NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, DEC 25
Raman (54), co-founder and managing director of the famous music orchestra “Lakshman Sruthi’’, was found dead at his residence in Chennai’s Kodambakkam on Tuesday night.
Police have registered a case of suicide and are investigating.
Lakshman Sruthi Orchestra was inaugurated in 1987. V Lakshman and V Raman, the musical brothers’ duo, in addition to pioneering their very own orchestra are famous for their musical instruments store in the city — Lakshman Sruthi Musicals.
The duo have performed over 10,000 shows around the globe along with their troupe.
Proficient in mimicry
Raman began his career as music announcer during his college days. In an interview to a newspaper, he recalled, “I was quite proficient in mimicry, participating and winning in several inter-college competitions. When I was doing my post-grad, the college was establishing a music group and I was roped in as the mimicry artist and announcer. At the time, I knew nothing about music except I would just listen to it. But being an announcer, I learned a lot about the nuances of music kutcheri and got into it more proficiently.”
The brothers then went on to establish their music troupe in the city. It is interesting to note that in 1994, to create a good buzz about their orchestra, they became the first orchestra to carry out a 36-hour non-stop light music performance. Held between 17 and 18 December 1994, at Kamarajar Arangam in Chennai, they created a world record.
Raman also had interests in dance especially Bharatanatyam, theatre, gymnastics and Silambam.
Raman is survived by his wife Nirmala, son Manoj Kumar, brothers Murugavel and Lakshman and sister Punitha.
Helpline numbers
Tamil Nadu:State health department suicide helpline number – 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre – 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in TN
Andhra Pradesh: Life Suicide Prevention Helpline No.78930-78930
Roshni Helpline 1: 9166202000 Helpline 2: 9127848584
Karnataka: Sahai : 24-hour helpline numbers: 080- 65000111, 080-65000222
Kerala: Maithri helpline – 0484-2540530, Chaithram helpline: 0484-2361161. Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana: Telangana government suicide prevention toll free no – 104
Roshni- 040-66202000, 6620200SEVA- 09441778290, 040 – 27504682 (between 9 AM and 7 PM)
