Kunnakkudi Vaidyanathan was one of the few classical performers who brought the classical musicto every patti-thotti. He could reach all kind of masses,mainly due tohisdifferent style, which is more "populist" than "purist". The purists have always criticised him. Never matter, buthe was more instrumental in reaching the carnatic music to every "patti-thotti". His 'sEshtais" while during the concert alsohas attracted a lot of people. My daughter, 8 years old, seeing him for the first time in today's news abouthispassing away, immediately said, "supperaa vaasikkaarma". Definitely she is not of the age to appreciate his performance. AndI couldeasily relate it to thehumourous facial expressions which attracted my daughter. He impressedevery one, but for the purists,which his histrionics andpopulist performance.
- Hi Kunnakudi was never truly accepted in the realm of carnatic musicians because he dared to venture into branches. he composed music for movies ( raja raja cholan was one) he acted ina few movies. produced many. was close with politicians and used that clout in the iyal isai sangam.
even in music he used to do try methods and modes far from the true orthodox path.