T. N. Rajarathinam Pillai

T. N. Rajarathnam Pillai
Nadaswara Chakravarthi
Background information
Birth name	Balasubramaniam
Also known as	TNR
Born	27 August 1898 Thiruvaduthurai
Died	12 December 1956
Genres	Carnatic music
Occupation(s)	NadaswaramPerformer
Instruments	Nadaswaram
Years active	32
Notable instruments
Nadaswaram

Thirumarugal Natesapillai Rajarathinam Pillai (27 August 1898- 12 December 1956) or TNR was an Indian Carnatic musician, nadaswaram maestro, vocalist and film actor. He was popularly known as "Nadaswara Chakravarthi" (literally, the Emperor of Nadaswaram).

Rajarathinam Pillai was born Balasubramanian to his parents, Kuppuswami Pillai and Govindammal at Thiruvaduthurai in Thanjavur District in South India. His father was an exponent of Carnatic music. He was given in adoption to his uncle Thirumarugal Natesa Pillai, who was his guru initially and a nagaswaram player who was regarded as an exponent of raga improvisation/ elaboration, and took his initials and the name Rajarathnam from then on.

Rajarathnam Pillai married five times and died without issues. Contrary to the prevailing norms of dress for nadaswaram players, who, as temple servants, would dress humbly, Pillai often appeared in concerts wearing shirt and trousers or, on occasions, wore the dress favored by the Hindustani musicians.

Rajarathnam Pillai received his musical training under the noted Carnatic violinist, Thirukodikaval Krishnaiyer and learnt nadaswaram from Ammachatram Kannuswami Pillai, an eminent musician. He started giving vocal concerts and moved to giving concerts on nadaswaram on the advice of the pontiff of the Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam. In a short time, Rajarathnam was made a nadaswaram player in the temple at Thiruvaduthurai. It is said that his unique style attracted many visitors to the morning prayers in the temple where he played a raga, Bhupalam, (that suits the morning hours) with the dexterity and originality of a veteran artiste. He grew to become a well known and sought-after concert player and gave a very large number of concerts live as well as over the radio. He acted in the lead role in the Tamil movie, Kalamegam, directed by Ellis R Dungan (released in 1940). His fame as an outstanding practitioner of nadaswaram music has overshadowed his talent as a vocalist.

During his musical career, Rajarathnam Pillai was known for his improvisations of ragas that could last several hours. He was particularly known for his improvisation/elaboration of the raga, Todi. His rendering of compositions in Tamil, Telugu or Sanskrit was considered to be flawless. His immense knowledge of tempo in Indian music is also widely recognised.