Balu, your music won't die; artistes, pals grieve

Keralites woke up hearing the shocking news of the demise of acclaimed violinist, composer and live performer Balabhaskar Chandran (40) on Tuesday. The violin maestro who stole the hearts of Mollywood audience was a true friend, affectionate brother and a fantastic stage-partner for many in the entertainment industry.

Prominent people active in the field of music and cinema recalled their association with the young musician with pride even as they felt immense pain and sorrow on hearing the sad news. 

Social media platforms are flooded with the mourning messages posted by Bhalabhaskar's friends, followers, acquaintances and fans. Prominent actors Mohanlal, Mammootty, Prithviraj, Nivin Pauly and Dulquer Salmaan shared their grief on the loss of their good friend and favourite musician. 

“The magical fingers that wove surprise together... His music will never die. Condolences on the death of my dear Balu,” Mohanlal wrote on Facebook.

When Mammootty posted a lively photograph of the late musician along with his condolence message, Prithviraj expressed his disbelief. “Too soon. Too unfair. Rest in peace Balu. May you and your little one be together at a better place,” he said on his Facebook status.

Nivin Pauly said that he would never forget the 'magical music and mesmerising smile' of Balabhaskar.

Dulquer Salmaan said he is devastated and heartbroken to hear the about the deaths of Balabhaskar and his daughter Tejaswini. “Praying that god give the rest of the family the strength to cope with this tragic loss,” he said in his Facebook post, referring to the girl's death a week ago. 

CM's condolence

Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan also shared his grief on the sudden demise of violinist and musician Balabhaskar. He said in his Facebook post that he is pained by the untimely demise of Balabhaskar. 

Keralites were shocked to hear the news of Balabhaskar's death, just one week after that of his daughter. Balabhaskar was active in the music industry for almost quarter a century. The committed musician has proved the endless scopes of instrumental music, chief minister said.

Sashi Tharoor, MP, also mourned the sudden death of Balabhaskar. In a touching Facebook note, he said that it is a loss for the world of music. “My hear goes out to his grieving family,” he said.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala also shared his condolence message on his Facebook profile.

Grieving musicians

Musicians in south India are yet to come to terms with the tragic news. Shaan Rahman, a contemporary and a companion of Balabhaskar, wrote a couplet from one of his songs, lacking words to express his grief.

Famous singer and composer Shankar Mahadevan tweeted that he is struggling to come to terms with the tragic news. “A very sad day for music ... our prayers are with the family,” he added.

Stephen Devassy, famous pianist and Balabhaskar's close friend, posted an endearing photograph of Balabhaskar along with his condolence message.

Singers like G Venugopal, MG Sreekumar and Sujatha Mohan also mourned the death of Balabhaskar. "The world of music lost a genius. I pray that dear Lakshmi gets enough strength to tide over the unbearable loss of her dear ones," Sujatha said on Facebook.

Venugopal said that he has witnessed each phase of Balabhaskar's growth. “I am sure he had miles and miles to go. I know Balu and his family right from his childhood. I am also a disciple of his uncle B Sasikumar. I can't fathom my sorrow on his demise,” he said.

Filmmaker and actor Vineeth Sreenivasan also took to Twitter to mourn the death of his dear friend. “It’s really really hard to believe the news.. It was an honour knowing you and performing with you.. You were a genius,” he tweeted.