Folk Artist Mogilaiah of ‘Balagam’ Fame Passes Away

Renowned Padma Shri awardee and celebrated string instrumentalist Darshanam Mogilaiah, widely regarded as one of the last remaining masters of the Kinnera, passed away on the morning of December 19, 2024, at the age of 67. He succumbed to a prolonged kidney ailment, which had severely impacted his health in recent months. Mogilaiah was receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Warangal when he breathed his last.

Mogilaiah, a native of Telangana, was best known for his exceptional skill in playing the Kinnera, a traditional string instrument resembling the veena. The Kinnera is an ancient musical instrument associated with the folk traditions of Telangana, and Mogilaiah was considered one of the last few surviving masters of this art. His contributions to preserving and popularising the instrument earned him national recognition, culminating in the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2022.

Mogilaiah’s fame reached new heights after his powerful performance in the 2023 Telugu film Balagam. His moving rendition of the song in the film’s climax, alongside his wife Komuramma, earned widespread acclaim. The couple, both renowned folk artists from the Beda Budaga Jangala community, had been performing together since childhood and were beloved figures in their native Warangal and the surrounding districts.