Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, who is convalescing in hospital, on Tuesday issued a statement offering condolences to Balamuralikrishna’s family, friends, the music world, and fans. “It is a huge loss to artists of the Carnatic music world, cine industry and his fans and above all, a loss to me,” Ms. Jayalalithaa said.
Fondly recalling Dr. Balamuralikrishna's 75th birthday function in 2005, where the Carnatic vocalist was also felicitated for receiving the Chevalier award from the French government, Ms. Jayalalithaa said the memory of him dedicating a raga 'Jaya Jaya Lalithe' to her was still fresh in her mind. It was during the same function she conferred the title ‘Gandharva Gana Samrat’ on Dr. Balamuralikrishna, she recalled.
Governor Vidyasagar Rao said his death has left a void in the world of Carnatic music.
In a message, the Governor said he was deeply shocked and grieved to hear about the sudden demise of the vocalist. “He was an influential vocalist blessed with a mesmerising and divine voice and a composer who had performed concerts across the globe. He consistently displayed his genius in each and every song he sang and was known for his boundless creativity,” the Governor said.
TMC, AISMK condole
Tamil Maanila Congress president G.K. Vasan said he was deeply saddened by the passing away of Balamuralikrishna, whom he termed as “Sangeetha kadal” (an ocean of music). Having sung from the age of six in eight languages, he had earned himself a place in the field of Carnatic music, Mr. Vasan said, adding that even though the musician had passed away, his music will live on.
In his message All India Samathuva Makhal Katchi president R. Sarathkumar said Dr. Balamuralikrishna’s death was a great loss to the world of Indian music. He had composed songs for over 400 films, he added.
