K.V.Prasad a Science Graduate commenced his Mridangam training at the very early age from the late Eranakulam Narayana Iyer. He had further training from Professor Parassala Ravi, Principal of the Swathi Tirunal Music College, Trivandrum. He received advanced training from Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr.T.K.Murthy.
A Top rank mridangam Artiste with Chennai AIR. K.V.Prasad is a versatile percussionist. He plays tabla, western drums, Congo drums, chenda and edakka. Here is a Mridangist who makes use of the ways of tabla and chenda. This is the reason for the unique charm and bewitching power of his style. Prasad's style is soft and direct - a true and filling accompaniment to the concert.
Joined AIR Chennai in 1984 as staff artiste (Instrumentalist). Radio has played a vital role in his career. During his young age he practiced the art of accompanying for compositions just by playing the Mridangam along with the broadcast of Carnatic concert from Trivandrum AIR. In AIR Chennai he had the greatest privilege of accompanying the doyens of Carnatic music, Chennai being the hub of classical music. His performance in Chennai AIR concerts attracted the great M.S.Subbalakshmi with whom he had the privilege of accompanying her for 15 years. 34 years of his service with AIR Chennai has contributed a lot to achieve the stature and fame he had acquired in the field of Carnatic music which has led to many laurels and awards he had received. All India Radio Prize winner in 1974.
Many prestigious titles and awards received from different organizations.
Government Awards
· Kalaimamani from the Govt. of Tamilnadu in the year 2000
· Kerala sangeetha Nataka Academy State Award in the year 2010
· Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar(President of India Award) 2012
SPECIAL MENTION:
1. ALL INDIA RADIO CHENNAI FELICITATED KV Prasad WITH A MOMENTO FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
2. PERFORMED IN UNITED NATIONS ASSEMBLY HALL ON 2nd Oct 2016 IN COMMEMORATION OF 50th YEAR OF MS Subbalakshmi U N CONCERT
All the Staff of AIR, Chennai and Prasar Bhararti Parivar wish Kalaimamani K V Prasad a very peaceful and healthy retired life.