The man who came to symbolize the violin for many a generation in South India, Kunnakudi Vaidhyanathan breathed his last in the evening of September 8. He was admitted to a Chennai hospital five days ago after experiencing a sudden deterioration in health. The talented musician was 73 and is survived by his wife, four sons, a daughter and nine grandchildren.
Kunnakudi Vaidhyanathan was born in 1932 in a family of musicians and took to music at a very early age. His talent was obvious and the passionate musician came to be known as a person who believed in music's power over the elements. When the city of Chennai used to reel under drought conditions the musician par excellence used to conduct concerts to woo the elements of nature.
A man of many talents, he ventured into the film industry with 'Vaa Raja Vaa'. In the film 'Deivam', his composition 'Marudamalai Mamaniyae Murugaiyya' became a stupendous hit. He had composed music for several films including 'Agathiyar' and 'Raja Raja Chozhan'.
Recipient of the prestigious Kalaimamani award in 1975 and Padmashree in 2005, Kunnakudi Vaidhyanathan produced a film called 'Todi Raagam' which was critically acclaimed for its music.
The legend of Kunnakudi Vaidhyanathan and his talent will live on as long as music itself does.
