Tamil Nadu - Fine arts - Legends - M. S. Subbulakshmi
Legends Of Tamilnadu
M. S. Subbulakshmi
Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi மதுரை சண்முகவடிவு சுப்புலட்சுமி, Mathurai Caṇmukavaṭivu Cuppulaṭcumi , also known as M.S.; September 16, 1916 – December 11, 2004 was a renowned Carnatic vocalist. She was the first musician ever to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor. |
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Subbulakshmi History
Subbulakshmi was born in Madurai, Madras Presidency, British India to veena player Shanmukavadiver Ammal and Subramania Iyer. Her grandmother Akkammal was a violinist. She started learning Carnatic music at a very early age. She trained in Carnatic music under the tutelage of Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer and subsequently in Hindustani music under Pandit Narayanrao Vyas. Given that her mother was a music exponent and a regular stage performer, she grew up in an environment very conducive to musical learning. Her musical interests were also shaped by regular interactions with Karaikudi Sambasiva Iyer, Mazhavarayanendal Subbarama Bhavathar and Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar. Subbulakshmi gave her first public performance in 1929 when she was 13 years old. The performance consisted of singing bhajans . This debut performance was at the prestigious Madras Music Academy. The academy was known for its discriminating artiste selection process, and they broke tradition to invite a young girl as a key performer. Her performance was spellbinding and earned her many admirers and the moniker of musical genius from critics. Soon after her debut performance Subbulakshmi became one the leading Carnatic vocalists.
