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 This
mridangam maestro from Mahadhanapuram, Dr T K Murthi, a titan
amongst percussionists, is the torch-bearer of the Tanjore bani.
His musical career spans an incredible 75 years and he is the
only percussionist to have accompanied six generations of
musicians starting from Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavathar.
His father, Thanu Bhagavathar, was proficient
in vocal and violin which inspired him to unravel the subtleties
of music. His brother was a mridangist and the ambience at home
was conducive for pursuing the stream he liked.
“I had a flair for mridangam and started
handling the instrument on my own,” declares Dr Murthi. His
debut, when he was barely eight years old, was with vocalist
Mani, father of renowned singer and Ghazal exponent Hariharan,
at Thiruvananthapuram. He cherishes his maiden concert and the
fact that the reigning king, Maharaja Chitra Thirunal, presented
him with a gold chain.
His entry into the realm of music was by
choice and it is rather surprising to note that he learnt the
first few lessons himself but his kelvi gnanam enriched his
style.
Dr Murthi was drawn towards the doyen,
Tanjore Vaidyanatha Iyer, when he came to Trivandrum for a
concert.
There is an interesting episode on how he
came under the tutelage of Vaidyanatha Iyer.
Once he accompanied Harikatha exponent
Neelakanta Bhagavathar on the mridangam and his captivating tani
caught the attention of Vaidyanatha Iyer who at once took him
under his fold.
Young Murthi shifted to Thanjavur with his
guru.
Thus began the guru-sishya relationship which
is worth emulating. He nostalgically recalls his gurukulavasam.
“My guru used to call me even at late night to impart lessons,”
says Dr Murthi. He venerates Palghat Mani Iyer, a senior
disciple of Vaidyanatha Iyer, and shared a beautiful
relationship with him.
“My guru was sandwiched between me and Mani
Iyer which I deem it an honour,” states the little master in a
voice choked with emotion.
He has the greatest regard for his guru’s
wife and he continued to stay with them even after his marriage
and later on relocated to Madras (Chennai). “I am inspired by
Dakshinamurthi Pillai, Azhagiya Nambi, to name a few and was
blessed to listen to stalwarts of yesteryear by attending their
concerts,” says Dr Murthi. The nightingale of India, M S
Subbulakshmi, spotted this stalwart at Vaidyanatha Iyer’s house
and was attracted to his style of playing. He started
accompanying her thereafter. Their partnership lasted a
phenomenal 50 years.
He has accompanied all the leading stars of
music.
 Colgate
University, USA, has recorded his tani avarthanam and has stored
it in its archives.
Dedication and devotion to the art are his mantra. He has
trained innumerable disciples and is still grooming a large
number of them. World-renowned, ace drummer Sivamani is his
student. A widely travelled person, he is graced with awards and
titles. It is only befitting that the street where he resides is
named after him. He reflects the soul and spirit of Indian
music.
Mira
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