Former Doordarshan Kendra (Chennai) Director A. Natarajan died here on Saturday. He was 77.
A prolific writer, two of his books – Mayilukku Oru Koondu and Moga Vill – have won the State government award.
He was born in May 1938 in Thiringoimalai, near Musiri. Born in a family of musicians, he learnt music from a young age. His father was Arumugam, a Nagaswaram vidwan and his father-in-law was Namagiripettai Krishnan, world-renowned Nagaswaram exponent.
A connoisseur of music, he was associated as a senior office-bearer in many sabhas. He joined All India Radio (AIR) in 1963 and Doordarshan Kendra (Chennai) in 1988 where he served for 10 years. “He was a very warm and humane person. He had in-depth knowledge of Carnatic music. When he was in Doordarshan, he introduced several innovative programmes, particularly related to Carnatic music and drama,” said a long-time friend and colleague.
He is survived by his wife and a son and daughter.
In his condolence message, DMK president M. Karunanidhi said he knew Natarajan from the time he had invited him to participate in the Kaviarangam programme of AIR Tiruchi several decades ago.
He was a novelist, connoisseur of music and humane person
