She was a strong link in the chain of musicians of Hemmige community

Sir,

Vidushi H.S. Mahalakshmi, a renowned Karnatak music vocalist, passed away in city on Feb. 20 following a heart attack. Words fall too short to express our sorrow about the sad demise of the 86-yers-old vocalist.

Born in the year 1936 at Kathwadipuram Agrahara in Mysuru, she learnt Karnatak music from famous vocalist Subbu Krishna during the 50s and 60s. She was the second daughter of Garudamma and Hemmige Srirangachar, who was the elder brother of  Hemmige Sheenappa.

Srirangachar himself was great musician and was the disciple of Asthana Vidwan Tiger Varadachar.

With the demise of Maha-lakshmi, a strong link in the chain of musicians of Hemmige community has been detached. The entire family of Srirangachar  has contributed a lot to the field of Karnatak music and all are dedicated to music.

Mahalakshmi’s elder sister Sheshamma and younger sister Yadugiri were also vocalists.

Her elder brother Anantachar’s daughter and son are also into music field. In fact, Yadugiri and Mahalakshmi (a spinster) were popularly called as “Hemmige Sisters” as they used to present concerts jointly.

They were the recipients of many awards and titles. Both of them were also elected as Presidents of JSS Sangeetha Sammelana in Mysuru during 2015. Considering their contributions to Karnatak music, Hemmige Srivaishnava Sabha too had feted them in the recent past.

Dr. K. Vageesh, National and International musician and Vaggeyakara and former Deputy Director General of AIR, New Delhi, is the nephew (elder sister’s son) of Mahalakshmi and Mahalakshmi was his first Guru.

May her soul Rest in Peace.

– Vijay Hemmige, Mysuru, [inputs by HVLN Achar], 22.2.2022

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