The following is the recollections of Prof. Mysore V. Ramarathnam (1917-2008) about his close friend and fellow senior vidwan Shri B.K. Padmanabha Rao, from his book "Reminescences of a Musician" released in December 2006 as part of Prof. Ramarthnam's 90th Birthday Celebrations:
B.K. Padmanabha Rao was one of the favorite disciples of Mysore Vasudevacharya. Rao was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. There was no need for him to become a musician for livelihood. He learnt music for spiritual salvation. Both the goddess of wealth Lakshmi and the goddess of learning Sarswathi had blessed him. My master Sangita Ratna T. Chowdiah had special affectionate regard for him. He had accompanied him on the violin in many of his concerts and encouraged him.
Every Wednesday, Padmanabha Rao would have Bhajans in his room near Sayyaji Rao road, Mysore. I have sung several times in these Bhajans. Padmanabha Rao used to teach music free to nearly 50-60 pupils without expecting anything in return and enabled them to earn their livelihood. He never taught for the sake of money. He used to help needy disciples in several ways. He would give financial help for the marriage of sisters of his disciples. He also helped many musicians financially in their hour of need. In spite of all his affluence, he was free from ego, was very disciplined and full of courtesy and humility.
Padmanabha Rao held the position of the Secretary of the Bidaram Krishnappa’s Sri Rama Mandiram Committee. I was a member of the Executive Committee at that time. The Ayyanar College of Music was housed in this Mandiram. During this period, we became very good friends. Every year, Padmanabha Rao would request all of us to cooperate with him as volunteers, during the Ramotsavam concert festival. I would accompany him for nearly a month to collect subscriptions, work late and we would have dinner together. He had a special liking for my music. He used to provide me with good accompaniments and used to encourage me. With V. Govindaswamy Naiker, T.K. Murthy, Madurai Krishna Iyengar and others as my accompanists I have given a number of concerts in the Bidaram Krishnappa’s Rama Mandiram.
Padmanabha Rao came up with idea and organized music conferences in the Bidaram Krishnappa’s Sri Rama Mandiram and arranged for the award of the titleâ€â€Â