(1890 - 1973)
He received his formal music training from Noorani Mahadeva Bhagavatar and Samba Bhagavatar. He was also highly influenced by the famous singer Konerirajapuram Vaidyanatha Iyer.He was born in Polaham, Tanjavur district, Tamilnadu.
A prolific composer, he has composed around 2,500 songs in a variety of ragas. He composed for and performed in theatrical productions, both as singer and actor. He was also a teacher at Kalakshetra, one of the most respected institutions in Madras, started by Rukmini Arundale, between 1934 and 1939. In 1935, he started composing for films, but also did a stint as an actor, when he acted in four movies. Among his compositions are many kritis and varnams. He was known as 'Tamil Tyagaraja'.
He has composed devotional songs besides songs with social themes. He has also composed songs on National leaders.