S. Kalyanaraman Biography 
S. Kalyanaraman, popularly called SKR was a famous Carnatic musician from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. He was one of the foremost disciples of G. N. Balasubramaniam, and later made an identity of his own. As a musical innovator he often faced criticisms for creating new ragas. He created a new set of 36 of his ragas and also conducted its demonstration at Music Academy in 1993, a few months before his death. The documentary "The Sunaadha Vinodhan" was made on his musical journey by Kalakendra Sanskriti Series. Made his debut in the Gokhale Hall in 1949, he was associated with music till his death in 1993, aged 64.
He hailed from a musical family of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. He was born in the year 1930. Many of his ancestors like Komal Muthu Bhagavathar and Madirimangalam Natesa Iyer were famed musicians of their time. Kalyanaraman received initial training in carnatic music from his father. Later his father thought of giving his training from some expert musician. G. N. Balasubramaniam was the ruling Carnatic singer then and later Kalyanaraman received his training from GNB, whom he regards as his idol. Actually his singing talents were identified by a teacher named Kittamani Iyer who was really impressed by him singing GNB bani without much training. He introduced Kalyanaraman to GNB and identifying his singing talents, GNB accepted him as his student and gave him rigorous training for 15 years.
Kalyanaraman grew into one among the best disciples of the doyen of Carnatic music – GNB within a short interval of time. He also accompanied GNB for many concerts and gained public attention. His first public performance happened in the year 1949. His guru, who was present in the audience, was deeply moved by his disciple’s solo performance. Later his rise in Carnatic music was phenomenal and became an artist of his own right.
Published: N/A
Updated: March 12, 2016
