KTR Commits to Supporting Struggling Padma Shri Winner Mogilaiah, a Renowned Kinnera Musician from Telangana
Telangana’s Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) has pledged support to Darshanam Mogilaiah, a Padma Shri award-winning Kinnera musician facing severe financial hardships. Responding to a post on X by senior journalist Sucheta Dalal about Mogilaiah’s precarious situation, KTR assured that he would “personally take care of Mogilaiah’s family.”
KTR’s promise followed a report that highlighted the drastic decline in the artist’s fortunes, despite his 2022 Padma Shri recognition. Mogilaiah, who has been struggling to support his large family, has faced multiple personal and financial setbacks, including medical expenses and the death of his wife. He has nine children, with one son suffering from seizures, contributing to high medical costs. Additionally, the 67-year-old musician’s state-granted monthly pension was discontinued without explanation.
After receiving the Padma Shri, Mogilaiah was celebrated by then Telangana chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who announced a Rs 1 crore reward and a 600-square-yard plot in Rangareddy district. While the monetary grant was used for his children’s weddings and purchasing land, the plot allotment is still pending. Construction on the house he began in Turkayamjal had to be halted due to insufficient funds.
KTR Commits to Supporting Struggling Padma Shri Winner Mogilaiah, a Renowned Kinnera Musician from Telangana
The ongoing financial strain forced Mogilaiah to seek assistance from the government and others in the community. However, despite initial promises, support was lacking. Mogilaiah described the pain of being photographed with politicians who offered little tangible assistance, adding, “People sympathised and politely turned me away… It is very painful.”
KTR’s commitment has given hope to the musician and his family. indicating that the Telangana government may now address Mogilaiah’s plight. Mogilaiah also recently met with Telangana chief minister A. Revanth Reddy, who directed him to minister Konda Surekha, with promises to resolve his issues.
Mogilaiah is the last surviving artist who plays and performs with the traditional Kinnera. A two-stringed instrument used for over five generations in his family. Despite his financial struggles, he has devoted over 50 years to preserving this unique art form, upgrading the Kinnera with additional frets and metal strings. The Telangana government’s recognition of Kinnera in its school curriculum is a step toward preserving Mogilaiah’s legacy.
As KTR and the Telangana government take action to help Mogilaiah, the musician and his family remain hopeful for a resolution to their financial difficulties and a return to a stable life.