Magic on mridangam Guru Karaikudi Mani
Guru Karaikudi Mani, popularly known as 'Master Mani', is regarded as one of the greatest mridangam players in Carnatic music by the vast majority of connoisseurs and aficionados. Mani started learning Carnatic Music at the age of three with vocal training, but he soon parted with vocal and opted for percussion.
Guru Mani mastered mridangam underwent the tutelage of several high profile artistes including TR Harihara Sharma and KM Vaidyanathan, to name a few.
His first stage performance took place when he was eight. And at the age of 18, he made a mark in the world of Carnatic Music winning his first national award from the President of India. Through his dedication in the art of music, he ushered in a new era in mridangam playing which later came to be known as Karaikudi Mani style.
His natural born flair and devotion to music have won him many accolades and gave him worldwide recognition.
In addition to being one of the cultural ambassadors of India, Karaikudi Mani has founded a teaching institution, “Sruthi Laya Kendra Natarajaalaya”, with his niece Smt. Rajeswari Sainath, a leading Bharathanatyam exponent.
At last year's festival, Mani and his Carnatic percussion ensemble (featuring kanjira, ghatam and thalam) took the Army Stadium by a storm, and those who experienced that performance will be eagerly looking forward to the riveting performance this year as well.
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