Bhagyalakshmi M Krishna

Based in Bengaluru, Bhagyalakshmi M. Krishna stands as a landmark figure in Carnatic percussion as the first prominent woman to establish a professional career on the morsing. She belongs to a distinguished musical lineage as the daughter and disciple of the celebrated “Morsing Emperor,” Vidwan Dr. L. Bhimachar. Under his guidance, she developed exceptional command over an instrument known for its rhythmic complexity and subtle tonal possibilities.

An “A-Top” grade artist of All India Radio, Bhagyalakshmi has built a sustained career as both an accompanist and a featured percussionist. She has performed alongside some of the foremost names in Carnatic music, including Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna, Sudha Raghunathan, and Sanjay Subrahmanyan, earning recognition for precision, tonal clarity, and musical sensitivity.

She is an integral member of innovative performance formats that expand the scope of percussion in Carnatic concerts. Morsing Tarang, conceived within her family, presents multiple morsings tuned to different pitches, performed alongside her father and brothers. She is also a key member of Stree Taal Tarang, the all-women percussion ensemble led by Ghatam Vidushi Sukanya Ramgopal.

Her contributions have been acknowledged with major awards, including the Best Senior Upapakkavadyam Award from The Music Academy, Madras (2017 and 2019), the Nadajyothi Puraskara (2019), the Indira Sivasailam Special Award (2019), and the Ananya Yuva Puraskara (2014). Alongside performance, she is a dedicated teacher, transmitting the rare art of morsing to a new generation, including her son Likhit, himself an award-winning artist.