Bhadadri-Kothagudem: Popular folk singer and dhol player Sakini Ramachandraiah, who was conferred the Padma Shri in 2022, passed away at his residence in Baikunaram village near Manuguru on Sunday. He was 61 years old and had been unwell for some time.
He belonged to a rare group of vocal folk singers and dhol players in Telangana.
Ramachandraiah was acclaimed for his expertise in ‘Kanchumelam-Kanchuthalam’, an art form particularly identified with the Koya tribal community in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. He was also adept at playing the endangered drum instrument of Koyas.
Expressing grief at the demise of Ramachandraiah, deputy chief minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka opined that his death was a great loss for folk art. Bringing life to the endangered drum instrument with his renditions, Ramachandraiah had saved the tribal culture and traditions from extinction, Vikramarka said. In doing so, the artist shot Khammam to national fame, he added.
Agriculture minister Tummala Nageshwar Rao, in a condolence message, said that Ramachandraiah was recognised across the country. He strove to keep alive a rare folk art form, the minister said, while conveying condolences to the bereaved family.
