Padma Shri Awardee Kinnera Mogulaiah Now Works as a Daily Laborer

It’s truly disheartening to witness the plight of Padma Shri awardee Kinnera Mogulaiah, also known as Darshanam Mogulaiah, who gained fame for his rendition of the starting lines of the ‘Bheemla Nayak‘ title song.

He is currently working in scorching conditions to make ends meet and cover his son’s medical expenses. This unfortunate reality resembles a scene from a movie, but it’s the harsh truth.

Videos and reports circulating online show Mogulaiah laboring as a daily wage worker at a construction site in Turkayamanjal, Hyderabad. He received the Padma Shri in 2022 for his innovative work with the rare musical instrument, the ‘Kinnera.’

In interviews, Mogulaiah revealed that his son suffers from seizures, requiring at least 7,000 Rs per month for medical expenses. Unfortunately, the state government recently discontinued his monthly 10,000 Rs allowance, leaving him in financial distress. Additionally, promised grants of ₹1 crore and land are pending official allocation.

This situation highlights the irony of celebrating awardees on social media while their actual circumstances remain unchanged. Mogulaiah’s story underscores the challenges faced by many talented individuals despite their prestigious accolades.