Jaipur

Veteran music archivist and chairman of Veena Music, K C Maloo, died after suffering a cardiac arrest in Jaipur.

He died on late Monday night at the age of 80, according to family sources.

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, BJP state president Madan Rathore and several artists have expressed condolences over the demise of Maloo, who had played a key role in popularising Rajasthani folk music in India and abroad.

Maloo was honoured with Rajasthan Ratna award by the state government in 2022 for his outstanding contributions to Rajasthani folk music and culture.

In recognition of his contribution to preserving and promoting the state's folk music and culture, he was honoured with the Rajasthan Ratna award. He also received Samagra Kala Sadhana Award from the Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi and Dagar Gharana Award from the Maharana Mewar Foundation.

Over the course of his career, Maloo documented more than 5,000 folk songs by preparing manuscripts and notations and recording them in audio format.

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Condoling his death, Gehlot shared a post on Instagram and said Maloo had given Rajasthani music a distinct identity across the country and overseas.

Gehlot said Maloo had dedicated his entire life to the world of music and that his death was a great loss for all.