Hyderabad: Mahati Academy honours legendary musician Ushakant in musical evening

Hyderabad: A heartfelt musical tribute was held at Ala Liberty, Banjara Hills, in memory of legendary musician and composer Ushakant, who passed away on March 25. Hosted by Mahati Music Academy, the program titled Musical Vibes brought together family, friends, artists and admirers to celebrate the life and contributions of the veteran music composer.

Honouring a legacy of music and meaning

The evening featured musical renditions of Ushakant’s compositions and memories shared by those who knew him personally and professionally.

Dr Sangita Reddy, joint managing director of Apollo Hospitals Group, remarked on the power of music in commemorating a life well lived: “A musical program is a wonderful way to celebrate Shri Ushakant’s illustrious life, and to record his tremendous contribution. I would reiterate that music is an incredible way to enhance health. Dr Sreekanth, imbibing the music legacy from his revered father, has combined his knowledge of music and medicine and is taking forward the tradition.”

Venkat Changavalli, former CEO of EMRI, shared a personal anecdote from his first experience with Mahati Music Academy’s events: “The first time I attended a music program hosted by Mahati Music Academy in 2015, I experienced something truly profound. It was in that moment I realised the transformative power of music, how it resonates not just in our minds but also in our bodies and souls. The melodies had a healing presence, gently soothing mental unrest, uplifting the spirit and offering a deep sense of peace and connection. That experience left an indelible mark on me, and ever since, I’ve believed in the incredible ability of music to heal, inspire and unite.”

Remembering the visionary

Dr J Sreekanth, music composer and son of Ushakant, spoke of the evening as a tribute to both a father and a teacher: “Mahati Music Academy is proud to host a soulful musical evening in loving memory of its founder and my father, Shri Ushakant. A celebrated lyricist, singer, and music director, Shri Ushakant carved a unique niche in the world of music.

His timeless contributions to art films, private albums, and music ballets, where he penned lyrics and composed captivating melodies, have earned him a devoted following. His visionary spirit gave birth to several music-based projects, and through this program, we honour his enduring legacy. It is our heartfelt endeavour to carry forward his passion for music and the rich artistic path he set in motion.”

Sunder Lakshman, vice president of Mahati Music Academy, added: “Music has the power to touch hearts and transcend boundaries. It is in this spirit that we named it Musical Vibes, a heartfelt tribute to Shri Ushakant. Though he may no longer be with us in person, his soulful melodies continue to echo in our hearts. His music lives on, inspiring, uplifting, and enchanting us, a legacy that will be cherished forever.”

A life devoted to music

Born as Vedantam, Ushakant’s early training began under his mother, Choodamani, and later under gurus, including NC Krishnamacharya and Veena maestro Pappu Someshwara Rao. A retired LIC official, he began composing and performing from Machilipatnam, eventually moving to Hyderabad. He founded the cultural group Pancham, where he collaborated with his siblings under the banner Film Terence Guild in the 1970s.

Ushakant was known for his creative range—penning lyrics, composing for ballets, TV serials and children’s albums. His works such as Vemana Vedam, Suprabhatam, Chilakapalukulu and Chandamama Raave became significant cultural milestones, especially for AP Balala Academy. His ballet Sivaganga, earned him the TANA and ATA awards in the US. Other acclaimed productions include Sri Andal Kalyanam, Sri Maha Ganapati, and Gita Govindam.

He was also a visiting faculty member and examiner at Potti Sriramulu Telugu University, where he advocated for light music as a specialised field. Among his numerous accolades was the Ghantasala Award.

A divine connection and a final bow

One of his most cherished projects was the Sri Datta Gaadha ballet, scripted by HH Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji of Mysore. After hearing Ushakant’s compositions, Swamiji praised him as the ‘Tumbura Amsa,’ a divine musical soul. He continued his prolific output with Kalyana Ramam, Saptachala Sankirthanam, and Palikedidi Bhagavathamata—the latter still broadcast on SVBC.

In 2014–15, Ushakant and Dr Sreekanth worked together on Nada Tanumanisham, an album of 45 healing compositions. This project received praise from luminaries, including the Late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and filmmaker K Vishwanath.

His final work, Alwar Vaibhavam, celebrated the legacy of Vaishnavite saints. Despite a paralytic stroke, Ushakant continued to be involved in music, attending the launch of Mahati’s YouTube channel, Naadam Naatyam.

Continuing the musical vibes

His musical journey spanned decades and mediums, enriched by collaborations with prominent figures from the music, film and dance worlds. His melodies and teachings remain a guiding force for Mahati Music Academy and the many artists he mentored.

Through events like Musical Vibes, his legacy continues to inspire, connecting generations through the transformative power of music.