Eighty five years have passed since this legend has come and gone. The impact that M.L. Vasanthakumari created through her honey-soaked voice, both in the fields of Carnatic music and cinema, is history. And recordings of her concerts are still sought after by young performers who only know by her photograph.
MLV is the topic of a book titled MLV- The One And Only, written by Rupa Gopal, a diehard fan of this legend.
The first page has an imposing black and white photograph of MLV clad in a voile sari – a rare one indeed, for most have seen her always in a grand silk sari.
The first chapter gives readers an idea as to what is in store as one peruses the chapters that follow.
MLV, who was considered to be expert in kanakku vazhukku in singing swaras, pallavis and niravals, was a big failure when it came to her personal finances. The lines, “MLV’s only fault perhaps was in her incapable money management - her purse had a torn bottom! She would give expensive gifts where none were necessary, shop with gay abandon and had no concept of saving………..” say it all.
Rupa Gopal’s narrative is simple and straight forward. Leafing through the chapters, which include recollections of luminaries and their personal experiences with MLV, the reader is bound get a feel of being part of those moments. This includes interactions with her son Shankar, dancer Kamala, natyacharya V.P. Dhananjayan, Mrs.Raman of the Kallidaikurichi family, musicians N. Ramani and Karaikudi Krishnamurthy, her disciples Charumathi Ramachandran and Sudha Ragunathan, to name a few.
Some of her family friends both from India and other countries have also shared their most cherished moments with MLV. The black and white photographs add value to the narrative.
