The Academy was packed. Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer was to inaugurate the festival. All artistes were eagerly wishing to listen to Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer without any accompanying percussion instruments. He sang  “Devadeva Kalayamithe.” He sang yet one more but only with Tambura for the sruti. He was generous and presented everyone with books of Dikshitar’s Navagraha kritis after signing it. 

Jayashri said she felt very excited and happy when he wrote her name in the book and signed it. Sometime in 1989, Jayashri had accompanied her guru Lalgudi Jayaraman with other disciples to Mangalore.  Semangudi Srinivasa Iyer was to give a concert at Mangalore the following morning. Mangalore those days was famous for a type of vada, soaked with lot of oil yet tasted well. During concert times, musicians usually avoid these stuffs because it might upset their rendering capacity.

Srinivasa Iyer had consumed one big vada half an hour before the concert and yet gave a splendid performance, she recalled. More than anything else, it brought out the strength and stamina in him. Those who had the studentship under him should have been blessed, Jayashri said. She might not have had direct training under Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. His passing away, nonetheless, had upset her deeply.