T. R. Mahalingam (flautist)

T. R. Mahalingam (flautist) Biography

Tiruvidaimarudur Ramaswamy Mahalingam, shortly called T. R. Mahalingam was a flautist who revolutionized the style of flute-playing in Carnatic music. He was the founder of the popular style of flute playing followed today by the Carnatic flautists. He was popularly known by the name Mali. His first concert was in 1933 at the Thyagaraja festival in Mylapore, at the age of seven. Shortly before his death, he was awarded India's highly prestigious Padma Bhushan for music in 1986. But he refused to receive the award.

TRM was born in Tiruvidaimarudur of Tanjavur district on November 6, 1926 to Ramaswami Iyer and Brahadambal. He had an elder sibling Devaki. He received initial training in Carnatic music from his maternal uncle, Jalra Gopala Iyer, who ran a famous music school. But he got attracted to flute at a younger age, though against father’s wish. He learnt to play in flute, in three speeds, the Viriboni Varnam in Bhairavi raga. His first live concert happened in the year 1933 at the age of 7.

Mali gave a new style to carnatic flautists, a style being followed till today. Earlier Sarabha Sastri style, popularized by Sarabha Sastri's disciple, Palladam Sanjiva Rao was followed till then. Mali had amazing breath control that enabled him to blow any single note over 40 seconds. Mali introduced new fingering techniques, and a grip on the flute called "parrot clutch or the cross-fingering style ", giving great control for the flautist. His technique also led to a redesign of the bamboo flute.

Though he was one of the greatest Carnatic artists of 20^th century, he did not care for any praise or awards for his music. Best instance is his rejection of prestigious Padma Bhushan in 1986. He died at a comparatively younger age of 59 on 31 May 1986.  

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Updated: January 17, 2014