Isai Natya Nataka Vizha inaugurated in Chennai

Mridangam exponent Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam was conferred the title ‘Nadhabrahmam’ during the inauguration of the Isai Natya Nataka Vizha organised by the Narada Gana Sabha here on Saturday.

While the Gottuvadyam Narayana Iyengar Award went to senior musician Seetha Narayanan, Tirunelveli P Subramania Iyer Award was presented to nadaswaram exponent SRGS Mohandass.

Legendary musician and mridangam maestro T.V. Gopalakrishnan said Mr. Bakthavathsalam is an eminent and creative mridangam exponent. He is a meticulous accompanist, has a distinctive style and a huge following of rasikas.

Mohan Sreenivas, president of Narada Gana Sabha said, the sabha has been instrumental in introducing several artists to the audience in Chennai. Ms. Narayanan, through her music school, has been training several youngsters in Carnatic music, he said. Mr. Mohandass who hails from an illustrious family of musicians has been felicitated by many cultural organisations and is a special nadaswaram vidwan to the Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore, he added.

Mr. Bakthavathsalam also spoke during the occasion.