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Tuesday, July 31, 2007

"Nilavum-Malarum" - A Musical Concert by SPB & S.Janaki


“NILAVUM MALARUM”
A Musical Concert by the Legends of Playback Singing “S.Janaki” and “SPB”


Venue : Nehru Indoor Stadium (Near Chennai Central Station)
Date : 29/07/2007
Time : 6:05pm
Organised by : T.V.K.Cultural Academy
Music by M.K.T. Raja’s “Theem Thiranaa” Orchestra

Dear SPB Fans,

Finally the much awaited day confronted us on 29/07/2007 and an excited team of SPB Fans found itself among the 10,000+ audience which had turned up to experience the memorable moments in store from the Gigantic Legends of Play-Back Singing “Paadum Nila” Balu and “Pani Malar”/”Paadum KuyilS.Janaki. In fact, during the program, our SPB gestured at Janakiamma when he sang the song “koo koo enru kuyil koovaadhO…” and she in turn when she sang the phrase “indha kuyil endha oor kuyil…” IT WAS A PLEASANT EXCHANGE.

The excitement started when I entered the parking area. I found it difficult to find space to park my vehicle. The space seemed to represent an ocean of cars and two wheelers. And many more vehicles were streaming in and struggling to find parking space. This was a clear indication that the auditorium would be filled up to its capacity.

The show was scheduled to start at 6:05pm as printed on the tickets. But as usual it started late at around 6:30pm. Having accommodated ourselves with an half-hour delay which is nothing as compared to the treat we were due for, our expectations was that the program would start with an introduction song by the Orchestra and then lend itself fully into the hands of the two Legends. Alas! it was not destined to be so. The Orchestra singers had the luxury of rendering four consecutive numbers ending up making the clock show 6:50pm. This literally meant a probable loss of a few songs from the Legends from their planned list.

Finally, nearing 7:00pm, the two Legends were welcomed to the stage amidst roaring applause. Our SPB greeted the crowd in his typical style of bowing and clasping his hands together and he also took the blessings of Janakiamma by touching upon her feet. He was dressed up in a dark brown coloured pant and a light coffee coloured full sleeved shirt. Janakiamma on her part was in her usual attire of white saree with small flowers printed all over it.

Song by song discussion would have no meaning here as there was not much of narration by our SPB in this show. Normally he conveys lot of information about a song during a program. Maybe since Janakiamma was also there with him and in order to fit in more number of songs with her, he might have restricted his otherwise enjoyable narrations. Also, he did not seem his normal effervescent self for most part of the program. He seemed to be tensed up at times, maybe, due to some technical problems in tuning of instruments by the orchestra especially the Tabla & the Sound System as well and later with the organisors & sponsors for not giving due recognition to Janakiamma during the presentation ceremony which took place in the second half of the program.

They started off with a duet “Paruvame Pudhiya Paadal Paadu…”. SPB did a mimicry of sorts (not able to figure why? Was it a prelude to the song in the film? May be someone can throw light on this) before launching himself into the song. He also improvised the song by first asking Janakiamma “How are you” and she replying “I am fine” and then both of them immersed themselves in the song. Thereafter it was a continuous belting of one song after another with a mixture of solos and duets and when the program did come to an end they had sung 28 songs between them.

SPB mentioned that “nilave mugam kaattu..” was their special choice for the program.

Before the song “vetri meedhu vetri vandhu…” he paid due tributes to MGR and his Guru M.S.Viswanathan for having brought him recognition in the Tamil Film Industry. This song was rendered with great energy by the Legend. He said that eventhough “Iyarkai Enum ..” was his first one, it was the MGR song which brought instant fame and recognition.

perai sollavaa…” had both of them coming into their groove with a very romantic rendition. The orchestra was also good in this number.

The Greats seemed to enjoy each other’s company once again after a long gap. SPB was always there to help Janakiamma out with respect to timing during the song & also readjusting the orchestra to suit her and she had frequent, cute & affectionate smiles for him throughout. SPB mentioned that she must have sung nearly 1000 songs for ILayaRaja alone

Before he sang “kannaal pesum penne”, he had a few words of praise for Music Director Vidyasagar for churning out meaningful and melodious numbers. Our SPB missed out on continuity during the second charanam but made it up with a jugglery of words to bring it in line and appropriately completed it with “I am sorry, I am sorry..” which was a part of the song itself. I am not sure whether this was an improvisation done by him in order to add more meaning to the “sorry” phrase. His rendition was very energetic and it belied his age totally.

nethu raathiri yemma..” had the experienced duo turn youthful belting it out energetically and making the audience dance to it. What great effect when two gigantic singing energies combine.

He was all praise for Janakiamma’s versatility for singing different types of songs in her career be it “singara vElanE….” in the classical mould or a romantic number or different voices to suit certain characters. He said that it was a boon for the Music Industry to have such a versatile singer in its midst.

In spite of her age, she did manage to present the songs in her characteristic style and voice even though at times the lower octaves did not come out clearly due to problems with the sound system. Same was the case for our SPB too.

The selection of songs needs to be lauded. Instead of sticking to the normally repetitive numbers, they had brought in great melodies which are not so frequently rendered. It was also spread to include a wide repertoire ranging from melody to fast paced numbers therefore catering to all sections of the crowd. The focus was mainly on the songs recorded during 1975 to 1990 with only a few songs on either side.

SPB said that the song “nanda nee en nila…” was his own selection for the day and he hoped everyone would enjoy it. This might not be a very familiar song for many who had tuned into listening to his songs after the early 80s but it was one of the best songs of SPB from the 1970s with a classical base, a beautiful composition by Music Director V.Dakshinamurthy and rendered exquisitely by our SPB.

During the program, our SPB expressed his thanks to Janakiamma for being one of the first few persons who had encouraged him into film singing. He told that she was around 10 years elder to him and she was still singing having completed 50 years in the Industry. Janakiamma pointed out that it was only “8 years” with child-like enthusiasm and in a sweet voice.

His mention about ILayaRaja had to do with the “then sindhudhE vaanam…” song during the recording of which, ILayaRaja was a part of Music Director G.K.Venkatesh’s Team. This evergreen number was soulfully rendered by the Greats.

His rendition of “koottaththilE koyil puraa…” received the best round of applause as it had lot of sangadhis and swaras towards the end.

Janakiamma’s rendition of “pon mEni urugudhe..” defied all logic. At the age of 69 she was able to still sing it with same emotion and deft silky touches as the original of 25 years ago.

There were a few irritants in the form of projected advertisements on the two big screens on either side of the stage between the songs. This seemed to upset the Legends and the audience too initially but finally logic prevailed as sponsors form a major part of a mega event in terms of resources and advertising during such an event would serve their cause too. This also could have been one of the reasons which would have prevented our SPB from passing on the tidbits about a song.

The presentation ceremony honouring the various sponsors and organisors as also the Legends was in the second half of the Show and it consumed 15 minutes. During this period, our SPB seemed to be perturbed with the treatment meted out to Janakiamma as it seemed she was not being duly recognized during the ceremony. He went all out to ensure that she was given due importance.

I was there till 9:30pm, up to the completion of the song “thedum kanpaarvai thavikka..” and after that I had to leave. I understood that the program came to an end at around 10.15pm. So, I happened to miss out on 6 songs.

Also, I understood later that towards the fag end of the Show, some of the SPB Fans namely Ashok, Covai Ravee, Seshadri & Priya had the honour of presenting silk shawls to SPB & Janakiamma on the stage and also that our SPB did take some time to brief to the gathering about our E-Fan Group and its charitable activities. I regret very much for having missed out on this opportunity to share the stage with the Legends due to my early exit from the Show.

Well, it was a great day for many of us listening to our Jumbo and Janakiamma. Hope you all enjoyed the narration of the event. I am looking forward to share many more such moments in the future too. Please check out for the telecast of this program on Vijay TV.

LIST OF SONGS (in the order as they were sung upto the song "thedum kanpaarvai...)

1) Jaya Krishna mukunta murare ….. (Orchestra Singer - Mukesh)
2) July Kaatre ………(Orchestra Singer - Balaji)
3) Azhage Brahmanidam ….. (Guest Singer - Ganga & Orchestra Male singer)
4) Nilavum Malarum Paadudhu…(Orchestra Singers-Mukesh+Female Singer) from “Then Nilavu”
5) “Paruvame Pudhiya Paadal..” (SPB + SJ) from “Nenjaththai KiLLadhE
6) “Nilave Mugam kaattu …” (SPB + SJ) from “Ejamaan
7) “Maadhaa un kOyilil…” (SJ) from “Achchaani
8) “Vetri meedhu vetri vandhu..” (SPB) from “Thaedi Vandha MaapiLLai
9) “Perai sollava..” (SPB + SJ) from “Guru
10) “Paadu nilave then kavidhai …” (SPB + SJ) from “Udhaya Geetham
11) “Rojaavai thaalaattum thendral …” (SPB + SJ) from “Ninaivellaam Nithya
12) “Kannaal pesum penne ….” (SPB) from “Mozhi
13) “Thaalatum Poongaatru …” (SJ) from “Gopura VaasalilE
14) “Koo Koo enru kuyil koovadho…” (SPB + SJ) from “Kaadhal Parisu
15) “Malare mounama …” (SPB + SJ) from “Karna
16) “Naethu raathiri yemma..” (SPB + SJ) from “Sagalakalaa Vallavan
17) “Nanda nee en nila…” (SPB) from “Nanda en Nila
18) “Roja poo naadi vandhadhu…” (SJ) from “Agni Natchathiram
19) “Then sindhudhe vaanam..” (SPB + SJ) from “Ponnukku Thanga Manasu
20) “Vaanile thenila aadudhe paadudhe..” (SPB + SJ) from “Kaakhi Sattai
21) “Sandhana kaatre senthamizh ootre…” (SPB + SJ) from “Thanikkaattu Raja
22) "Sahanaa thooral..." (Orchestra Singer – Mukesh + Female singer) from “Sivaji”
23) “Koottathile koyil pura…” (SPB) from “Idhayakovil"
24) “Pon meni urugudhe….” (SJ) from “Moondraam Pirai
25) “Yaaro yaarukkul ingu yaaro…” (SPB + Orchestra Singer) from “Chennai 600028
26) “Mouna maana nerum …” (SPB + SJ) from “Salangai Oli
27) “Thedum kanpaarvai thavikka …” (SPB + SJ) from “Mella Thiranthathu Kadhavu
28) “Vettiveru vaasam …” (SJ+orchestra male singer) from “Mudhal Mariyaadhai
29) “ChandiranO sooriyanO.. Ballelakka…” (SPB + Orchestra Singers) from “Sivaji
30) “Sundari kannaal oru seidhi …” (SPB + SJ) from “Thalapathi
31) “Innum ennai enna seiya pogirai …” (SPB + SJ) from “Singaara Velan
32) “Adiye manam nilluna nikkaadhadi..” (SPB + SJ) from “Neengal KEttavai"
33) “Megam kottattum …” (SPB) from “Enakkul Oruvan

( SPB solo : 7 SJ solo : 5 SPB-SJ duets : 16 Orchesta Singers only : 5 )


Special Thanks to "S.Muralidharan" for capturing the memorable moments & to "Ashok" for emailing them to me for including in the blog





16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr Dasarathi,

The write up is asusual good.. Prompt, meticulous & good naration. It gives a quick flashback of the MEGA Event once again. How is that u notice minute things...I always keep wondering.

Somehow this time, the feeling 'could have been better' is there in many hearts for many reasons!!

Though this event gave me an opportunity to meet 'Covai Ravee' (uncle!)& Vellore Vijay in person, the absence of Soumya (first time), Venky (first time), Magi, Madhu (different row), Prasan, Balaji, Harikrishnan, Vijaykrishnan & others was greatly felt.

And the experience of garlanding Janaki mam & seeking her blessings is extremely refreshing, thrilling & unforgettable. To meet sir very close made my heart beatings too miserable! Ofcourse he was full of praise for "MY web fans..." which was indeed good to hear. He never fails to recognise us! Thanks to Webmaster & Ashok for giving me this greatest 'life time' honor.

Love
Priya

Sundar Padmanaban said...

Superb post Dasaradhi. I always feel sad of missing these kind of great programs, simply because I'm far away.

Your post helped me to visualize the program details. Thank you very much.

Anonymous said...

An Excellent write up Dasarathi sir All the Best. snaps are very very nice.

Anonymous said...

Dear Sir,
Glad to know about the programme and many many thanks for your postings.
Regards,
Mallikarjuna

SPBMANIA said...

Dear Dasaradhi,

I was eagerly waiting for this post from yesterday. Thanks very much for this post.

I feel very sad as I could not be there for the show. I really miss u all.

zakaas4u

magisivappa said...

Great and meticulous work Dasarathi sir. You really have the talent and patience to go through the event and relive to write.
How often I wondered if I can write! The moment I enter the auditorium, first I get restless and too impatient to wait to see HIM. And after I see HIM, I feel nothing but HIS presence and HIS VOICE. Infact I watch only HIM when there are others singing along with HIM. I used to think that I should note down the songs and some details to present a write up. After the programme, usuallly, I am heart broken to think that the programme is over. I live with the hangover for a couple of days and then I see the mails or writeups related to the event.
Thank you very much Priya that you recognised our presence. I came to Madras to my friends place and I could not have been alone as I have some problem with my knee. I HAD TO BE WITH MY FRIENDS as I was in their house. I missed being with you all. I wanted to be present to present a memento. I am unfortunate as usual.
I had mentioned to HIM in one of my mails to him that I would be at HIS concert with Janaki Amma. He had replied in acknowledgement.
I do not know if HE had this in mind when he mentioned that there are some people from Bangalore for the concert, I took it personal and felt on top of the world.

Thank you for your write up.

Prasanna said...

Hi Dasaradhi
It was a gr8 narration ... I missed the occassion badly eventhough i made enough plan ... But GOD has planned differently and i am in very bad situation after loosing my baby at the time of delivery . Poornima was totally upset , now she is recovering . I can see joy in her face when i read ur narration to her . Like kid she was listening . Thanks to Our Jumbo and to YOU for bringing back smile in Poorni's face atleast for while .

Luv and Live with Music
Prasan

Sundar Padmanaban said...

Prasan,

I'm very shocked and I'm truly sorry.

I understand how painful this is, Time is the only healer.

Convey my best wishes to Poornima and Please take care of her health.

God bless you.

magisivappa said...

We pray for you Prasanna. As Sunder puts it Time is the best healer. HE is beyond it I presume. HE brings happiness and Writing about HIM Dasarathi brings happiness.
Thanks to you Dasarathi, Sundar, Ravi sir, Ashok, Seshadhri..........

Anonymous said...

Hai PV,

//i am in very bad situation after loosing my baby at the time of delivery . Poornima was totally upset //

உங்களின் வருத்தம் ஈடுசெய்யமுடியாதது. திரு.அசோக் என்னிடம் 3.00 மணி அளவில் அவர் வீட்டிற்கு அழைத்து செல்லும் போது தகவல் சொன்னார் எனக்கும் மிகவும் வருத்தமாக இருந்தது. எத்தனை ஆவலுடன் இருப்பீர்கள் உங்கள் மனநிலை எனக்கு புரிந்தது. அன்றே நான் இரவு கிளம்ப வேண்டிய சூழ்நிலையில் இருந்ததால் தங்களை காண இயலவில்லை. தங்கள் பூர்னிமாவிற்க்கு என் வருத்தங்களை தெரிவிக்கவும். கடவுள் ஒருத்தர் இருக்கிறார். அவர் உங்களுக்கு நல்லதே செய்வார். கலங்காதீர்கள்.

Anonymous said...

This is a wonderful writeup. I felt like I was acutally experiencing the entire concert. Great Narration, Mr. Dasarathi!
Thaks for providing the link Mr. Covai Ravee.

Bhaskar (S.Janakiamma Fan)
SJanaki@yahoogroups.com

Anonymous said...

Dasaradhi Sir,
I was really visualising the scenes while reading each para. Thanks a lot. Its amazing. Superb work.

S.Balaji

DASARADHI said...

Dear Priya,Sundar,Covai Ravee,Mallikarjuna,Vikas,Magi,Prasanna,Bhaskar & S.Balaji

Thanks a lot for your comments. It always gives me immense pleasure to write about our SPB and more pleasure to read your feedback. This will be a constant boost for me to keep on writing about the Legend

Anonymous said...

Dear Dasaradhi

A very well written and neatly presented narration. You have not gone into the song details. By just giving the list of the songs and elaborating more on the other happenings makes it all the more interesting.

It was just a bit of unluck on your part for not being present during the concluding moments.

Well done.

Regards
N. Ramanathan
Coimbatore

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr Dasarathi,

I sincerely appreciate the quality of your write up. Indeed it is an art and you have mastered it.

Each narration of yours has been a gem. Truly.

Enjoyed thoroughly reading it.

With regards

GRK

DASARADHI said...

Dear Mr.Ramakrishna Rao,

Thanks for your compliments. It gives me great pleasure

Dasaradhi

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