Nineteen-year-old Sunil R. Gargyan has bagged The Hindu Saregama M.S. Subbulakshmi Award 2014 and will now have an opportunity to sing in an album for the Saregama India label.
Musician T.V. Gopalakrishnan, who presented the award at a function here on Sunday, said that pronunciation and clarity of words are extremely important while singing. “Till the end of her life, I found MS Amma sing with quality, precision and perfection. Young talents must emulate this aspect,” he said.
Mr. Gargyan, a second-year student of B. Com at a city college, said it felt great to receive an honour instituted in the name of a legend of carnatic music. “I learnt the importance of understanding the meaning of the lyrics of songs and to sing it with absolute clarity from her. My focus will now be on the upcoming December music festival,” he added.
He sang Shashivadana in raga Chandrajyothi, Rama Nee Samanamevaru in raga Kharaharapriya and Naalai Varum Endru in raga Chandrakauns .
R. Seshasayee, vice-chairman of Ashok Leyland, recalled how M.S. Subbulakshmi encouraged young talent. “Several years ago, someone sang Kurai Ondrum Illai in front of her and she appreciated the young talent too. That’s how humble she was,” he added.
Musicians T. V Gopalakrishnan, S. Rajeswari and K. Krishnakumar were the judges for the competition.
The title sponsor and associate sponsors were Lancor Properties and Isteel and Tafe respectively. The event was powered by RMKV Silks and the trophy partner was Mantra Gold.
