Oottukkadu Venkata Kavi, a composer of time-transcending brilliance and encyclopedic erudition, is said to have lived approximately between 1700-1765. The vastness of his multi-dimensional creations is only matched by the depth of his knowledge and exemplary attitude. He was a consummate master of melody, form, rhythm, meter, poetry, dance, drama, epics, mythology, cultural history and geography who was at equal ease in Sanskrit as well as Tamil.

In his wonderful treatise, Sangita Ratnakara Sarangadeva (1210-1247) lists about 30 qualities that composers must possess. These include not only command over melody, rhythm, meter, rhyme but also a sense of drama, poetry, awareness of characters, situation and numerous other aspects. Venkata Kavi is a rare phenomenon in Indian music who ticks most of these boxes.