Padma Shri recipient Darshanam Mogilaiah; last remaining player of string instrument Kinnera, passes away at 73

Padma Shri recipient Darshanam Mogilaiah; last remaining player of string instrument Kinnera, passes away at 73

As a fervent admirer of the extraordinary talent that was Darshanam Mogilaiah, I find myself at a loss for words, not because I lack the capacity to express my profound sorrow and admiration, but because there are simply no adequate words to encapsulate the indelible impact he has left on the world of music and beyond.

Noted string instrumentalist Darshanam Mogilaiah, who received the Padma Shri award, passed away on December 19, 2024, at a Warangal hospital. He had been fighting a serious kidney condition and tragically lost his life due to complications from it.

In addition to being honored with a prominent national prize, Mogilaiah originated from Telangana and was among a select few who excelled in playing the string instrument known as the Kinnera. For his proficiency on this instrument, he was often called Kinnera Maestro Mogulaiah by others.

For the unversed, Kinnera happens to be a stringed instrument that resembles closely to the veena. 

Its roots can be traced all the way back to the 4th century CE, and it’s played a significant role in certain groups, notably the Dalits and nomadic communities.

In a similar fashion to his father, Darshanam demonstrated exceptional talent in designing a distinctive 12-tiered Kinnera that reflected his personal style. Notably, he was the sole artist who both crafted and performed on the 12-tiered Kinnera.

In 2022, the skilled musician received the esteemed Padma Shri award, honoring his mastery in performing on the Kinnera instrument.

In time, Darshanam Mogilaiah gained prominence through the film “Balagam”. Not only was he praised for his acting, but his rendition of the song “Thoduga Maa Thodundi” also struck a chord with viewers, quickly making it a standout aspect of the movie.

He also sang a part of the title song for Pawan Kalyan’s film Bheemla Nayak. 

According to reports, during his long-term kidney illness, the movie’s director Venu received financial assistance for his medical bills not only from his crew but also from the local government.

The state government had also promised to allocate land for the construction of his house. 

With Darshanam’s demise, it falls upon his second son, Mahender, to carry forward his legacy. In the final years, Mahender joined his father on stage to play the kinnera at various cultural events.

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2024-12-19 07:52