(On the occasion of his 86th birth anniversary, The Quint is republishing this piece from its archives to commemorate the life of Dr Balamuralikrishna, a rockstar in both Carnatic music and film.)
Padma Vibhushan Dr Balamuralikrishna is undoubtedly a rockstar. Not just in the world of Carnatic music, but in the film industry as well (in addition to the global fusion music scene). Here’s remembering the musical genius of the great BMK, through some of his greatest cinematic hits.
Nostalgia, here I come!
‘Is a single day enough
to show off my genius?’
This is by far one of Balamuralikrishna’s most entertaining numbers. What’s beautiful about this song is that it’s a pucca classical number, and yet thoroughly engaging even to a Carnatic ignoramus. Present company included.
Debut? What’s that?
This song is from Sati Savitri (1957), a Telugu movie, in which BMK made his debut. But the natural charmer that he is, he handles even the romantic numbers with ease.
Oh Charioteer, Krishna! I beseech you!
Balamuralikrishna sings the song composed by Saint Raghavendra, barely a few days before he ascends. The musical genius captures the longing of the Saint beautifully in this forgotten song.
‘Guru, shall I sing the same in Tisra Tala?’ IMPOSSIBLE!
Balamuralikrishna won a National Award for this song. He composed it, and sings from 5:14. He displays in this song the genius with which he shook an establishment that seemed to have crystallised beauty into immovable rules.
Ilayaraja + Balamuralikrishna = Magic
My father’s generation would sing this song in an endless loop. I know this by heart. I couldn’t avoid it, and I’m thankful for it.
It is impossible for anyone to have tasted all of Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna’s magic.
But a part of him, infinitesimal though it may be, is now a part of me. And I will share it with grandchildren. Not just mine, everyone’s!
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)