THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Alappuzha Sreekumar, Carnatic vocalist and former principal of Sree Swathi Thirunal College of Music here has died. He was 57. Sreekumar had been undergoing treatment for liver-related ailment at a private hospital here . His body was kept at the music college on Friday for the public to pay homage. Cremation will take place at the Santhi Kavadam, Thycaud here at 11 am on Saturday. Sreekumar was born to Kannamangalam Sankarankutty Nair and Thekkeveettil Saraswathy Amma in Alappuzha.
His first guru was famous harmonium player Alappuzha Haridas. Sreekumar’s wife Kamala Lekshmi, a noted Veena player, is the daughter of Carnatic vocalist K Omanakutty. His son K S Harishankar is an upcoming playback singer.
Cultural Affairs Minister A K Balan has condoled the death of Alappuzha Sreekumar. “As a musician and teacher, his was a valuable presence in Kerala’s cultural sector. His untimely demise is painful,” the minister said.