Think Villupattu, think Subbu Arumugam. The veteran musician brought a rare lustre to the art form. Now, his grandson T. Kalaimagan is continuing his good work. Kalaimagam, a long-time resident of K.K. Nagar, is the son of Bharathi Thirumagan, who gives musical discourse, and S. Thirumagan, Controller of Examinations, University of Madras. Kalaimagan says he is blessed to be born in this family, whose members perform together at Villupaatu kutcheris.
Trained in this art from from a young age under the aegis of his grandfather, Kalaimagan has given 600 solo concerts and 2500 stage shows at prominent sabhas. He has performed at concerts in foreign countries.
He says he wants to pursue a doctorate in music. “Villupattu is the mother of all storytelling arts. It needs to be promoted. I have learnt a lot from my grandfather. He always insists on the three Ds – dedication, determination and discipline — to become a successful musician. This has been my mantra,” says Kalaimagan, a trained classical singer who is pursuing his M.A. in music.
Before every concert, the entire family --
including his grandfather, grandmother, uncle, and mother -- gets together to have a discussion about the selection of song and their presentation.
Asked if being born in a music family has helped him, Kalaimagan says that though it has helped, being successful also depends on the individual’s capability and motivation from others. He thanks his alma mater PSBB which has played an important role in shaping his singing career.
The versatile singer is a recipient of Yuva Kala Bharathi award from Bharat Kalachar and Bala Swarna Jwalaa from the Journal of School and Social work . He is a ‘B’ Grade Artiste of All India Radio (Devotional).
