Interview-   Dr. Balamurali Krishna

Murali Krishna was born on 6th July 1930 at Sankaraguptam in Andhra Pradesh in an artistically inclined family. His father Mangalampalli Pattabhiramayya, was a famous flautist and mother Suryakanthamma a Veena artiste. Balmurali Krishna took training in music under Parupalli Rama Krishnayya Pantulu. When he was eight years old he gave his first public performance at Vijayawada during the 'Sadguru Arandhanotsavas'. He was given the title 'Bala'  by Musunuri Satyanarayana, a distinguished Harikatha performer. Young Murali Krishna exposed his extreme talent by writing a detailed work on the 72 Janakaraga or Melakarta (basic scales of music) scheme at the the tender age of 14.

Murali Krishna stopped his education in class 6th due to his continuous concerts and dedicated himself completely to music. Balamuralikrishna has innovated the Tala systems by introducing new principles and is credited with over 300-400 compositions and many new ragas. The ragas he has composed are Mahati, Sumukham, Trisakthi, Omkari, Rohini, Pratimadhyamavathi, Janasammodini, Manorama, Vallabhi, Lavangi etc. He has also recorded and released many albums.

Several honours and award has been bestowed on him which include Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri, Best Play Back Singer(1976)& Best Music Director (1987) in the National Film Festivals and the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Silver Medal, State Musician of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, the Asthana Vidwan of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, Sringeri Peetam and Adivyadhi Hara Baktha Anjaneya Swami Temple, Nanganallur. Dr. Balamuralikrishna has also been granted a doctorate of Letters by the Sri Venkateshwara University(1981).  

Murali Krishna is the founder of MBK trust for developing art and culture and imparting training. He also founded 'Academy of Performing Arts and Research' in Switzerland and is also working on music therapy. He has given innumerable concerts throughout the world and has recreated the traditional style in his own neo classical style well received by his audience.

A tribute by his disciple Prince Rama Varma