Life and works of well-known mridangist Vankayala Narasimham came in for praise at Kalabharati here on Wednesday evening. The occasion was ‘Gurupujotsavam’ and ‘Kanakabhishekam’ by a host of his disciples.
Born in a family with musical background, he took to it quite early under the tutelage of Sripada Sanyasi Rao and Mullapudi Lakshmana Rao and made his mark as an artiste of substance. Also, he trained a host of disciples who made their mark.
Chairman of Vijay Nirman company and chief patron of Visakha Music Academy S. Vijaya Kumar, along with mridangam maestros Yella Venkateswarao, V. Kamalakara Rao, Mullapudi Srirama Murthy, and renowned ‘Sangeeta Vidwan’ I.V.L. Sastry honoured him on a grand note and spoke in glowing terms about his life and works, while his disciples performed ‘Kanakabhishekam’ to him.
Terming him an ace artiste and an inspiring Guru in the art of mridangam, Mr. Yella Venkateswara Rao fondly recalled his association with Vankayala Narasimham. He excelled as an artiste both individually and as an ideal accompanist. In his long and eventful career, he not only scaled the heights of success but also trained a host of worthy disciples.
“It is heartening to see that his disciples organised this event as token of their reverence towards Guru,” was the crux of speeches.
Later, renowned violinist Dwaram Durga Prasadarao presented a scintillating concert.
Keywords: Vankayala Narasimham, Mridangam maestro, felicitation
