Legendary Carnatic musician and medical practitioner Sripada Pinakapani, 100, passed away at his residence here on Monday.
He is survived by three sons, a daughter and six grandchildren. Dr. Pinakapani was bed-ridden since 2004 due to paralysis. His mental faculties, however, had been stable and he pursued music, teaching till recently from his bed.
As the news of his demise spread, dozens of artistes and music lovers gathered at his place to pay their tribute. Popularly known as “Doctor Singer of Kurnool”, Pinakapani was born at Priya Agraharam in Srikakulam district to Pinakapani Kameswara Rao and Jogamma on August 3, 1913.
More than teaching, he made great contributions to creative music and evolved his own style. He was considered the “healer of malady’’ (as doctor) and “producer of melody” (as musician). He produced a voluminous treatise on Carnatic music.
In recognition of his contribution to music, he was awarded Padmabhushan, Kalaprapoorna, Rabindranath Tagore Ratna, Gana Vidya Varadhi, Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award and many other rewards.
Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of noted Carnatic musician Dr. Pinakapani.
Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy recalled the services of Dr. Pinakapani and extended his condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family members.
K. V. Ramana Murthy, Chairman, State Cultural Council, in his condolence message said that though Pinakapani, recipient of the first ‘Telugu Velugu’ award from the Cultural Council, was a doctor by profession, he chose classical music as his vocation.
