Rons Bantwal
Bengaluru, Feb 28: Paying tribute to a pioneering force behind the preservation of Tulu and old Kannada music, Ilesa Mumbai will host a special memorial concert in honour of H M Mahesh on March 1 at 5 pm at the Suchitra Cinema and Cultural Auditorium, Banashankari in Bengaluru.
Fondly remembered for evergreen Tulu songs such as Pakkilu Mooji Onjegoodu Badukondunduge, Kemmela Brahma and Dingiri Mama, H M Mahesh emerged as a household name during the golden era of audio cassettes. Born in Kana village near Badiadka in Kasaragod district, he later moved to Chennai (formerly Madras), where he went on to script a quiet revolution in regional music production — spanning gramophone records, cassettes and compact discs. Through relentless efforts in recording and broadcasting, he significantly contributed to safeguarding and popularising both Tulu and Kannada songs for future generations.
Operating under his own Master Recording Company, Mahesh recorded numerous singers and instrumentalists, providing a platform for emerging and established talent alike. He was instrumental in producing recordings featuring eminent artistes such as Kadri Gopalnath and Mandolin Srinivas. He also documented Yakshagana and Harikatha performances, many of which continue to be preserved as valuable archival material — a lasting testament to his foresight and commitment to cultural heritage.
Announcing the programme, Ilesa Mumbai coordinator Soori Marnadu said, “H M Mahesh was not just a recording pioneer but a cultural guardian who ensured that Tulu and Kannada musical traditions reached homes across generations. This programme is our humble effort to honour his enduring legacy.”
The memorial evening will revisit Mahesh’s achievements through renditions of his own songs, interwoven with tributes from close associates and well-wishers. Among those who will offer their respects are noted music directors Dr Jayashree Aravind, Ashok Charan and V Manohar; celebrated singers B K Sumitra and Sangeetha Katti; Lahari Music’s Lahari Velu; and Mahesh’s family member, renowned magician professor Shankar Mahesh.
Ilesa vocalists Rameshchandra, Nagachandrika, Sushila Rao, Sudhakar Shetty, Suma Kote, Atmaram Alva, Prakash Pavanaje and Hariprasad will present musical tributes. Technical coordination will be handled by Gopal Patte, while Ilesa members Ajesh Charmadi, Palli Vishwanath Shetty and Vivekananda will oversee arrangements.
The evening will be compered by Shantaram Shetty and Ananth Rao, promising a fitting homage to a music visionary whose work continues to resonate across linguistic and cultural boundaries.