Palladam Sanjeeva Rao Biography 
Palladam Sanjeeva Rao was an Indian flautist and carnatic musician from the state of Tamil Nadu. He is known for playing flute in unique style and tonality. Rao had an extremely successful career with several gramophone recordings to his credit. Singer Prasanna is his grandson. He was honoured with Sangeetha Kalasikhamani award by The Indian Fine Arts Society, Chennai in 1943. He was also a recipient of the prestigious title of "Sangita Kalanidhi". He followed Carnatic tradition in playing flute, and lived during the period, 1882–1962.
Palladam Sanjeeva Rao was born in the year 1882 in Palladam near Coimbatore, Madras Presidency, British India. He belonged to a Thanjavur Marathi family. He picked up music even as a young lad when his blind brother, Prananathachar, was learning vocal music under Shatkala Narasayya. When guru died, brothers learnt violin under Seergazhi Narayanaswamy. Later he received training in Carnatic music from Shatkala Narasayya and Sirkazhi Narayanaswamy. By the age of 12, he became proficient in music. He took to the fancy of flute later only.
He was one of the foremost students of Sarabha Sastri, who taught his flute for long 7 years before he established a solo career. He used a nine-holed flute, which was indeed a rare phenomenon. During his active years, there was no other flautist of Carnatic tradition who could challenge him. Later the legendary T. R. Mahalingam took over him. When Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards were given for performing artists in 1954, the first Carnatic music recipients of the award in its new avatar were Mysore Vasudevachar and Palladam Sanjeeva Rao. After he received the honour from Sanjeeva Rao, the event was celebrated in a grand way and he was felicitated at three cultural events.
Published: February 18, 2019
Updated: February 18, 2019
