SHIVAMOGGA: Renowned Gamaka artist and Padma Shri awardee H R Keshava Murthy passed away after suffering from age-related health problems at his residence in Hosahalli on Wednesday night.
Keshava Murthy was born on February 22, 1934, in Hosahalli into a family of Gamaka artists. He got his initial training from his father Ramaswamy Shastry and was inspired by the Puranas sung by his father and mother. At the age of 16, he started his gamaka training with Venkateshaiah in his native village. He has recited the Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Kannada and Sanskrit poetry in many tunes and he has also been awarded the title ‘Shataragi’ as he sang in more than 100 different languages.
Keshava Murthy has received many awards, including the Kumaravyasa and Kannada Rajyotsava awards. He is also a recipient of the Padma Shri award. Over the years, he has performed in many places and also taught hundreds of students for free.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and many others have expressed their condolences on the passing away of Keshava Murthy. The final rites will be held on Thursday and his many followers had at his residence.