Mridangist Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam traces his six-decade journey in rhythm

Padma Shri awardee Tiruvarur Bakthavathsalam talsk about music, legacy and more

For mridangam exponent Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam, 2026 began with good tidings — he has been chosen for the Padma Shri, his Laya Madhuraa School of Music in Chennai rings in its 26th anniversary this week, and he completes 60 years as a professional artiste. 

“I have worked hard to get to this stage, and even though I am 70 years old, I feel I have to keep improving myself. Recognition only makes constant practice more imperative for artists,” says Bakthavathsalam, who received the Sangita Kalanidhi from The Music Academy in 2021.

The mridangist, along with certain other veterans in the field, has witnessed the progress of percussionists from accompanists to being a vital part of cross-cultural ensembles.

Born in 1957 in a clan of traditional musicians from Tiruvarur, Thanjavur district, Bakthavathsalam’s talent was nurtured by the maternal side of his family. He underwent vocal music training under his mother and noted singer T.R. Anandavalli, and eventually started playing the mridangam under the guidance and tutelage of his maternal uncle Tiruvarur Krishnamurthy.

“By the age of nine, I was accompanying my mother in concerts. I had my formal arangetram when I was six or seven, at the Thiruvaiyaru Tyagaraja Utsavam. It was an exciting experience and I returned inspired,” he says.

In the 1970s, aged 16, Bakthavathsalam migrated to Madras, attracted by its thriving classical music scene. “There were plenty of sabhas, with year-round concerts. I attended at least one recital a day, and made sure I listened to the stalwarts,” he reminisces.