Noted Percussionist Balasubrahmanyam Passes Away At 80

Popular mridangam player Balasubrahmanyam, fondly known as ‘Bali’, passed away on Thursday, January 2, at the age of 80.

The Karnataka Film Musicians Association (KFMA) expressed heartfelt condolences over his demise.

KFMA President Sadhukokila said, “Bali nurtured and developed hundreds of artists like me, keeping the spirit of art alive. I am deeply saddened by his passing.”

Bali was a master percussionist who began learning the mridangam at a young age and excelled in playing multiple instruments including the dholak, tabla, drums, bongos and congos. He was a prominent figure in Kannada music, performing in orchestras led by renowned artists such as Balappa Hukkeri, P. Kalinga Rao, Mysore Anantha Swamy and C. Ashwath.

Bali’s contributions extended to iconic works like the recording of the first Kannada bhavageete, Nityotsava. He collaborated on numerous film songs with legendary composers such as G.K. Venkatesh, Vijayabhaskar, M. Rangarao, Dr. Rajeev Taranath and Ashwath-Vaidya. Additionally, he played a crucial role in establishing Shankar Nag’s Sanket Studio.

A passionate educator, Bali trained hundreds of budding artists through his ‘Ramya Cultural Academy’ and authored a groundbreaking three-dimensional book on background music, integrating audio, video and textual elements. He also served as a jury member on the popular reality music show in Kannada.

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