Saxophonist Kadri Gopalanath, who was presented the S V Narayanaswamy Rao memorial national award on Sunday, recounted his childhood memories and his love for saxophone.

Addressing the gathering during the award ceremony organised as part of the Ramanavami national musical festival organised by the Ramaseva Mandali, Gopalanath said, “I was so much in love with saxophone that I used to throw tantrums, saying that I will not eat food till it is purchased. Finally, my father bought it by shelling out Rs 800. I was mesmerised on hearing this instrument being played at the Mysuru Palace in 1964 and was successful in getting this western instrument.”

“Gopalakrishna Iyer was my first guru and from him, I learnt to sing in the classical style,” the musician said.

He said that S V Narayanaswamy, who founded the Ramaseva Mandali, played a pivotal role in his life as he was given the opportunity to play at concerts held by the Mandali.

“Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, Maharaja of Mysore, introduced saxophone to India and this paved the way for employment opportunities later. Saxophonists are in better position, financially. I want the young talents to first learn how to sing as this will enable them to understand the lyrics and tunes. They should develop their own style, instead of imitating others,” Gopalanath said.

Justice M N Venkatachalaiah, former chief justice of the Supreme Court, said that it was important to ensure that the art is protected in the country and musicians are respected.

H N Ananth Kumar, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers, who was present on the occasion, said that he would try to get funds from the Centre for the construction of a national music village on Kanakapura Road.