Violinist Balabhaskar cremated with state honours in Thiruvananthapuram

Chennai: Renowned violinist Balabhaskar, who passed away in a road accident on October 2, was cremated with state honours in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. Balabhaskar was known for his experimental journey into fusion music.

The cremation took place at Santhi Kavadam electric crematorium) in the state capital with scores of people from all walks of life paying tearful farewell to the young musician.


According to sources, the violin virtuoso carried his favourite violin to the pyre. Balabhaskar’s mortal remains were earlier kept at the University College and were later moved to Kalabhavan theatre to enable people to pay their last respects.

Condolences have been pouring in for the departed musician since Tuesday.

Veteran singer KJ Jesudass described the violinist's death as an irreparable loss to the music world. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Balabhaskar's untimely death was 'deeply painful.'

Film star Mohanlal noted Balabhaskar's fingers produced wonders and his music as immortal.


Oscar winning music composer AR Rahman said the music family will miss Balabhaskar.

Singer Shankar Mahadevan tweeted, "Very sad. Very unfair! Just not able to come to terms with it. Our dearest #Balabhaskar has left us ... deeply saddened.. a very sad day for music ... our prayers are with the family."

A devastated Sivamani tweeted saying, "India has lost a Gem ..... Sad to hear the passing of THE MOST talented violinist in the country ... Balabhaskar ..... R.I.P. Bro .... You will be missed ...."

Balabhaskar, who carved a niche for himself in instrumental fusion, died on the small hours of Tuesday. His car— in which he and his family were heading for Thiruvananthapuram after a visit to a temple in Thrissur — crashed into a tree near Pallippuram, about 18 km off Thiruvananthapuram, on the wee hours of September 25. After battling in the hospital for almost a week, the violinist's succumbed to his injuries. His two-year-old daughter Thejaswini Bala died on the accident spot, while Balabhaskar's wife Lekshmi Balabhaskar is undergoing treatment at a private hospital.