N.S. Prasad
N.S. Prasad | |
|---|---|
| Born | N.S. Prasad March 15, 1960 |
| Genres | Carnatic music, Fusion music, Film score |
| Occupations | Musician, Composer |
| Instrument | Mandolin |
| Years active | 1970s–present |
| Website | mandolinprasad |
N.S. Prasad (born 15 March 1960), professionally known as Mandolin Prasad, is an Indian mandolin player and composer primarily active in the Kannada film industry and Sugama Sangeetha. He is a recipient of the Karnataka Kalashri (2009), the state of Karnataka's highest honor for music and dance, awarded by the Karnataka Sangeetha Nrithya Academy.[1]
Early life
Prasad was born in Mysore, India. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Mysore University. His musical training began on the Veena under Vidwan V. Desikachar before he transitioned to the mandolin, studying under H.S. Satyanarayana.[2]
Career
Prasad is a graded artist for All India Radio (AIR).
Film and Composition
Prasad composed the musical score for the 2005 Kannada film Mithayi Mane, directed by Aarathi. The film won the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Children Film.[3][4]
Sugama Sangeetha and Style
Prasad is recognized for adapting the mandolin, traditionally a Western or Carnatic instrument, to the nuances of Sugama Sangeetha (Kannada light classical music). He has been a frequent collaborator with the "Mysore school" of composers, focusing on the melodic interpretation of Bhaavageethe (expressionist poetry).[5] His technique often incorporates gamakas (ornamentations) characteristic of Indian classical music, allowing the mandolin to emulate the vocal delivery required for Kannada literary works.
He served as a music arranger for the composer C. Ashwath for three decades, contributing to the scores of films such as Chinnari Mutha, Kotreshi Kanasu, Mysore Mallige, and Nagamandala.[1]
Performance
As an accompanist, he has performed with Sugama Sangeetha artists including Mysore Ananthaswamy, Shimoga Subbanna, and Ratnamala Prakash. He frequently collaborates with his brother, flautist N.S. Muralidhar.[2]
Discography
- Albums
Prasad has released several albums featuring both solo mandolin and fusion compositions:
- Sur Madhur (Solo)
- Kalasangama (Fusion)
- Ayyanaiyyane (with Unni Menon)
- Ellelli Nodali (Instrumental)
- Films[6]
- Mithayi Mane (2005)
- Nanna Kanasina Hoove (2006)
Awards
- 2008: "Best String Player" awarded by the Bangalore Music Academy.[2]
- 2009: Karnataka Kalashri, awarded by the Karnataka Sangeetha Nrithya Academy (Government of Karnataka).[1][2]
- 2020: Mirchi Music Awards (Special Jury Award - South).
References
- ^ a b c Kambanna, Manasa (7 March 2019). "A mandolin meet: Interview with N.S. Prasad". The Hindu. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
- ^ a b c d "'Mandolin Magic' on Sunday". Star of Mysore. 21 June 2019. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
- ^ "Mithayi Mane (2005) - Awards and Festivals". Mandolin Prasad Official. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
Films – Mittai Mane – was awarded "BEST CHILDREN MOVIE" by Karnataka Government. Music by N.S. Prasad.
- ^ "Karnataka State Film Awards 2005-06". Viggy.com. Retrieved 2025-12-20.
- ^ "Mandolin Prasad: A Journey Through Kannada Sugama Sangeetha". NewsONews. 15 February 2024. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
- ^ https://chiloka.com/celebrity/n-s-prasad-2