Mandolin exponent U Srinivas died on september 19 in Chennai after an illness following a liver transplant. He was just 45.
According to a source at Apollo hospital, Srinivas "passed away due to liver-related problems this morning at 9.30".
Composer A R Rahman tweeted:
Emotionally shaken to hear of Carnatic shining star Mandolin Shrinivasji's demise... May God bless him with happiness in the next world...
- A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) September 19, 2014Born Feb 28, 1969 in Palakolu, Andhra Pradesh, Srinivas was a child prodigy. He picked up his father's mandolin at the age of six and started playing it. He made his first public performance at the age of 9 when he played at the Thyagaraja Aradhana Festival in Gudivada.
Since then, he has performed in several music festivals, both nationally and internationally.
Popularly known as Mandolin Srinivas, he played in the Carnatic tradition and collaborated with musicians like John McLaughlin, Michael Brook, John McLaughlin, Trey Gunn and Nigel Kennedy.
Mr Srinivas was awarded the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
The Prime Minister's office also issued Tweets expressing grief over the maestro's death
The Prime Minister expressed grief on the passing away of renowned musician Shri Uppalapu Shrinivas.
- PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 19, 2014
PM recalled the Mandolin Maestro's dedication & long-standing contribution towards music & added that he will always be remembered.
- PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 19, 2014