Leela Omchery | |
|---|---|
 Omchery in 2004 | |
| Born | (1929-05-31)31 May 1929 |
| Died | 1 November 2023(2023-11-01) (aged 94) New Delhi,NCT of Delhi, India |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, musicologist, writer |
| Spouse | Omchery N. N. Pillai |
| Children | 2, includingDeepti Omchery Bhalla |
| Awards | Padmashri Kendra Sangeet Natak Academy Award Marunaadan Malayaali Award Fellow –Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Sangeeta Kulapathi Sangeet Kovida Kalaacharya Sangeeta Sarva Bhouma |
| Website | http://leelaomchery.org |
Leela Omchery (31 May 1929 – 1 November 2023) was an Indian classical singer, musicologist and writer. She is known for her contributions to classical music and was a recipient of thePadma Shri award from the Government of India for her contributions to Indian classical dance and music.[1]
Leela Omchery was born on 31 May 1929 in Mankoyikkal tharavdu in Thiruvattar in Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu to Parameswara Kurup and Lakshmikutty Amma.[2] She started learning music from an early age under a Karnatic music guru, Thiruvattar Arumugham Pillai Bhagavathar, along with her younger brother, the lateKamukara Purushothaman, a classical and playback singer in Malayalam.[3] Hailing from a family of musicians, she had the opportunity to hone her musical talents under the guidance of her grandmother and mother who were musicians in their own right.[citation needed]
After early schooling inKanyakumari, she obtained a graduate degree inCarnatic music fromGovernment College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram and continued her studies inHindustani music at Punjab University, obtaining another graduate degree.[citation needed] Her Master's degree came fromMeerut University and she got her PhD in music fromDelhi University.[4]
Leela Omchery was working as a Professor inKamukara School of Music, Dance and Research Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and as Professor and Principal ofTrikalaa Gurukulam in Delhi.[5]
Omchery was the President ofDakshina Bharati (a south Indian Women’s Organization) and Vice President ofSwaralaya, Delhi.[citation needed]
Omchery was an accredited Supervisor and Guide to Ph.D and M.Phil candidates from various universities including Delhi, Kerala, Calicut, Baroda, Nalanda, and Mumbai. She was also a member of the Selection Board of AIR,Doordarshan, ICCR, IGNCA, SNA (Delhi), the Ministry of Culture andIGNOU.[citation needed]
Omchery also worked as the Associate Professor and Head, Karnatak Music Section, Faculty of Music & Fine Arts, University of Delhi (1964–1994). She served as Editorial Staff of Indian Music Journal,Vageeshwari, (1975–1994).[citation needed]
Omchery also wrote some short stories.[citation needed]
Omchery was married to writerOmchery N. N. Pillai and resided in New Delhi. The couple had two children, S.D. Omchery andDeepti Omchery Bhalla, a classical dancer.[6]
Leela Omchery died on 1 November 2023, aged 94.[7]
| Title | Publisher | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Music and Allied Arts (5 volumes) | Sandeep Prakashan, Delhi | 1990 |
| Gleanings in Indian Music | Sandeep Prakashan, Delhi | 1991 |
| Immortals of Indian Music | Gyan Books, Delhi | 1998 |
| Title | Publisher | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Abhinaya Sangeetham | Bhasha Institute, Kerala | 1981 |
| Paadavum Padhavum | D.C. Books, Kerala | |
| Keralathile Laasya Rachanakal | D.C. Books, Kerala | 2003 |
| Chinakkara Koothu Paattukal | Mudra Books, Delhi | 2008 |
| Leela Omcheriyude Pathangal | Poorna Books, Kerala | 2009 |
| Karuna Cheyvanenthu Thamsam Krishna | D.C. Books, Kerala | 2011 |
| Vettam Mangiya Kovil Paattukal | Poorna Books, Kerala | 2012 |
She is also credited with over 200 published articles.
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