Madurai Mani Iyer Biography 
Madurai Mani Iyer was a famous Carnatic musician from Madhurai, Tamil Nadu. He was one of the foremost names in the field of Carnatic music in the pre-independent India in the 20th century. A vidwan with a unique style, Mani had indeed cast a spell on the listeners of Carnatic music belonging to different generations. His professional career began in the year 1924 at a temple Kumbhabishekam in the district of Ramanathapuram at the age of 12. Since then he dedicated his full life to the world of music.
He was born in the year 1912. His real name was Subramanian and he was born to M. S. Ramaswamy Iyer and Subbulakshmi in Madurai. His father - a court clerk was a great admirer of music and his mother was a good singer. Mani Iyer’s uncle was a great musician during his time. He was introduced to the formal learning of music at the age of 9 under the tutelage of Sri Rajam Bhagavathar. It was his guru who introduced him to the legendary musician Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavatar, under whom Mani Iyer further continued his learning in Carnatic music. He was a child prodigy who exhibited his singing talents at a very young age surprising everyone. He bagged numerous awards like Ganakaladharar, Sangeetha Kalanidhi, Isai Perarignar and President's award in 1960.
He was a school drop. Yet he showed deep interest in English language and mastered this language as well. He was a great admirer of English books as well. Politics was his next interest. He enjoyed singing and that reflected in his personality both on and off stage.
Published: N/A
Updated: September 01, 2014
