M Balamuralikrishna: An abundance of creativity, versatality

By Sudha Raghunathan

Creativity in abundance

, an unrestrained

musical presentation

, a voice that thundered and soothed at the same time, an

inventor of ragas

and

talas

, a pioneer in propagating rare kritis, and a 'vaggeyakara' (composer) par excellence: The list can go on.

Balamuraliji

is to Bhadrachala Ramadas kritis what MS amma is to the Venkatesa Suprabhatham.None can match, replicate or even come anywhere close to their hold on these renditions, leaving an indelible stamp of their genius! Guruji lived like a king and conquered the world with his resonant voice that could soar and croon at the same time. Working with him on a few jugalbandhis and collaborations and sitting beside him were a learning experience. His positive vibes, an unparalleled aura that seeped into the environment, and a tutoring that is so very special with its attention to detail are some of his traits. Going on a rewind mode, should I look at him as a 'manasika' guru, a beloved family member or a special friend? The conversations we had, the exchanges, the gems of wisdom, the affectionate smiles, the large-hearted gesture of singing for us at my son Kaushik's wedding, and being the foremost to bless me on all my achievements: How can the void of this influence on my life ever be filled?

Having sung his compositions for his 85th birthday in July 2016, I was able to spend a few moments with him. I went back home feeling special ­ that I have had so many opportunities of in teracting with this messiah of music. There is so much to emulate, be it his raga delineation, his cascade of swara prastharas and his own creations of kritis in melakartha ragas and rare ragas. Guruji's penchant for perfection, flawless diction, meticulous planning, creativity and genius in renditions: All these will continue to echo in the halls of every venue that has been graced by his music.