Venkannachar came to Bangalore in 1970 and has lived here since. He has been teaching and performing. Some of his disciples, such as Purvachar and Geetha Vasudeva Rao are concert artists in their own right. His son K.V. Nandakumar, who works in State Bank of India, is also a prominent disciple. On stage, though, Nandakumar prefers to sing Hindustani music, which he learnt from Pandit Rama Rao Naik. Venkannachar's music is available on IBH, Sangeetha, and Times Music. Kanaka Tarangini, his recent recording for Kosmic Music, features Kanakadasa compositions. "It is unusual in the compositions it has chosen, like one in which he praises Ramanujacharya," says Nandakumar. Kanakadasa belonged in the Madhwa tradition, and many will be surprised to hear that he wrote a song in praise of a saint who founded a dissident faith. Venkannachar has been an active member of Purandara Aradhana Samiti, which holds an annual festival to pay tribute to that great poet and composer. The musical programme used to be held in Hampi; it has now moved to Mulbagal.
Speciality: Vocal