Mani Krishnaswamy

Born on 3rd February, 1930, Mani Perundevi (maiden name) studied up to SSLC at Vellore. From her childhood, Mani had a predilection for music, possessed a natural gift for singing and a high-pitched musical voice. Her parents decided to make her study music though Mani wanted to study medicine. Mani gratefully acknowledges the initial personal attention given to her during elementary training by teachers like Ellayya and Murugan of Vellore. Her decision to join Kalakshetra to do the Sangeeta Siromani course was perhaps a major one that shaped her future. Kalakshetra was then run by stalwarts like Tiger Varadachari, Budalur Krishnamurthi and others. Her training further continued under Mudicondan Venkatarama Iyer (from whom she acquired proficiency in the Laya aspects), Mysore Vasudevacharya (special compositions, including his own), T K Jayarama Iyer and Musiri Subramanya Iyer. She was hailed as an authentic representative of the Musiri style, with the special emphasis she laid on bhava. Her huge repertoire and especially her expertise in the compositions of Mysore Vasudevachar was well recognised. Her rendition of kritis like Koluvaiyunnade (Devagandhari), Sivakamasundari (Jaganmohini) etc will remain evergreen in the hearts of rasikas, her voice retaining its sheen and malleability throughout her concert career. A scholarship from Government of India for advanced study enabled her to continue learning in New Delhi under the great Violinist Sri. T. K. Jayarama Iyer of All India Radio. After a year, she moved to Madras again to continue her lessons under the great Musiri Subramania Iyer for over a decade. Mani entered into a new era of her musical career after she came under the tutelage of veteran Sri. Musiri. She was one of the most authentic exponents of the inimitable Musiri school and had won the following awards:1990- Tyagaraja Award Madras Telugu Academy, 1991- 'Kalamamani' Award by Tamil Nadu Government State Academy, 1992- TTK Memorial Award Music Academy, Madras, 1992- Sapthagiri Sangeetha Vidwan Mani Sri Tyagaraja Trust, Tirupati, 1993- Sangita Kalanidhi Madras Music Academy, 1994- Honorary Doctorate Sri. Venkateshwara University, Tirupati, 1995- Asthana Vidwan Sri. Ahobila Mutt, Srirangam, 1995- Asthana Vidwan Sri.Andavan Ashram, Srirangam. She passed away on 12 July 2002 at the age of 72.