T. R. Mahalingam (November 5, 1926[1]–May 31, 1986) affectionately known as Mali, was a flautist who revolutionised the style of flute-playing in Carnatic music.[2] He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in January 1986, which he refused as according to him it was a delayed recognition.[3] N. Ramani is one of his disciples. History Born in Tiruvidaimarudur, Tanjavur district in Tamil Nadu to Ramaswami Ayyar,[4] He had an elder sibling Devaki and started learning singing music from his maternal uncle Jalra Gopala Ayyar