Former Veena Cassettes founder and cultural advocate K.C. Maloo, known for his dedication to Rajasthani language and folk music, died of a heart attack at the age of 80. Maloo’s funeral will be held on Tuesday at 4.30 p.m. starting from his residence in Jaipur. Born in 1946 in Sujangarh, Churu district, he was committed to preserving Rajasthan’s cultural heritage.
Maloo, through Veena Cassettes, recorded and distributed numerous Rajasthani folk songs and cultural performances, supporting emerging artists and safeguarding the state’s musical legacy. He was a strong proponent for including Rajasthani in India’s Eighth Schedule and had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to advocate for this cause. Notably, he organized the ‘Lata Mangeshkar Night’ during a severe drought in 1987, raising Rs 1.01 crore for relief efforts.
Recognized for his contributions, Maloo received prestigious awards like the Samagra Kala Sadhana Award and the Rajasthan Ratna Award. His passing has elicited tributes from leaders and cultural figures nationwide, with many acknowledging his immense impact on Rajasthani music and folk traditions. His legacy includes extensive research on traditional wedding songs and a vast collection of Rajasthani folk music recordings.
