OF GIFTED VOICE Paperback

Of Gifted Voice: The Life and Art of M.S. Subbulakshmi" by Keshav Desiraju is a meticulously researched and deeply perceptive biography that delves into the extraordinary life of M.S. Subbulakshmi, India's legendary Carnatic vocalist. Beyond her public image as a philanthropic icon and devout personality, the book unearths the complex woman and unparalleled musician, tracing her journey from her humble beginnings to becoming the first musician to receive the Bharat Ratna. Desiraju not only illuminates Subbulakshmi's musical evolution and concert style but also places her life within the broader social and cultural history of Carnatic music, examining how performance traditions changed with the advent of gramophones, radio, and talkies, and the significant impact of women emerging on public platforms. This insightful work offers a nuanced understanding of a figure who transcended the boundaries of art and devotion, leaving an indelible mark on Indian classical music.