Tributes poured in for violin maestro TN Krishnan, who passed away at the age of 92 on Monday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the world of Carnatic music mourning the doyen’s demise and recalling his rich contributions. Krishnan is survived by wife and two children, reported PTI.

Counted among the other violin greats, Tripunithura Narayanaiyer Krishnan started off his musical journey at a young age under his father’s tutelage and staged his maiden performance at the age of 11.

Born in 1928 in Kerala, Krishnan shifted to Chennai in the early 1940s and was tutored by Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, a legend in the field of classical music.

A recipient of numerous awards, including the Padma Vibhushan and the Music Academy’s Sangeetha Kalanidhi, Krishnan had stints as teacher with the Music College here and School of Music and Fine Art at the University of Delhi.

He had accompanied many stalwarts of Carnatic music like Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar and Madurai Mani Iyer, before going on to become a solo performer, who enthralled his audiences for a long time and was active till his last days.

Besides the enthralling rendition of various ragas, his performing ‘jingle bells’ with Mridangam and ghatam (percussion instruments) for company is fondly recalled by many ‘rasikas’ (fans).

Prime Minister Modi condoled Krishnan’s death, saying his demise has left a “big void” in the world of music.

Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu said he was “distressed to learn about the passing away of legendary violinist.” 

Noted commentator Sumanth V Raman recalled Krishnan was among the three greats vis-a-vis violin.

Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan described Krishnan as a rare musical gem.

Amit Shah said as a gifted musician, Krishnan captured the imagination of several generations with his ‘breathtaking’ compositions.

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit said Krishnan’s contributions to Carnatic music will be remembered forever.

“His demise is an irreparable loss to the people of India, particularly to all he Carnatic music lovers across the globe,” he said in his message.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami, while condoling the maestro’s demise, hailed Krishnan as a humble and affable person.

“His death is a great loss to the world of music and culture,” he said in a statement.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, BJP President JP Nadda, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleetharan, Musician TM Krishna and many others fans condoled the demise of Krishnan.