Tarabaayi Doddi, an octogenarian who embodies Kannada folk music

A frail 80-year-old Kannada folk singer and composer - Tarabaayi Doddi, from Shimoga district of Karnataka, has dedicated her life to the otherwise dying art form and specialises in several genres and heads of Kannada folk songs including Sobane Pada, Kattopada, Lavani, Hanthi Pada.

Shimoga (Karnataka): Tarabaayi Doddi, a frail old lady who can barely walk without support, embodies the folk art and culture of Karnataka with her quivering yet melodious voice, as she doles out Kannada folk songs.

Doddi, a passionate singer, not only sings but also composes songs Kannada folk songs and never shies away from singing them to an audience.

Hailing from Marathuru village of Karnataka's Shimoga district, the 80-year-old grandmother is quite a celebrity, not only in her home town but beyond.

Doddi has been invited to showcase her talent on several platforms, in different states and cities including Bangalore, Mangalore, Bidar, Mysore, Kalaburagi, and Mumbai, among others, and has been recognised for her immense talent.

With the octogenarian being a favourite when it comes to cultural occasions and functions: such as marriages, childbirths, and other family functions, the organisers make special arrangements for her arrival at the venue and pick her up themselves from her house. Several genres and heads of Kannada folk songs including Sobane Pada, Kattopada, Lavani, Hanthi Pada, have been memorised by the passionate singer.

Doddi has also been using her art to send out socially relevant messages, such as spreading awareness about superstition, emphasising on the importance of education, particularly female education, among other things.

Recognising her contribution to the otherwise dying art form, several arts-based organisations, including the state's folk culture department has rewarded her with the prestigious Thayavva Award.