G Harishankar

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G Harishankar (June 10, 1958 - February 11, 2002) was a renowned Kanjira artist. To date, he is the only Kanjira player to be awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the highest national recognition given to performing artists. Having received his initial training under his father Govinda Rao, he later learnt under Palghat Mani Iyer and C S Murugabhoopathi. He was a staff artist of the All India Radio, Chennai. Some of his best performances in albums were with the Sruthilaya group along with Karaikudi R Mani on the Mridangam, T V Vasan on the Ghatam, Srirangam Kannan on the Morsing. He performed in several albums including Laya Chithra, Sruthilaya, Grand Finale. Both while accompanying songs, and while playing solo, he played with great control and speed in an amazing fashion. He is considered by many to be the greatest Kanjira performer to date.