He is unpretentious, simple and a very eloquent, winning over others by his suave behaviour. He is none other than Balamurali Sundaram (also known as B M Sundaram), a musicologist, who worked as lecturer in Indian music, in Wharton University (USA) and was also the music producer and composer in AIR, Pondicherry.
Sundaram has to his credit several books, including Marabu Vazhi Bharata Perasangal (biographies of some traditional bharatanatyam gurus), which won him a coveted prize from the Government of Tamil Nadu.
His other works include rare pallavis of yesteryear, Marabu Thanda Manikkangal (biographies of eminent traditional bharatanatyam dancers of Tamil Nadu), origin and evolution of Thavil /Jalatarangam and Tala varnam Tarangini 88 varnams. All these, apart from his involvement with palai ozhi (ascent and descent of more than 4,000 raga scales).
It is astonishing that he had composed and directed music for two movies, of which one — Namma Gramam — won the best music award from the Government of Kerala.
Son of Thavil maestro Needamangalam Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, B M Sundaram is a winner of many awards and titles including Kalaimamani from the Government of Tamil Nadu, Central Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award, Kalabharathi Award (Gwalior) and Vidwat Choodamani.
He is also a doctorate degree holder in musicology from the US and is also proficient in Hindustani and Western systems of music.
As one who is involved in research in music, he recalls with pride his Gurukula vaasam for seven years with Dr Balamurali Krishna, his affinity towards Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavathar, the great musician and composer, who had visited his house.
The narration of his trials and tribulations in learning Rig Veda and Yajur Vedas as per the directives of the senior pontiff Kanchi Maha Swami (which was the prerogative of Brahmins then), brings tears in one’s eyes.
He narrates his divine encounter and experience in meeting the pontiff and being ordained by H H for composing music for Siva Namavalya Ashtakam, Siva Panchaksharas Stuti, Kala Bhairavashtakam, Syamala and Thirupursundari Navarathanamlikas.
“I am proud to be the first student of my Guru Dr Balamurali. I am the only student to have lived in his house and done the real gurukulavasam for seven years. Many of my gurus’ compositions, even the ones he himself has forgotten, are with me till today,” he says.
He has nostalgic memories of accompanying the famous Manna Dey on the harmonium at Kochi and his unforgettable experiences with him.
“During those days I got a call from the then Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao’s office to write a biography of my guru, I was overwhelmed. I cherish the book The Splendour of Swaras as my priceless possession,” he concludes.
