Telangana’s beloved folk artiste Mogilaiah, known for his iconic Kinnera music and role in ‘Balagam,’ passes away at 67. Read about his legacy, struggles, and tributes.
Hyderabad: The Telugu folk music world has lost one of its brightest stars as Pastham Mogilaiah, the legendary Kinnera artiste, passed away on Thursday morning. The 67-year-old folk legend succumbed to kidney and heart-related ailments while his family was attempting to shift him to a private hospital in Warangal.
Telangana’s Beloved Folk Artiste Mogilaiah Passes Away at 67
The Life and Legacy of Mogilaiah
A Folk Icon from Telangana
Hailing from Duggondi village in Warangal district, Mogilaiah belonged to the Sharadakandru sub-group of the Beda Budaga Jangala community. This traditional folk community has passed down its art through generations, and Mogilaiah, along with his wife Komuramma, carried forward this legacy with pride and dedication.
- Mogilaiah began performing as a child, learning the nuances of Kinnera music from his parents.
- He became a beloved figure in Warangal and surrounding districts, with his poignant songs capturing the spirit of Telangana’s cultural heritage.
Rising to Fame with ‘Balagam’
Mogilaiah rose to national fame with his appearance in the 2023 Telugu blockbuster ‘Balagam’, where he and his wife performed an emotional elegy in the film’s climax. His hauntingly beautiful rendition struck a chord with audiences, showcasing the strength and depth of Telangana’s folk traditions.
The Struggles of Mogilaiah
Despite his fame, Mogilaiah faced severe financial difficulties, compounded by his health problems.
- Both of his kidneys were damaged, leaving him in need of constant medical care.
- Several individuals and organizations came forward to support him during his illness:
- Producer Dil Raju and director Yeldandi Venu provided financial assistance.
- Megastar K. Chiranjeevi and other actors also extended help.
- Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar contributed ₹1 lakh for his treatment.
- Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar promised the couple a house site.
Tributes Pour In for Mogilaiah
The news of Mogilaiah’s demise has left his fans and well-wishers heartbroken. Prominent figures from the Telugu film industry, state government, and folk art circles expressed their condolences.
K.T. Rama Rao’s Tribute
K.T. Rama Rao, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president, paid a heartfelt tribute to Mogilaiah, stating:
“Mogilaiah’s songs demonstrated the strength of Telangana. Though he has left for the heavenly abode, he will live on through his music.”
‘Balagam’ Team’s Condolences
The producer, director, and cast of ‘Balagam’ also mourned his loss, highlighting the profound impact of his artistry on the film and its audience.
Final Journey
The last rites of Pastham Mogilaiah will be performed in his native village, Duggondi, with family, friends, and fans gathering to bid a final farewell to the legendary folk artiste.
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Legacy of Mogilaiah
Mogilaiah’s life and work symbolize the resilience and richness of Telangana’s folk traditions. Despite his struggles, he remained a beacon of Kinnera music, touching countless hearts with his soulful performances.
His music, particularly the elegy from ‘Balagam,’ will continue to inspire future generations and keep his memory alive. As K.T. Rama Rao aptly put it,
“Mogilaiah will live on in the form of his songs.”
