Naidu, Jagan mourn demise of renowned musician Garimella Balakrishna Prasad 

Renowned classical singer Garimella Balakrishna Prasad, former Asthana Vidwan of TTD, passes away at 76, leaving a musical legacy.

Renowned classical singer and former Asthana Vidwan of the TTD Garimella Balakrishna Prasad died of heart attack at his home in Tirupati on Sunday (March 9). He was 76.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said the death of Garimella Balakrishna Prasad came as a shock for him. In a post on ‘X’, the Chief Minister said Garimella Balakrishna Prasad, who served as the court singer at the TTD from 1978 to 2006, was a great person who composed music for more than 600 Annamacharya sankirtanas. He was also proficient in Carnatic, folk and classical music. With his melodious voice, he became a recipient of the grace and mercy of Lord Venkateswara, the Chief Minister said. “I express my deepest condolences to his family members” he said.

Former Chief Minister and YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed grief over the death of the musician. Mr. Jagan conveyed his deep condolences to the family members of Garimella Balakrishna Prasad and prayed for the departed soul to attain eternal peace.

Recalling the invaluable contributions of Garimella Balakrishna Prasad, Mr. Jagan highlighted his distinguished service as a former court scholar of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). He emphasised that Garimella Balakrishna Prasad’s legacy extended beyond his mastery as a musician, noting his remarkable work in composing melodies for devotional hymns of the revered saint-poet Tallapaka Annamacharya. He stated that Garimella Balakrishna Prasad’s efforts in bringing Annamacharya’s music and literature to the masses through his compositions are priceless and will remain unparalleled.