The Melodious Success Story of An Andhra Flute Maker Who Life Transformed After Covid Pandemic

The Melodious Success Story of An Andhra Flute Maker Who Life Transformed After Covid Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic brought a complete transformation in the life of an Andhra Pradesh music enthusiast, who went on from being a labourer to a manufacturer of handmade musical instrument.

Chilaka Mallikarjuna, a native of Nandikotkur in Nandyal district, has now become famous across the globe for his handmade flutes.

Mallikarjuna earlier led his life by doing petty jobs in his hometown. He became jobless after Covid-19 pandemic due to the lockdown.

During the pandemic, he thought of making handmade flute without machines and started making it at his house itself.

He got high-quality bamboos from Australia apart from the states across the including Kerala and Maharashtra. He even created a brand named- ‘Vennela’ for his handmade musical instrument.

It takes him 4-7 days to make a flute and he himself checks the quality of each flute for a minimum of two days before selling it to his customers. The price of the flute ranges between Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000.

“I lost my job at the time the virus spreads like a wildfire and all doors closed to me when I am searching for a job. Though the situation is pathetic, an idea of making handmade flutes on my own strikes my mind which changed my life in a positive way,” Mallikarjuna told News18.

“I am making various types of flutes according to the requirement of the customers. I readied the flute after receiving orders from the customers. The new business gives me money as well as peace of mind with melodies music from the flute,” he added.