Garimela Balakrishna Prasad | Photo Credit: KV Poonachandra Kumar

Garimela Balakrishna Prasad, classical singer and former mentioned Ashtna Vidwan (Court Musician) Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), died of a heart attack at his home in Tirupati on Sunday. He was 76 years old.

Balakrishna Prasad, who served TTD from 1978 to 2006, was shot for fame for the creation of tune for more than 1,000 compositions of St.-Poet Talpaka Annamacharya. While the compositions were found and recovered in the lyrical form, it was Balakrishna Prasad who brought him into music for the reach of music lovers.

Some of his compositions like Vinaro Bhagyamu Vishnukaath, Pidikita thalambrala pelikuthuru And Jagdapu Chanavula Jajara Even the popular Telugu film was also used in the film AnnmayyaActing by Akini Nagarjuna and K. Directed by Raghavendra Rao.

He played an important role in spreading Annamacharya literature through music and helped in spreading his philosophy. It was only a few days ago that he performed at the famous Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Yadgirigutta (Telangana).

TTD president BR Naidu mourned his death. Joint Executive Officer V. Virbrahm and Chief Public Relations Officer T. Ravi visited his residence and paid respect for his mortal remains on behalf of TTD.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said that the death of Garimella Balakrishna Prasad came as a shock for him. In a post on ‘X’, the Chief Minister said that Garimela Balakrishna Prasad, who served as a court singer in TTD from 1978 to 2006, was a great man who composed music for more than 600 Annamacharya Shankins. He was also skilled in Karnataka, folk and classical music. With his melodious voice, he became the recipient of the grace and kindness of Lord Venkateswara, the Chief Minister said. “I express my deep condolences to my family members” he said.

Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed grief over the death of the musician. Shri Jagan expressed his deep condolences to the family members of Garimala Balakrishna Prasad and prayed for the departed soul to achieve eternal peace.

Recalling the invaluable contribution of Garimela Balakrishna Prasad, Mr. Jagan highlighted his specific service as a former TTD court scholar. He emphasized that Garimela Balakrishna Prasad’s legacy is beyond his mastery as a musician, keeping in mind his remarkable work in the creation of tunes for devotion to St.-Poet. He said that Garimela Balakrishna Prasad’s efforts to bring Annamacharya’s music and literature to the public through his compositions are precious.