Dr. Balamurali Krishna

Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna is one of the pioneers in the field of both vocal as well as instrumental music. A multifaceted personality, he has been involved in music in its various forms. Dr M Balamuralikrishna is a singer, a music director, an actor and even an instrumentalist. He has attained mastery over instruments like Veena, Violin, Mridangam and Khanjira and can play them beautifully with the minimal of effort. Read on further to get the complete biography cum life history of Doctor Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna.

Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna was born to Mangalampalli Pattabhiramayya and Suryakanthamma on 6th July 1930. His birthplace is Sankaraguptam, a small town in Rajolu Taluk, which comes under the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Balamuralikrishna's father was a music teacher as well as a very popular flutist. Even his mother was a renowned Veena artiste. The musical legacy of his parents had a major impact on Balamurali and he developed an interest in music from a very young age.

Recognizing the potential of his son, Pattabhiramayya sent him to receive tutelage under 'Gayaka Sarvabhauma' Parupalli Ramakrishnayya Pantulu. Dr M Balamuralikrishna gave his first solo performance in the year 1938, when he was only eight years old. The performance was held at Vijayawada, on the occasion of Sadguru Arandhana Utsava. Even today, his melodious voice touches the heart of thousands of people. Dr M Balamuralikrishna is one of the few singers who have perfect control in all three octaves.

Contribution to the Field of Music

Doctor Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna has contributed more than 400 compositions in the filed of Carnatic music. He is also credited with the conception of several new musical scales. Mahati, sumukham, trisakthi, sarvashri, omkari, janasamodini, manorama, rohini, vallabhi, lavangi, pratimadhyamavathi and sushama are some of the ragas created by him.

Honors and Achievements

Padma Vibhushan Award
Padmashree Award
Best Play Back Singer Award (1976)
Best Music Director Award (1987)
UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Silver Medal