Mysuru: Veteran clarinet artist Ramu, with an impressive 45 years of experience, has been honoured with the Rajyotsava Award this year.

At 87 years old, Ramu is the son of the late Dasappa and Lakshmamma. He honed his skills under the guidance of esteemed musicians such as A.A. Narayanappa from Akashvani Mysuru and G.G. Pereira, a prominent exponent of Western music, while also studying Karnataka Classical Music at Trinity College in London.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ramu has collaborated with several professional drama companies, including Chamundeshwari, Kottoorappa, Hirannaiah Mitra Mandali, and Sheshachar. He has also been part of Mysuru Ananthaswamy’s music troupe. Ramu enriched countless theatre songs with his clarinet performances, working alongside well-known singers like P. Kalingarao and Paramashivan of Bengaluru.

Speaking to SOM, Ramu expressed gratitude for receiving the Rajyotsava Award, stating, “This recognition acknowledges my contributions to the field of music.”

“I have been performing on the clarinet since 1954 and collaborated with Srinivas Iyengar for the film ‘Apoorva Chintamani,’ recorded at Premier Studios in Mysuru, with P. Shamanna as the music director. I also provided background music for the film ‘Allamaprabhu,’ directed by Shankar Singh,” he recalled.

“I have accompanied Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji in music concerts across the globe. I have delivered background score for the play ‘Echchamma Nayaka,’ featuring M.P. Shankar, Thoogudeepa Srinivas, Narasimharaju and Sarojadevi. I am grateful for the recognition I have received,” Ramu added.