Chennai: The neighbourhood of Mambalam has reasons to cheer as one of its residents, Mudikondan SN Ramesh, a veena vidwan, who has been teaching the art for several decades, was conferred the ‘Kalaimamani’ award by the State at a function held recently.
A press release said, Mudikondan Ramesh hailing from the sishya parampara of Mudikondan Venkatarama Iyer, started learning veena at a young age from his father S Narayanaswami Iyer.
“I was born and brought up in the backdrop of music as my father and sister Kumbakonam Malathi Krishnaswamy, were all musicians. Having trained by my father, I started giving concerts at the age of nine,” said Ramesh.
“At one point of time in my career, I was left to choose between becoming a chartered accountant and a musician. I chose the latter,” he added.
He has been teaming up with various Hindustani artistes for Jugalbandi concerts and performing in Vaadhyalahari Ensemble with seasoned musicians like A Kanyakumari and Mambalam MKS Siva, it is learnt. Being a top grade artiste (A) of All India Radio, Ramesh is imparting the art to several youngsters at his home and through Skype.
Mudikondan Ramesh can be reached at 95001 42898, 94442 84546 or email [email protected].