Chitoor Gopalakrishnan, aged 86, passed away at his Kottivakkam residence in Chennai on August 27. Born in 1921 to an illustrious family of musicians, he learnt violin from his father Vedachala Iyer, Asthana Vidwan of Venkatagiri and Chandragiri Samasthanams.

Starting his career as a supporting artiste at the age of thirteen, he worked in AIR, Delhi and Madras, for forty years until his retirement in 1981. At Delhi, he had given a solo Carnatic music performance for the Viceroy, Lord Wavel.

He played the violin for eminent singers like Tiger Varadachari, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, D. K. Pattammal and M. Balamuralikrishna. He composed over 1400 kirthanas.

Post retirement, he started a gurukulam¹ in a village in North Arcot District, to coach students in music. He received the 'Kalaimamani' award from the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi at the inaugural function of the Eyal Esai Nataka Mandram.

Gopalakrishnan is survived by three sons and seven daughters. The family resides at 2 /295, 2nd Main Road, AG's Colony, Kottivakkam, Chennai Ph: 044-24927614.