New Delhi [India], March 10 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the passing away of renowned devotional singer and composer Garimella Balakrishna Prasad.

'Saddened by the passing of Garimella Balakrishna Prasad Garu. His soul-stirring renditions had touched countless hearts, preserving and celebrating our rich spiritual and musical heritage. He will be remembered as a gifted musician and composer. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti: PM @narendramodi,' PMO India posted on X.

https://x.com/PMOIndia/status/1899099351303033225

Garimella Balakrishna Prasad Garu is widely remembered for his contributions to devotional and classical music, especially in popularising the Annamacharya kirtans. He served Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam's Annamacharya Project as a Special Grade Vocal Artiste from 1978 to 2006.

'The death of Garimella Balakrishna Prasad, the court singer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, shocked me. Garimella, who served as a court singer in TTD from 1978 to 2006, is a great person who composed music for more than 600 Annamacharya sankirtanas........ ...It is sad that such a great person has left us. I pray to God to grant peace to his holy soul. I express my deepest condolences to his family members,' Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu posted on X.

https://x.com/ncbn/status/1898748211356946768

A few of the popular sankeerthanas set to tune by Sri Prasad are Vinaro Bhagyamu Vishnukatha, Jagadapu Chanavula, Vachenu Alamelumanga, Tiruveedhula Merasi, Choodaramma Satulaala, Jayalakhmi Varalakshmi, Aadimoolame maaku angaraksha, Mangambudhi Hamumantha, Antayu neeve, Yemani pogadudume, Annimantramulu and Pidikita Thalambrala.

He was considered a pioneer in creating and performing Annamacharya Sankeerthanas in a variety of Indian musical genres, including classical, semi-classical, light, and folk forms. (ANI)