa Sabdha Kriya )part of the existing Tala chain, thus throwing open a new chain of Tala System. Saint Arunagirinaadhar used to inject such systems in his famous Thirupugazh, but only as Sandham, while Balamuralikrishna is known to be the pioneer in bringing such Sandhams into a logical rhythm, with Angam & Definition. Thri Mukhi, Panchamukhi, Saptha Mukhi & Nava Mukhi are the Basic Classifications, he has named for his New Tala System.
When coming to his compositions, his Thillanas speaks of the glory. Balamuralikrishna is supposed to be the pioneer in injecting Sangathis in Thillanas too as well.
His emotional interpretation to the Thyagaraja Krithi Nagumomu has won him accolades and is popular even today.
Criticisms and Acceptance
Balamuralikrishna was criticized for his invention of new ragas. They were once regarded an act of sacrilege by the orthodox. But then, any serious appraisal of a contemporary work of art must be historically informed. Innovation of new ragas was the defining characteristic of the Thyagaraja legacy. According to physicists M.V. Ramana and V.N. Muthukumar, the more than 700 Thyagaraja compositions available today are set in 212 ragas. Of them, 121 had but one composition and Thyagaraja was the first to compose kritis in 66 ragas. Significantly, the ragas Vivardhani and Navarasa Kannada - which are innovations by Thyagaraja - have just four notes on the ascent. They were the first of their kind in the 19th century. Arguably, Balamuralikrishna's own ragas merely take Thyagaraja's endeavour to its culmination. Ranjani, another Thyagaraja creation, boasts of over a hundred kritis today, including Balamuralikrishna's Vande Maataram, andee maa taram.Honours
The musical genius Balamuralikrishna has won many awards and accolades to his credit. A few of them are : -Sangeetha Kalanidhi
Sangeetha Kalanidhi
Sangeetha Kalanidhi or Sangita Kalanidhi is the title awarded yearly to an expert Carnatic Musician by the Madras Music Academy. This honour is considered one of the highest awards in Carnatic music.-----Sangeetha Kalanidhis:-External links:*...
, Gaana kousthuba, Gaanakalabhooshana, Gaana gandharva, Gaayaka Sikamani, Gaayana Chakravarthy, Gaana Padmam, Nadajyothi, Sangeetha Kala Saraswathi Nada Maharishi, Gandharva Gana Samrat, Jnanasagara, The Musician of the Century, to name a few. For the cause of National Integration, the Governor of Maharashtra honored him for services rendered.
He has been awarded the All India Radio
All India Radio
All India Radio , officially known since 1956 as Akashvani , is the radio broadcaster of India and a division of Prasar Bharati. Established in 1936, it is the sister service of Prasar Bharati's Doordarshan, the national television broadcaster. All India Radio is one of the largest radio networks...
's "Top Grade" for seven different performance areas.
Balamuralikrishna has received the National awards such as Padmashree, Padma Bhushan
Padma Bhushan
The Padma Bhushan is the third highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan, but comes before the Padma Shri. It is awarded by the Government of India.-History:...
and Padma Vibhushan
Padma Vibhushan
The Padma Vibhushan is the second highest civilian award in the Republic of India. It consists of a medal and a citation and is awarded by the President of India. It was established on 2 January 1954. It ranks behind the Bharat Ratna and comes before the Padma Bhushan...
. He is also the only Carnatic musician to have won Chevaliers of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Government.
He was awarded the Lifetime achievement Global Indian Music Academy Award for 2011.
Apart from all these, he has received many honorary doctorates from various prestigious Universities.
National Film Awards
- National Film Award for Best Male Playback SingerNational Film Award for Best Male Playback SingerThe following is a list of winners of the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer. The singer with the most awards in this category is K. J. Yesudas with seven wins, whereas S. P. Balasubrahmanyam won six times for 4 different languages; Hindi, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu.-Superlatives:...
- 1976 - National Film Award for Best Music DirectionNational Film Award for Best Music DirectionThe National Film Award for Best Music Direction are given annually. In years 1994, 1995 and 2010, an award for Best Background Score was instituted by the Jury, which was won by Johnson and by Ilaiyaraaja . Ilaiyaraaja and A. R...
- 1987
Select compositions
| Composition | Raga Raga A raga is one of the melodic modes used in Indian classical music.It is a series of five or more musical notes upon which a melody is made... m | Type | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omkaara Pranava | Shanmukhapriya Shanmukhapriya Shanmukhapriya is a rāgam in Carnatic music . It is the 56th melakarta rāgam in the 72 melakarta rāgam system of Carnatic music. It is called Chāmaram in Muthuswami Dikshitar school of Carnatic music.Raganidhi by P. Subba Rao, Pub... |
Padha Varnam Varnam Varnam is a form of song in the Carnatic music repertoire. A varnam is a relatively long piece and can range from 30 minutes to up to an hour. It is usually set to Aadi or Ata tala. It is the center piece in a recital of a Bharathanatyam dance. It is a tradition to start a recital in Carnatic... |
|
| Amma Aanandha dhaayini | Gambhiranata Gambhiranata Gambhiranata , is a rāga in Carnatic music . It is an audava rāgam . It is a janya rāga , as it does not have all the seven swaras . Gambhiranata is also known as Shuddha Nata.Raganidhi by P. Subba Rao, Pub... |
Varnam | |
| Ye Naadhamu | Naata | Varnam | |
| Chalamu Chaesina | Ramapriya Ramapriya Ramapriya is a rāgam in Carnatic music . It is the 52nd melakarta rāgam in the 72 melakarta scale system of Carnatic music. It is called Ramāmanōhari in Muthuswami Dikshitar school of Carnatic music.Raganidhi by P. Subba Rao, Pub... |
Varnam | |
| Aapaala Gopaalamu | Amritavarshini Amritavarshini Amritavarshini is a rāgam in Carnatic music . It is an audava rāgam . It is a janya rāgam , as it does not have all the seven swaras .It is a common pentatonic scale of Carnatic music and is believed to produce rain... |
Varnam | |
| Ninu Nera Nammithi | Kharaharapriya Kharaharapriya Kharaharapriya is a rāgam in Carnatic music . It is the 22nd melakarta rāgam in the 72 melakarta rāgam system. Kharaharapriya has a distinct melody and brings out the Karuna rasam, invoking pathos in the listeners... |
Varnam | |
| Sri Sakala Ganadhipa Palayamam | Aarabhi Aarabhi Aarabhi is a ragam in Carnatic music . It is a Janya raga , whose Melakarta raga is Shankarabharanam, 29th in the 72 Melakarta raga system.... |
Kriti Kriti -Structure:Kritis typically contain three parts#Pallavi. This is the equivalent of a refrain in Western music.#Anupallavi. The second verse, which is sometimes optional.... ? |
Three Pallavis on Ganapathy, Maaruthi and Krishna |
| Mahadevasutham | Aarabhi | Kriti | on Ganapathy |
| Gam Gam Ganapathim | Ganapathi | Kriti | on Ganapathi-Tri Tonal Raga: Sa Ga Pa |
| Ganaadhipam | Nattai | Kriti | on Ganapathi |
| Pirai Aniyum Perumaan | Hamsadhvani Hamsadhvani Hamsadhvani also known as Hansadhwani, is a rāga in Carnatic music . It is an audava rāgam... |
Kriti | on Ganapathi |
| Uma Sutham Namaami | Sarvasri | Kriti | on Ganapathi-Tri Tonal Raga: Sa Ma Pa |
| Mahaneeya Namasulivae | Sumukham | Kriti | on Ganapathi-Tetra Tonal Raga: Sa Ri Ma Ni |
| Omkara karini | Lavangi | Kriti | Tetra Tonal Raga: Sa Ri Ma Dha |
| Sidhdhi Naayakena | Amritavarshini | Kriti | on Ganapathi |
| Sidhdhim Dhehi Mae | Sidhdhi | Kriti | on Ganapathi-Tri Tonal Raga: Sa Ri Dha |
| Heera Ganapathiki | Surati | Kriti | On Ganapathi |
| Mahaneeya Madhura Moorthae | Mahathi | Kriti | Guru Vandhanam-Tetra Tonal Raga: Sa Ga PA Ni |
| Guruni Smarimpumo | Hamsavinodhini | Kriti | Guru Vandhanam |
| Varuha Varuha | Panthuvaraali | Kriti | on Muruha |
| Thunai Neeyae | Charukesi Charukesi Charukesi is a rāga in Carnatic music . It is the 26th Melakarta rāgam in the 72 melakarta rāgam system of Carnatic music.Charukesi is known to incite feelings of pathos and devotion in the listener.... |
Kriti | on Muruha |
| Nee Dhaya Raadha | Poorvikalyani | Kriti | on Ambika |
| Gathi Neeve | Kalyani Kalyani (raga) Kalyan or Kalyani, originally called Yaman, is a melakarta rāga in the Carnatic music of South India, and is also an important raga in Hindustani music.-Kalyani in Carnatic music:... |
Kriti | on Ambika |
| Siva Ganga | Nagasvaravali Nagasvaravali ', is a rāgam in Carnatic music . It is an audava rāgam . It is a janya rāgam , as it does not have all the seven swaras .... |
Kriti | on Ambika |
| Maa Maanini | Thodi Hanumatodi Hanumatodi, more popularly known as Todi, is a rāgam in Carnatic music . It is the 8th melakarta rāgam in the 72 melakarta rāgam system. This is sung very often in concerts. It is known to be a difficult rāgam to perform in owing to its complexity in prayoga... |
Kriti | on Ambika-Swara Saahithyam |
| Amma Ninukori | Kamas | Kriti | on Ambika |
| Gaana Maalinchi | Kalyana Vasantham | Kriti | on Ambika |
| Sadhaa Thava Paadha | Shanmukhapriya Shanmukhapriya Shanmukhapriya is a rāgam in Carnatic music . It is the 56th melakarta rāgam in the 72 melakarta rāgam system of Carnatic music. It is called Chāmaram in Muthuswami Dikshitar school of Carnatic music.Raganidhi by P. Subba Rao, Pub... |
Kriti | on Siva |
| Bruhadheeswara | Kaanada | Kriti | on Tanjore Bruhadheeswara |
| Thripura Tharpa | Mangalam on Siva | ||
| Kamala Dhalaayatha | Bahudhari | Kriti | on Nethra Soundharya |
| Thillana | Brundhaavani | Thillana Thillana Thillana is a rhythmic piece in Carnatic music, from which the Hindustani tarana originated, generally performed at the end of a concert and widely used in dance performances. A thillana uses tala-like phrases in the pallavi and anupallavi, and lyrics in the charanam... |
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| Thillana | Chakravaaham Chakravakam (raga) Chakravakam, is a rāgam , in Carnatic music . It is the 16th Melakarta rāgam in the 72 melakarta rāgam system. According to the Muthuswami Dikshitar school, this rāgam is called Tōyavēgavāhini. Chakravakam is close to Raga Ahir bhairav in the Hindustani music.Raganidhi by P. Subba Rao, Pub... |
Thillana | |
| Thillana | Dhwijaawanthi | Thillana | Tamil Caranam |
| Thillana | Kunthalvaraali | Thillana | Tamil and Telugu Charanam |
| Thillana | Kathanakuthoohalam | Thillana | |
| Thillana | Garudadhwani | Thillana | Paanini Sutra Reference, |
| Thillana | Behag | Thillana | On Sri Thyagaraja |
| Thillana | Raagamaalika | Thillana | Amruthavarshini, Mohanam Mohanam Mohanam is a rāgam in Carnatic music . It is an audava rāgam . It is a janya rāgam , as it does not have all the seven swaras .The equivalent of Mohanam in Hindustani music is Bhoop Mohanam is a rāgam in Carnatic music (musical scale of South Indian classical music). It is an audava rāgam (or... , Kaanada and Hindolam Hindolam Hindolam is a rāgam in Carnatic music . It is an audava rāgam . It is a janya rāgam , as it does not have all the seven swaras . Hindolam is not the same as the Hindustani Hindol... |
| Thillana | Raagamaalika | Thillana | Taaya Ragamaalika, Based on Sruthi Bedham |
| Thillana | Raagamaalika | Thillana | Pancha "Priya" Raagas, with Gathi Bedham |
| Maamava Gaana Lola | Rohini | Kriti | Ragam using two Madhyamas |
| Gaana Lola | Raagamaalika | Kriti | On Thirupathi Venkateswara |
| Sangeethamae | Kalyani Kalyani (raga) Kalyan or Kalyani, originally called Yaman, is a melakarta rāga in the Carnatic music of South India, and is also an important raga in Hindustani music.-Kalyani in Carnatic music:... |
Kriti | About Music |
| Nee Saati Neevae | Chandrika | Kriti | on Ranga, |
| Sankarabharana Sayanuda | Sankarabharanam Dheerasankarabharanam Dheerashankarābharanam , commonly known as Shankarābharanam, is a rāga in Carnatic music . It is the 29th Melakarta rāga in the 72 melakarta rāga system of Carnatic music.... |
Kriti | on Ranga |
| Vegamae | Abhogi Abhogi Abhogi is a raga in Carnatic music and has been adapted to Hindustani music. It is a pentatonic scale, an audava or owdava raga. It is a derived scale , as it does not have all the seven swaras... |
Kriti | on Ranga |
| Hanuma | Sarasangi Sarasangi Sarasangi is a rāgam in Carnatic music . It is the 27th melakarta rāgam in the 72 melakarta rāgam system of Carnatic music. It is called Sowrasena in Muthuswami Dikshitar school of Carnatic music.-Structure and Lakshana:It is the 3rd rāgam in the 5th chakra Bana. The mnemonic name is Bana-Go... |
Kriti | on Hanuman |
| Vandhe Maatharam | Ranjani | Kriti | on Bharatham |
| Gaana Sudha Rasa | Naattai | Kriti | on Sri Thyagaraja |
| Sama Gana | Amritavarshini | Kriti | on Sri Thyagaraja |
| Maragatha Simhasana | Simhendra Madhyamam Simhendramadhyamam Simhendramadhyamam is a rāgam in Carnatic music . It is the 57th melakarta rāgam in the 72 melakarta rāgam system of Carnatic music. It is called Sumadhyuti in Muthuswami Dikshitar school of Carnatic music.Raganidhi by P. Subba Rao, Pub... |
Kriti | on Narasimha |
| Simha Rupa Dheva | Kambhoji | Kriti | on Narasimha |
| Raja Raja | Sankarabharanam Dheerasankarabharanam Dheerashankarābharanam , commonly known as Shankarābharanam, is a rāga in Carnatic music . It is the 29th Melakarta rāga in the 72 melakarta rāga system of Carnatic music.... |
Kriti | on Sri Raghavendhra |
| Chintayami satatam Sri Muttuswami Dikshitam | Sucharitra Sucharitra Sucharitra is a rāgam in Carnatic music . It is the 67th melakarta rāgam in the 72 melakarta rāgam system of Carnatic music. It is called Santāna manjari in Muthuswami Dikshitar school of Carnatic music.-Structure and Lakshana:It is the 1st rāgam in the 12th chakra Aditya... |
Kriti | on Muttuswami Dikshitar |
| Ambamamava | Raagamaalika | Kriti | |
| Bangaaru Murali Sringaara Ravali | Neelambari Neelambari Neelambari is a 2010 Malayalam film directed by Harinarayanan, starring Vineeth, Anoop Menon. and Bhama.The story revolves around the lives of two bosom friends Parvathy and Lekshmi. Their friendship, a triangular love and subsequent traumas form the crux of the movie.- Plot :Parvathy is a girl... |
Kriti | |
| Sadaatava Paada | Shanmukhapriya Shanmukhapriya Shanmukhapriya is a rāgam in Carnatic music . It is the 56th melakarta rāgam in the 72 melakarta rāgam system of Carnatic music. It is called Chāmaram in Muthuswami Dikshitar school of Carnatic music.Raganidhi by P. Subba Rao, Pub... |
Kriti | |
| Bhaavame Mahaa Bhaagyamura | Kaapi | Kriti |
Film songs
Balamuralikrishna acted in few films and gave his voice to some selected songs in Indian cinema.{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !! Film !! Language !! Credits
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| 1957 || Sati Savitri || Telugu || Singer: Oho Ho Vilasala
|-
| 1959 || Jayabheri
Jayabheri
Jayabheri is a 1959 Telugu musical hit film directed by P. Pullaiah and starring Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Anjali Devi in lead roles. The film is based on the 1947 production by V. Shantaram, titled Lokshahir Ram Joshi in Marathi and Matwala Shayar Ram Joshi in Hindi.-The plot:The story setting...
|| Telugu || Suklaam Brahma Vichaara Saara Paramaam (Sloka)
|-
| 1963 || Karna || Telugu || Singer: Neevu Nenu Valachitimi Nandaname Eduruga Nilichitimi
|-
| 1963 || Nartanasala
Nartanasala
Narthanasala is a classical mythological Telugu film directed by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao. Samudrala Raghavacharya wrote the story and dialogues. It is produced by Rajyam Pictures in Black and White.-Cast:-Crew:...
|| Telugu || Singer: Salalitha Raga Sudharasa Saaram
|-
| 1965 || Dorikite Dongalu || Telugu || Singer: Tirupativasa Srivenkatesa
|-
| 1965 || Thiruvilayadal
Thiruvilayadal (1965 film)
Thiruvilayadal is a 1965 Tamil feature film directed by A.P. Nagarajan. The cast included Sivaji Ganesan, R. Muthuraman, Savitri, Nagesh, Manorama, K. B. Sundarambal, T. R. Mahalingam and T. S. Balaiah...
|| Tamil || Singer: Oru Naal Pothuma
|-
| 1966 || Palnati Yudham
Palnati Yudham
Palnati Yudham is a 1947 historical based on the battle of Palnadu. This film is directed by L. V. Prasad and Gudavalli Ramabramham. The film starring Govindarajula Subba Rao, Pasupuleti Kannamba and Akkineni Nageswara Rao.-Soundtrack:...
|| Telugu || Singer: Seelamu Galavari Chinavada
|-
| 1967 || Bhakta Prahlada
Bhakta Prahlada (1967 film)
Bhakta Prahlada is a Telugu film made in 1967 by AVM Productions about a devotee Prahlada in Hindu mythology.-Crew:* Producer - A. V. Meiyappan using the banner AVM productions along with Veerappan & Co....
|| Telugu || Acted as Narada
Narada
Narada or Narada Muni is a divine sage from the Vaisnava tradition, who plays a prominent role in a number of the Puranic texts, especially in the Bhagavata Purana, and in the Ramayana...
Singer: Aadi Anaadiyu Neeve Deva Narada Sannuta Narayana,
Siri Siri Laali Chinnari Laali,
Varamosage Vanamali Naa Vanchitammu Neraverunuga
|-
| 1973 || Andala Ramudu
Andala Ramudu (1973 film)
Andala Ramudu is a 1973 film directed by Bapu. The story is based on the "Janata Express" story of Mullapudi Venkata Ramana. The film won Nandi Award for Best Feature Film in 1973. Recent film Godavari by Sekhar Kammula enthusiastically made on this classic family entertainment film...
||Telugu || Singer: Paluke Banagamayera Andala Rama
|-
| 1974 || Sree Rama Anjaneya Yuddham || Telugu || Singer: Meluko Srirama Meluko Raghurama
Karunalola Narayana Sritajanapala Deenavana
|-
| 1975 || Hamsageethe
Hamsageethe
Hamsageethe is a feature film in the Kannada language. It was directed by G. V. Iyer and released in the year 1975. M. Balamuralikrishna received India's National Award for Best Male Playback singer for this film.Hamsa Geethe,the novel by Ta Ra Su was made into Hindi Film, Basant Bahar as early...
|| Kannada || Music director and Singer
|-
| 1975 || Muthyala Muggu
Muthyala Muggu
Muthyala Muggu is a 1975 film adaption of Uttara Ramayana from the writer-director duo of Ramana and Bapu. The film stars Sreedhar, Sangeetha, Rao Gopal Rao, Mukkamala, Allu Ramalingaiah and Nutan Prasad. The movie introduced Sangeetha and Rao to the Telugu screen...
|| Telugu || Singer: Srirama Jayarama Seetarama
|-
| 1977 || Kurukshetram
Kurukshetram
Kurukshetram is a Tamil film directed by director Jeyabharathi. The cast of this movie are Sathyaraj, Roja, Rajendra and many more. The music for this movie is scored by Isaac Thomas Kodukkapalli. Kurukshetram is produced by Rajendra under the banner Rajendra Movies...
|| Telugu || Singer: Kuppinchi Egasina Kundalambula Kanthi (Padyam)
|-
| 1977 || Kavikkuyil
Kavikkuyil
Kavikkuyil, Kavikuyil or Kavi Kuyil is a 1977 Tamil film directed by Devaraj Mohan and starring Sivakumar, Sridevi and Rajnikanth. Fatafat Jayalakshmi plays Rajnikanth's love interest. Sridevi plays the younger sister of Rajinikanth. The film was shot under the S. P. T. Films banner and produced...
|| Tamil || Singer: Chinna Kannan Azhaikkiraan
|-
| 1979 || Guppedu Manasu
Guppedu Manasu
Guppedu Manasu is a 1979 Telugu film directed by K. Balachander and starring Sarath Babu, Sujatha and Saritha in prominent roles. It was a bi-lingual film made simultaneousy into Tamil as Nool Veli . The film was a remake of the Malayalam film Aa Nimikasham...
|| Telugu || Singer: Mauname Nee Bhasha O Mooga Manasa
|-
| 1979 || Nool Veli
Nool Veli
Nool Veli is a 1979 Tamil film starring Sarath Babu and Sujatha. The film was a bi-lingual shot simultaneously in Telugu as Guppedu Manasu. Kamal Haasan plays a guest role in this film.-Plot:...
|| Tamil || Singer: Mounathil Vilayadum
|-
| 1982 || Ente Mohangal Poovaninju
Ente Mohangal Poovaninju
Ente Mohangal Poovaninju is a 1982 Malayalam film starring Shankar and Menaka. The film was remade into Tamil as well, with Sivakumar doing the lead role.-Plot:...
|| Malayalam || Singer:
|-
| 1983 || Adi Shankaracharya || Sanskrit || Music director
|-
| 1983 || Meghasandesam
Meghasandesam
Meghasandesam is an Indian Telugu-language movie directed by Dasari Narayana Rao....
|| Telugu || Singer: Paadana Vani Kalyaniga
|-
| 1986 || Madhvacharya
Madhvacharya
Madhvācārya was the chief proponent of Tattvavāda "Philosophy of Reality", popularly known as the Dvaita school of Hindu philosophy. It is one of the three most influential Vedānta philosophies. Madhvācārya was one of the important philosophers during the Bhakti movement. He was a pioneer in...
|| Kannada || Music director and Singer
|-
| 1987 || Swathi Thirunal || Malayalam || Singer: Moksha Mukalada
Winner, Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer
Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer
The Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer winners:-Best Classical Music Singer:-References:**Specific...
|-
| 1990 || Muthina Haara || Kannada || Singer: Devaru Hoseda Premada Daara
|-
| 1991 || Bharatham
Bharatham
Bharatham is a 1991 musical/drama Malayalam film directed by Sibi Malayil, produced by Mohanlal under the banner of Pranavam Arts and starring Mohanlal, Urvashi, Nedumudi Venu and Lakshmi. The film is especially known for its music that is largely Carnatic Classical and Semi Classical...
|| Malayalam || Singer:
|-
| 1993 || Bhagvad Gita || Sanskrit || Music director
|-
| 1997 || Priyamaina Srivaaru || Telugu || Singer: Jatakalu Kalisevela Jeevitalu Mugisaayi
|-
| 2009 || pasanga
Pasanga
Pasanga is a 2009 Tamil film directed by debutant Pandiraj, who worked as an erstwhile assistant to Cheran. It stars numerous debutant child artists in the lead roles along with newcomer Vimal and Saroja fame Vega Tamotia in supporting roles...
|| Tamil || Singer: Anbaley Azhgagu Veedu
|-