L.R. Eswari, playback singer: There would be competition between us but not jealousy. I have sung several songs with him. Some of them are evergreen melodies that ring in my mind even today. I am honoured to have been a contemporary of such great singers. I had the opportunity to lend my voice in his 'Veedu varai uravu'.
Vaali, lyricist: He was my benefactor. He sang my song ‘Karpanai enralum, karchilai endralum kandaney unnai maravaen’ in 1956, immortalising it. Since then, he has been my best friend who encouraged me. The wonderful thing is, just a couple of days ago, I had spoken with him. But I never thought he would fade away so quickly.
Sachu, actor: TMS’ voice suited both MGR and Sivaji. We used his song 'Muruga nee allathu deivam illai, unathu nenjae naan vazhum' in a drama Kanavu Kandaen Kannan and the heart-rending song won a rousing applause. He managed to attend an awards function two months ago despite his failing health. It is an example of how recognition keeps one going.
S.S. Rajendran, actor: My first song with TMS was 'Erikarayin mele poravale penn mayiley'. Whenever I sang it, he would tell me I rendered it better than him. He was a jovial person who made any gathering lively. The last film in which he sang for me was Manimagudam in which I was paired with Jayalalithaa. He was happy whenever he sang for me as my lip syncing was perfect. We attended a programme in Mumbai as a family, three years ago. A trip to Shirdi that he wanted to make never materialised.
