Mallikarjun Mansur Biography 
Mallikarjun Mansur was an Indian classical singer from Mansur, Karnataka. He belonged to khyal style in the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana of Hindustani classical music. His autobiographical book is titled Nanna Rasayatre, written in Kannada language. His son, Rajshekhar Mansur has translated this work to English. Mansur was well known for his command over a large number of rare (aprachalit) ragas such as Khat, Shuddh Nat, Lachchhasakh, Shivmat Bhairav, Asa Jogiya, Hem Nat, Bihari, Sampoorna Malkauns, Lajawanti, Adambari Kedar and Bahaduri Todi. He has received Padma Shri in 1970, Padma Bhushan in 1976, and Padma Vibhushan in 1992. He has also received Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in the year 1982.
Mallikarjun Mansur was born on December 31, 1910. Mansur is his hometown. His father, Bheemaraayappa was village headman. His elder brother Baswaraj owned a theatre troupe where young Mansur used to act as a child artist. His father noted the talents of young Mansur and encouraged him to work in travelling Yakshagana group. But the owner of the troupe was most impressed by his singing talents than acting skills. He used to encourage Mansur to sing different types of compositions in live stage performances. Hearing one such performance, Pandit Appaya Swamy made him his disciple and thus Mansur received initial training of Carnatic music. He was introduced to classical Hindustani music under Nilkanth Bua Alurmath of Miraj. He also learnt from Ustad Alladiya Khan, Ustad Bhurji Khan and Ustad Manji Khan, that played a significant role in grooming Mansur’s singing talents.
Initially, his voice and style resembled that of Manji Khan and Narayanrao Vyas. But later he developed his own individual singing style. His ability to sing aprachit ragas made him a unique person. He has worked with HMV as a music director and also served as music advisor of All India Radio's Dharwad station. Rajashekhar Mansur, son of Mansur was awarded with Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 2012.
Published: N/A
Updated: January 07, 2014
