Calling him a "shining star" and "genius", Indian music exponents Lata Mangeshkar, Zakir Hussain, Resul Pookutty among others today expressed their grief over the sudden demise of renowned Mandolin exponent Uppalapu Srinivas.
Srinivas, 45, popularly known as 'Mandolin Srinivas', passed away at a private hospital here today after prolonged illness.
"I got to know today today that Srinivas is more. I am very sad to hear that. When he was 14-year-old, I saw his performance on TV. He used to play Indian classical music brilliantly. It was quite tough to play classical music on mandolin... May his soul rest in peace," Melody Queen Mangeshkar posted on Twitter.
Condoling his demise, Oscar-winning musician A R Rahman said, "Emotionally shaken to hear of Carnatic shining star Mandolin Shrinivasji's demise... May God bless him with happiness in the next world."
Playback singer Srinivas said, "Life is cruel. Mandolin U Srinivas, the genius dies at a young age, when he had much more to offer to music. RIP."
For music composer Shankar Mahadevan, it was an end of a big part of his music journey.
"A big part of my musical journey ended today with U Srinivas .. Devastated," he tweeted.
Oscar-winning sound designer Pookutty wrote, "So sad to hear the passing away of U Srinivas, what an amazing musician, May his soul RIP. My heartfelt condolences to the family, Prayers!"
Tabla maestro Hussain said he considered the young musician as his brother.
"Today mother India cries, today a part of Indian music died and we are orphaned, RIP my dear brother Mandolin Srinivas," he tweeted.
"The great Mandolin exponent U Shrinivas is no more unfortunately. Was going through a liver transplant. Improved apparently. But succumbed tragically. RIP," singer Sonu Nigam said.
Singer Shreya Ghoshal said, "We lost Mandolin Maestro Shri U Srinivas this morning. One of the greatest musicians of this world. And too young to go away. RIP."
Popular Tamil film actress Khushbu Sundar said, "Sad to hear the demise of Mandolin Srinivas. Very young to go. A huge bundle of talent he was. RIP.
