‘Neela Jalashayathil’ competed with ‘Chaudhvin ka Chand’ and ‘Khaike paan Banaras wala.’ The number of contestants was few but what they did not lack was enthusiasm.
The ‘Old is Gold’ film song competition for amateurs above the age of 50 at the Poojappura Saraswathi Mandapam, renamed Bombay S. Kamaal Nagar, on Friday was a celebration of passion for music and life.
It was inaugurated by keyboard artist and music director Rajmohan. Among the songs sung by the participants were ‘Tharakaroopini,’ ‘Alliyambal kadavil,’ and the ever-popular ‘Saranga teri yaad mein.’ K. Surendranathan Nair of Nemon who crooned the hit ‘Khaike pan Banaras wala’ said though he had had no formal training in music, he loved to sing Rafi, Kishore and Mannadey hits. His love for Hindi songs could be traced back to his life outside the State for years, he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Another contestant was V. Sankar who sang ‘Saranga teri yaad mein.’ This huge fan of Mukesh is an untrained singer. He said he also sang Kishore, Rafi and Kumar Sanu songs at various venues and clubs. He too developed a passion for Hindi film music during his stints in other parts of the country. The competition was won by Daisy and Pavithran in the female and male category.
The event was part of the 12{+t}{+h}anniversary fete of the Amaraganasallapam programme of the Centre for Music and Dance.
Contest for amateur singers yields some gems.