Malladi Suri Babu (born 1 May 1945) is a distinguished Indian Carnatic vocalist, composer, and music educator from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. A direct disciple of the legendary Voleti Venkateswarulu, he has made significant contributions to Carnatic music through his performances, compositions, and pioneering work in music broadcasting. He is the proud father and guru of the renowned Malladi Brothers, who have carved a distinguished niche in Carnatic music.
Early Life and Musical Foundation
Born on 1 May 1945 in Dubacherla, a village in West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, Suri Babu was raised in a family that valued traditional music. His father, a music enthusiast and analyzer, was keen to pass on the musical tradition to his children. Suri Babu developed an exceptional aptitude for music from his father, and by the age of nine, he could reproduce songs with remarkable perfection, demonstrating his natural musical talent.
Training under Legendary Masters
Suri Babu received his musical education under some of the most revered names in Carnatic music. He was a disciple of the legendary Voleti Venkateswarulu, whom he considers his primary guru and from whom he learned rare Kirtanas and absorbed the unique musical style that blended Carnatic and Hindustani traditions. He also studied under Dr. Sripada Pinakapani and Nedunuri Krishnamurthy, further enriching his musical knowledge and technique.
All India Radio Career
In 1963, Suri Babu made his debut with All India Radio (AIR) children's musical festival and received high ratings from listeners. In 1971, he joined All India Radio as a program announcer and served the organization for more than 35 years, retiring as a Music Composer. During his tenure at AIR, he had the extraordinary opportunity to work closely with many legendary artists, particularly his guru Voleti Venkateswarulu.
Pioneering Radio Programs
Suri Babu conducted two of the most successful and influential programs in Carnatic music broadcasting: "Bhakti Ranjani" and "Sangeeta Sikshana" with All India Radio, Vijayawada. These programs played a crucial role in music education and cultural preservation, reaching thousands of listeners and helping propagate the rich tradition of Carnatic music across South India. His work in these programs established him as a pioneer in music broadcasting and education.
Compositional Works and Publications
Suri Babu has composed over 2,500 songs, including works based on compositions by Bhakta Ramadasu, Annamacharya, and Narayana Teertha's Krishna Leela Tarangam. His notable works include:
- Taranga Bodhana - Teaching of Narayana Teertha's Tarangam
- Sadasiva Brahmendra Keerthanas - Sarvam Bhrahmam
- Amrutha Varshini - CD of Telugu Gazals
- Bhajare Sriramam - Ramadasu Keerthanas
- Sangeetha Sikshana - Educational music series
Performance Career and Collaborations
Suri Babu has been actively engaged in music concerts throughout India and overseas. He has collaborated with renowned musicians and has been featured in various prestigious music festivals. T.R. Subramaniam released a CD featuring Malladi Suri Babu and Malladi Narayanaswami, followed by group renderings of songs by Annamacharya and Bhadrachala Ramadas in 2008. He also performed at The Trinity and Other Vaggeyakara Music Festival held in Bengaluru in April 2012.
Family Musical Legacy
Suri Babu is the father of the celebrated vocalist duo Malladi Brothers (Malladi Sreeramprasad and Malladi Ravikumar) and vocalist Malladi Vasavi. As their first guru, he provided them with foundational training before they went on to study under other masters. The Malladi family represents a continuing tradition of excellence in Carnatic music, with multiple generations contributing to the art form.
Discography and Recordings
His recorded works include several albums that showcase his versatility and deep understanding of Carnatic music:
- Navagraha Krithimala (2006) - Kosmik
- Annamacharya Keerthanas (2011) - Swathi Soft Solutions
- Karnatic Classical Vocal (2014) - Lahari Music
Literary Contributions
Beyond music, Suri Babu has contributed to musical literature with several publications in Telugu, including works on devotional compositions and musical education. His writings help preserve and propagate the theoretical and practical aspects of Carnatic music for future generations.
Awards and Recognition
His contributions to Carnatic music have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards:
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2018)
- TTK Award (2014) - Madras Music Academy
- Kala Ratna Award (2013) - Government of Andhra Pradesh
- Akashawani Annual Awards - 1984, 1996, 2001 & 2004
- Sapthagiri Sangeetha Vidwanmani (2012) - 70th Sri Thyagaraja Festival
- Tyaga Bhrahma Nada Ratna (2012) - Nada Sudha Chennai
- Kanchi Paramacharya Music Award - Shanmukhananda Sabha, Mumbai
- Sri Kalaprapoorna (2013) - Sri Annamacharya Project of North America
Teaching and Cultural Impact
As an educator and cultural preservationist, Suri Babu has played a vital role in training the next generation of Carnatic musicians. His teaching methodology, influenced by his guru Voleti Venkateswarulu's approach, emphasizes both technical excellence and emotional depth in musical expression.
Continuing Legacy
Now in his eighth decade, Malladi Suri Babu continues to be actively involved in music, performing concerts and nurturing young talent. His life's work represents a bridge between the golden era of Carnatic music represented by his guru Voleti Venkateswarulu and the contemporary generation represented by his sons, the Malladi Brothers. Through his performances, compositions, broadcasting work, and teaching, he has ensured that the rich traditions of Carnatic music continue to flourish and reach new audiences, making him a vital link in the chain of musical tradition and innovation.
