Arunachalam was born in 1921 to Palavesam and Chellammal. Arunachalam's father, who was allegedly impressed by the fame and prestige enjoyed by musicians, especially nadaswaram players, wanted to become a nadaswaram player himself. Another account says he was inspired by the virtuosity of the nadaswaram player Koorainadu Natesa Pillai. Though Arunachalam's father trained for several years, he was not successful.
Arunachalam's father taught him to play the nadaswaram. Arunachalam trained further on the nadaswaram under Kattumalli Subbiah and Vilathikulam Swamigal,[1] and under Kalakkad Subbiah Bhagavatar and Kalakkad Ramanarayana Bhagavatar for vocal music.
Arunachalam's break came when he not only had the opportunity to meet Pillai, but also accompanied him on stage when one of Pillai's deputies, Natarajasundaram Pillai, fell ill just before a concert. Impressed with Arunachalam's talent and love for the art, Pillai embraced Arunachalam as his full-time student (Gurukulavasam). Arunachalam honed his skills under the guru over the years and established a name for himself.[2]
Arunachalam quickly became a much sought after artist. Arunachalam's fame soared when he played for the Tamil movie Konjum Salangai, in which the hero is a nadaswaram player. The song "Singaravelane Deva" was a hit and often played at local events. Though he did not continue acting, his career as a musician flourished.
E.V.Saroja, T. R. Ramanna, M.K.Radha, Rajaji and T. D. Kusalakumari were very close relatives of him.
