Velu Aasan – The veteran Parai artiste from Madhurai who won Padma Shri 2025

Velmurugan, widely known as Velu Aasan is a veteran Parai artiste from Madhurai, the state of Tamil Nadu, who won Padma Shri in 2025, for his contributions towards folk art form. Parai is a percussion instrument mostly played during funerals, and Velu Aasan is known for promoting this art form across the state. Often referred to as the “Prince of Parai”, he won this honour at the age of 55.

Velu Aasan was 10 years old when uncle gave him this musical instrument

His real name is Velmurugan. He hails from Mettamalai village near Sattur in Virudhunagar district. Since young, when he listens someone playing Parai, he starts dancing. Then his uncle gifted him with one such instrument when he was 10, and Velu started playing since then. Though his father and uncle played this instrument, his mother didn’t want him to do it.

The instrument is mostly associated with funerals, and hence during childhood elders asked him not to accompany them to such places. But he got attracted with the instrument and its rhythm, and his hands would keep tapping every flat surface he came across. His father Ramayya took him to theatres so that he can teach him the beat of the songs. Velu also picked up techniques from various gurus he came across. He learned feet movements from Kattapas from Natham. His elder brothers, Malaichaami Vaadhiyaar and Saegu Vaadhiyaar also taught him.

His first public performance at a village festival in Alanganallur, Madurai

After learning this art form from different people, he started performing and started getting recognition from public. He did odd jobs to earn a living and was kept away from this art form for 8 years before he finally embraced this art fulltime. It was mainly because of the opposition he faced from his own family. Even when he wasn’t playing the Parai, he found ways to create music with whatever objects were available.

He named his troupe Samar at music director Ilaiyaraaja’s office in Chennai

Later he started his own troupe, and his aim was to ensure his men were paid well. He has played Parai for several Tamil films such as Kumki, Kayal, and the hugely popular ‘Madura kulunga’ from Subramaniapuram. He formed the Alanganallur Thappisai Kuzhu, now the largest Parai music troupe in Tamil Nadu.

From performing at funerals, he lifted the musical instrument to a new stage, where their electrifying performances became a staple at cultural events and festivals. Parai holds significance in Tamil Nadu’s cultural history. No occasion or mourning is complete without Parai. Even war scenes and moments of love involved the music of Parai.

He performed in many countries and also taught many kids

Apart from performing, he also teaches both men and women, and that’s why he is called ‘Aasan’ (Guru). He also promoted this disappearing art form globally by performing in China, the US, Dubai, Sri Lanka, and Singapore. He teaches in schools and colleges across Tamil Nadu. Now this instrument is popular among youngsters as well. Though he has been performing all these years, Velu still does not earn much.

Some time back, this instrument was performed by oppressed communities and these men were forced to perform for long hours for meagre salaries. Artistes like Velu reformed this art form and its artists also started getting respect like other artists. He is still working towards helping traditional artistes to earn respect and recognition that eluded them for generations. Though he is still living in poverty, he is continuing his performance to preserve this art.

Velu Aasan – Some interesting and less-known facts

1. He started his performance at the age of 13 in 1982.

2. Traditionally performed by men, Velu Aasan opened doors for female performers also, and taught them the art form.

3. Now this instrument is used in film songs too, and artists like Velu Aasan’s efforts played a major role.

4. In those 8 years when he didn’t touch the instrument because of the pressure from family, he never stopped creating music and he used to create music from anything he got.

5. ‘Speechless and overjoyed with Padma Shri honour’ – it was his response to the honour, and he felt delighted when this instrument finally got nationwide recognition.

6. Though Parai is a solo instrument one can find numerous variations, and through his incessant practice, Velu Aasaan mastered all such variations. 

7. The music played at mournings is called ‘Saavu Adi’ (Beats during death) and each district has its own variations, and Velu mastered all.