Violin maestro Kunnakudi Vaidhyanathan died in Chennai on Monday night following a heart attack.

He was 73. He was undergoing treatment for heart aliment at a private hospital when the end came at about 2150 hours. He had been admitted to hospital five days ago.

The famous carnatic violinist was among the best along with other greats like T N Krishnan Lolkudi Jayaraman. His innovative style and 'playing around with notes' won him accolades as well as criticism.

He also contributed music for about 15 Tamil films, some of which were hits.

Vaidhyanathan was known for his excellent fingering technique with which he could simulate sounds of animals, birds and elements of nature, among others. His inspiration was western violinist Paganini.

Vaidhyanathan has had a hectic, varied life as an artiste. Since 1980, he was secretary, Shri Tyagabramha Mahotsava Sabha, Tiruvaiyaru, and was appointed state artiste by Tamil Nadu government in 1984. He was a member of the South Zone Cultural Centre of the Government of India since 1986. He was appointed Asthana Vidwan of Kanchi Mutt in 1987. He was also the recipient of many awards.

Kunnakudi Vaidhyanathan had deep faith in the therapeutical merits of music. At the age of 15, he played on his violin, at the instance of Dr Ganapati [Images] Subramanyam of Karaikudi Bairavi raaga for hours by the side of his father who was in coma. The patient slowly regained consciousness and lived for a decade.