Guruvayur Dorai was born on 2 July 1935 and is an Indian percussionist.
11 Facts About Guruvayur Dorai
1.
2.
Guruvayur Dorai is one of the most senior exponents of the South Indian classical percussion instrument, the mridangam.
3.
In January 2025, Mr Dorai was honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, by the Government of India.
4.
Guruvayur Dorai's father was a priest and mother, a housewife.
5.
Guruvayur Dorai's sister Guruvayur Ponnammal was a highly reputed singer at the time.
6.
Young Guruvayur Dorai had a penchant for percussion and was frequently seen drumming on his body with his fingers even while in sleep.
7.
Guruvayur Dorai's father thought Ponnammal, Rajamani and Dorai could give concerts together and that the siblings would take care of Dorai.
8.
Guruvayur Dorai began to learn mridangam under the Late Palghat Subba Iyer when he was six.
9.
Whenever he came to Guruvayur Dorai, Chembai used to stay at their house.
10.
Guruvayur Dorai had his debut performance at the age of eight, performing with none other than Chembai himself.
11.
Guruvayur Dorai stayed with Palani Subramaniam Pillai in his residence for nearly nine years in the gurukulavasam fashion.