THE PAST - INSTRUMENTALISTS
Kumbhakonam Azhaganambi Pillai
Azhaganambi Pillai was born at Srirangam in a musical family and brought up at Kumbhakonam. He had his training under his uncles, Swaminatha Pillai and Venga Pillai. Although he lost one of his eyes due to smallpox while young, he showed immense interest and dedication towards the art and played mridangam for theatrical shows of the famous Kalyanarama Iyer and Koneri Rao. A model accompanist, he was very popular with artistes and the public. His style was noted for clarity, beauty and dexterity, thus enhancing the standard of concerts.
