A gathering of greats
MALATHI RANGARAJAN
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The Kannadasan Vizha held recently had both poignant and light moments.
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Award presentation: (From Left) S.P. Muthuraman, Mannargudi Malarvaendhan, V.N. Chidambaram, Saraswathy Ramanathan, ‘Vennira Aadai’ Nirmala, Kavirimaindhan (behind), T.K. Ramamurthy, M.S. Viswanathan, Kanmani Subbu, Gandhi Kannadasan and Dr. Ramasamy Kannadasan.
That the lyricist-poet’s works and songs are evergreen was evident from the full house at Vani Mahal on Saturday last. The occasion marked the 83rd birthday of the songster nonpareil and the 18th anniversary of Kaviarasu Kannadasan Tamizh Sangam, (Ph: 98847 92688).
Kannadasan Vizha is an annual affair that probably has no parallel, because no lyricist continues to be deified by admirers nearly three decades after he has gone in such a grand manner! When Kavirimaindhan, a helmsman of the Sangam, said Kannadasan is still the guiding force in his life, you could make out that he really meant it.
No event in honour of Kannadasan can be complete without M.S. Viswanathan. Along with T.K. Ramamurthy he was on the dais to honour actor ‘Vennira Aadai’ Nirmala, the recipient of the Kannadasan Award 2009. “Kannadasan meant everything to me and talking about him makes me emotional. It is better I don’t,” said MSV.
TKR, the elder of the two, insisted on saying a few words about MSV’s magnanimity. “None can forget the lyrical prowess of Kannadasan. MSV and I were very close to him. A word about MSV’s large-heartedness — some years ago we were to present a show together, when suddenly I fell ill. Though I couldn’t make it that day, Vichu forced me to take a share of the payment,” he began. MSV tried to pull the mike away from him but TKR resisted and added, “I have to tell you all about the man’s greatness.”
For the first time in several years S. Jagathrakshagan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, wasn’t present at the function. An ardent admirer of Kannadasan’s lyric skills he would wax eloquent on the poet every year. This time he had sent his greetings for the success of the function.
Gifted singers
Ravi, Hari, Renu and Ranjani of ‘Airtel Super Singers’ fame are a gifted lot — they got a chance to perform in the presence of the kings of melody, MSV and TKR. Their yesteryear hits such as ‘Isai Kaettal Puvi Asaindhaadum…’ and ‘Andha Sivagami Maganidam…’ had the duo nodding their heads in appreciation. But shouldn’t the two singers who rendered ‘Pon Ondru Kandaen…’ have been more perfect in their presentation?
Missing cues quite often may be overlooked on other occasions but not when singing in the presence of the creators of the gem.
Saraswathi Ramanathan, president of the Sangam, was her cheerful self as she emceed the evening’s show with gusto. But when she sang a couple of lines now and then the strain on her vocal chords was obvious.
The casual, colloquial approach of V.N. Chidambaram, proprietor, Kamala Theatre, and friend of Kannadasan, had the audience in splits most of the time. Kannadasan’s sons — Kanmani Subbu, Gandhi and Dr. Ramasamy — who were on the dais, were in stitches too. So was S.P. Muthuraman. “I don’t know why the organisers have given me a seat beside ‘Vennira Aadai’ Nirmala. Her fair complexion seems to highlight my dark skin further,” he quipped.
Chidambaram’s exchange peppered with anecdotes of the time he had spent with Kannadasan, was enjoyable throughout.
He went on to garner much applause when he spoke of the golden era of the combo of Kannadasan, MSV, TKR, T.M. Soundararajan and Sivaji Ganesan coming together for some scintillating strains.
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