Indira Murlidhar

With deep sadness, our family would like to share the news of the passing of our dear Indira (“Indu”) Murlidhar. Indu was the beloved wife of the late T.R. Murlidhar, and mother of Rohini Chandrabhatla & Anjana Barad, mother in-law to Ganesh Chandrabhatla & Nitin Barad, and grandmother to Ria, Rishi, Kajal, Juhi and Rohan. Sister to Vijaya Pandit and late Diwakar and Vishwa. 

Her greatest love was her grandchildren and nieces (Shruthi, Abhi, Shwetha, Sindhu, Swathi and Surabhi) and her family. Born in Mysore, Karnataka, India, Indu was known to be a studious child who loved mathematics and the arts. She completed her Bachelors and then obtained a Master's degree earning the honor of being the youngest Masters candidate at the young age of only 18. 

After getting married and starting her family, she embarked on her biggest adventure that spanned the globe. At age 23, she made London her home where she raised her daughters, developed her teaching career and began fulfilling her dreams of singing Carnatic music, Kannada literature and playing the Veena. 

In 1987, she and the family moved to Michigan USA. She continued teaching with Detroit Public Schools, and taught in universities and colleges in the region along the way. 

A true lover of the arts, Indu’s musical talents of singing and playing the veena were joyfully shared with all. She was very active in the Kannada & Tamil cultural and music communities, and has made a tremendous impact on all who were near and dear to her. 

Her passion for Indian cooking was legendary. She loved crafts, knitting, crochet and more (even quilting). There is not a craft she did not enjoy and many projects still remain.

We were honored to see her love and dedication to her husband, our father Tirumakudlu Murlidhar (Murlidhar).We will miss her sajjage, her “kara kara snacks” and her nonstop chit-chat and endless craving of Buddy’s pizza.

She passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by family, and friends, a day shy of her 81st birthday.The family will miss her dearly,

With love from your daughters, Anjana Barad and Rohini Chandrabhatla

The Puja will be held at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth, Michigan on Sunday, September 27, 2026 beginning at 9:30 AM