T. N. Sivakumar Biography 
Thalainayar Narayanaswamy Sivakumar, shortly called T. N. Sivakumar is a flautist of Carnatic music. He is visually challenged. He is a disciple of Sri T. R. Mahalingam, and is associated with his performances since 1975. Sivakumar also learnt Hindustani music under Sri Krishna Nandhan. He also learnt film music. He has performed in various cultural events, music concerts and festivals across the globe. He is the nephew of T. R. Mahalingam, who taught him with the flute instrument.
He was born on 19 September 1957 in Thalainayar, Tamil Nadu. He got drawn towards music since young, and was associated with music background. He learnt Carnatic music from his mother during his early childhood days. He lost his father at an early age and was brought up by his mother. His mother taught him to play songs in a particular style, and practised in the style which his mother sang. Though he took lessons in Carnatic music in childhood he later got drawn towards flute. He started learning the flute from the age of 17, and used to listen to radio to learn different compositions. His mother taught him to play songs in a particular style, and practised in the style which his mother sang.
He later trained under flute maestro Sri T. R. Mahalingam, his uncle, best known for revolutionising the style of flute-playing in Carnatic music. He also studied a diploma course in music from Government Music College, Madras under the guidance of T. R. Navaneetham, followed by Prapancham Sitaram. He gave his first solo stage performance in 1977. Both his eyes were hurt in an accident which led to retina damage. He lost his sight forever. Yet he created a niche of his own in this field, with his unique rendition.
Published: October 30, 2018
Updated: October 30, 2018
