‘Mandolin’ Srinivas passes away at 45

Chennai: Renowned mandolin exponent Uppalapu Srinivas, who took the Carnatic music world by storm as a child prodigy with a western instrument, died here on Friday, following liver-related illness at the age of 45.

Popularly known as 'Mandolin' Srinivas, he breathed his last in a private hospital where he was undergoing treatment.

Srinivas gave his first public performance at the age of nine and grew into a much-sought after personality among fans in the Carnatic music world. His talent was first recognised by his father, who gifted him his first mandolin. He later approached guru Rudraraju Subbaraju to teach Srinivas.

Born in Palakol in Andhra Pradesh, Srinivas made Chennai his base for exploring the music world and attaining great heights. However, he was initially dismissed by the purists for "corrupting" classical music by using a western instrument.

The musician, a recipient of various awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri and Sangeet Ratna, collaborated with several global artistes including John McLaughlin, Michael Nyman, Michael Brook, Trey Gunn and Nigel Kennedy.

While he achieved great fame in music, his personal life was marred by a bitter divorce in 2012 from his wife Shree, a veena player, who could not adjust to his fame.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Srinivas' demise. "PM recalled the Mandolin Maestro's dedication & long-standing contribution towards music & added that he will always be remembered," Modi's official Twitter handle, @PMOIndia said.