Collections: Instrumental, Vocal and Cine Music

[P.J.]

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Tributes to Maharajapuram SANTHANAM (Born: December 3, 1928,-Died: June 24, 1992)

Tributes to Maharajapuram SANTHANAM (Born: December 3, 1928,-Died: June 24, 1992)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPaxX-Ay-5E&list=PLdjEKV9TOg7o9uZxzoLqvxXIAdakHwdx6

Published on Sep 22, 2013
Maharajapuram Santhanam

Sangeetha Kalanidhi Maharajapuram Santhanam (Tamil: மகாராஜபுரம் ஸந்தானம்), (December 3, 1928[SUP][/SUP]-June 24, 1992[SUP][[/SUP]) was one of the great Carnatic music vocalists of the 20th century. He was born in Sirunangur, a village in the state of Tamil Nadu. He followed the footsteps of his father Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer who was also a Carnatic singer.

Besides studying with his father, he was also a disciple of Melattur Sama Dikshitar. Maharajapuram Santhanam was also a distinguished composer. He wrote many songs on Lord Murugan and Kanchi Shankaracharya, His Holiness Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Swamigal (Maha Periyavar). He was the Principal of Ramanathan College in Sri Lanka.[SUP]

[/SUP] Later he came and settled in Chennai. The songs which were popularised by Maharajapuram Santhanam are,"Bho Shambo" (Revati), "Madhura Madhura" (Bagheshri), both composed by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, "Unnai Allal" (Kalyani Raga), "Sadha Nin Padhame gathi, Varam onnru" (Shanmukhapriya), "Srichakra Raja" (Ragamalika), "Nalinakaanthimathim" (Ragamalika),"Ksheerabdi kannike" (Ragamalika) among others. The Maharajapuram Santhanam Day is celebrated on the 3rd of December every year.


He died in a car accident on June 24, 1992. His sons Maharajapuram S. Srinivasan, Maharajapuram S. Ramachandran, and his primary disciple Dr. R. Ganesh are now carrying on his musical tradition.
His other most popular songs are Purandaradasa kritis: "Narayana ninna" (Shuddha Dhanyasi) and "Govinda ninna". His rendition of "Vilayada ithu nerama muruga" was without parallel. His renditions were full of Bhakthi.


In Chennai, Griffith Road in T.Nagar was renamed as 'Maharajapuram Santhanam Salai' in honor of Maharajapuram Santhanam, by Karunanidhi and Stalin. The street has the famous Krishna Gana Sabha and Muppathamman Temple.


Awards

• Padma Shri - 1990
• Sangeetha Kalanidhi from the Madras Music Academy - 1989
• Sangeet Natak Akademi award - 1984
• Kalaimamani award by Tamil Nadu Government
• "Sangeetha Sudhakara" by the Yoga vedanta University at Rishikesh
• "Gana Kalanidhi" by Sri Chandrasekhara Bharati of Sringeri Sharada Peetha
• "Sangitha Sagaramritha Varshi" by Jayendra Saraswathi of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.
• A former "Asthana Vidwan" of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Pittsburgh Venkatachalapathi Temple and the Ganapathi Sachidananda Ashrama

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharajapuram_Santhanam

 

[P.J.]

Tributes to R S MANOHAR.

Tributes to R S MANOHAR, full name Ramasamy Subramania Manohar (29 June 1925-10 January 2006)



Tributes to R S MANOHAR, full name Ramasamy Subramania Manohar (29 June 1925-10 January 2006) popular Actor of yesteryear who performed roles ranging from Hero, Villain to Comedic characters, on his Birth Anniversary today. He acted in over 200 films. He is known for his versatility and dominating personality.

He is also known as Nadaga Kavalar for his love for stage plays and his undeterred passion in continuing to put mythological stage plays almost his entire life.



Ramasamy Subramania Manohar was born on 29 June 1925 at Namakkal as Lakshmi Narashiman to Subramania Iyer and Rajalakshmi Ammal. He got the name Manohar after playing the lead role in the play Manohara during school days. He graduated from Pachaiyappa's College, Chennai.


Manohar acted in a number of plays. Some of the famous ones are Ilangeswaran, Chanakkiya Sabadam, Soorapadman, Sisupalan, Indrajith, Sukrachariyar, Naragasooran and Thirunavukkarasar. He was also involved in the production of an English play, Last Tango in Heaven, for Bharat Dabholkar. It was later made as a Movie 'God Only Knows'.





Venkata Raman G
http://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/rs-manohar/biography.html
http://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/rs-manohar.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._S._Manohar
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-pape...view/icon-of-tamil-theatre/article3216780.ece

 

[P.J.]

Swati Kiranam Movie Songs

Swati Kiranam Movie Songs


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJMOTaA1kNE&list=PL5HDCGtq1uZtOvyBh9F4rMuC8i102IjQt


Published on May 1, 2013

 

[P.J.]

Muthiah Bhaagavatar remembered (15 November 1877 – 30 June 1945),


Muthiah Bhaagavatar remembered
(15 November 1877 – 30 June 1945),

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3EbzhzlRvQ


Published on Nov 16, 2012

Album : Devi krithis of harikesanallur muthaiah bhagavathar

HarikEshanallur Mutayyaa Bhaagavatar - (1877-1945) He was a charismatic exponent of Harikatha as well as a seasoned punster. He was born on November 15, 1877 in Harikesanallur, a small village in the Tirunelveli district, in the late 19th century. The death of his father forced young Muthiah to move from Punalveli to Harikesanallur, a village he made famous by affixing its name to his own. Muthiah was sent to Tiruvaiyur by his uncle Lakshmana Suri to learn the sastras. But the atmosphere there was charged with the melodies of Carnatic music and soon Muthiah found himself at the residence of Guru Sambasiva Iyer of the sishya parampara of Tyagaraja, to become a skilled musician. In 1904, Muthiah shifted to Harikatha and made an indelible mark there. T. N. Seshagopalan, disciple of Ramanathapuram Sankara Sivam, who in turn was taught by Muthiah Bhagavathar, says: "The most common reason cited for this shift is that his voice lost its timbre. But I prefer to look at the positive side. Bhagavatar had five attributes most essential for a Harikatha performer. He had knowledge of the sastras, was well-versed in music, had a captivating stage presence, could keep the audience enraptured and above all had a voice that could reach a large audience, so important in those mike-less days."


Mutayyah Bhagavatar composed almost 400 musical forms, the largest among the post-Trinity composers. Tana varnams, Pada varnams, Daru varnams (his has been the first to come down to us), raagamaalikais, individual and group kritis (that include Navavarna, Navagraha, 108 songs each in praise of Siva and Chamundeswari apart from `stuti' kirtanas), patriotic songs, Tillanas, and folk tunes. The songs were on a number of Hindu gods, his patrons, and in four languages - Telugu, Tamil, Sanskrit and Kannada. Almost 20 ragams owe their existence today to this great composer, including vijaysaraswathi, Hamsagamani, Karnaranjani, Budhamanohari, Niroshta and Hamsanandi. When someone asked if he could compose something that would appeal to Westerners, he composed the English notes made famous by Madurai Mani. He popularized shhanmugapriyaa and mohana kalyaaNi. He was adept at playing both the chitravina and mridangam. In addition to musical talents, his theoretical knowledge was also vast. He wrote a treatise on musical theory, Sangita Kalpa Drumam, and regularly gave lectures on musicology at the Music Academy.


He opened a music school called the Tyagaraja Sangita Vidyalaya in Madurai in 1920 on the lines of a gurukulam. Madurai Mani Iyer was one of its star disciples. He was also the first musician to be awarded a doctorate in India when the Kerala University awarded him the D. Litt. for his Tamil Treatise in 1943. He was also the first principal of the Swati Tirunal Academy of music started in Trivandrum in 1939. Muthiah Bhagavatar has also authored a Sanskrit poetic work called ``Tyagaraja Vijaya Kavya''. Seshagopalan says, ``He was also the first to introduce the practice of nagaswara vidwans playing during the puja time at the Thiruvananthapuram temple. In fact there is an anecdote that once some people jealous of the Bhagavatar instigated the Raja who, remarked in a deriding tone about the unsatisfactory calibre of these artistes.'' Muthiah Bhagavatar responded, ``How can you expect T.N. Rajarathnam to come and play every evening for this fee?''


He was awarded the Sangita Kalanidhi title in 1930. The composer and musician lived like a king, but was as magnanimous as he was rich. When others grabbed the credit for work done by him he would remark ``Let them also earn some name and fame. What more do I need at this stage?''


His disciples include K.A. Sreenivasan whom he proudly announced as his number one disciple. Mr. K.A. Sreenivasan has acted in old films like Maya Machindra, Mayabazar and many more and he was one of the best friends of the famous cine actor "Cherukalathur Sama." He was awarded the title " Vidwan " by the then Mysore samasdhanam. K.A.Sreeenivasan's wife's name is Pitchumani Ammal and she has also passed away leaving 2 sons and 2 daughters.


Muthiah Bhaagavatar died in June 30, 1945. The Harikesanjali Trust (promoted by his descendants) has been established to propagate his compositions.

Mudra: HarikEsha

http://www.karnatik.com/co1024.shtml
http://www.indian-heritage.org/lyrics/hmb.html
Indhira Jayaram Rao

 

[P.J.]

Tributes to M L VASANTHA KUMARI

Tributes to M L VASANTHA KUMARI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=705UZXreing



Madras Lalitangi Vasanthakumari (Tamil: மெட்ராஸ் லலிதாங்கி வசந்தகுமாரி) (popularly referred to as MLV) (3 July 1928 – 31 October 1990), was a Carnatic musician and playback singer for film songs in many Indian languages. MLV and her contemporaries D. K. Pattammal and M. S. Subbulakshmi were popularly referred to as the "female trinity of Carnatic Music. A prime disciple of the G. N. Balasubramaniam, she was the youngest among the established musicians of that era, and was the youngest female awardee of the Sangita Kalanidhi award[SUP].

[/SUP]

As well as being a much sought-after playback singer for films, MLV popularised unfamiliar ragas and her Ragam Thanam Pallavis were considered cerebral. Additionally, she popularised the compositions of Purandara Dasa (and other Dasas), and was responsible for popularising his compositions Baarokrishnayya, Innu daya barade, among others.[SUP][citation needed][/SUP] Her most famous disciples include Srividya (her daughter), Sudha Raghunathan, A. Kanyakumari, Charumathi Ramachandran and Meena Subramanian

In 1976, MLV was honoured with a doctorate degree from Mysore University for her work with regards to Purandaradasa's contributions to music. MLV also received the third highest civilian honour from the Indian Government, "Padma Bhushan". In 1977, at age 49, MLV became the youngest woman to earn the award and title in Carnatic music, Sangita Kalanidhi. She also received the Sangeetha Kalasikhamani award given by The Indian Fine Arts Society, Chennai in 1987.


MLV was a front ranking artiste for more than 50 years. She died in 1990 at the age of 63. Beauty and sublimity were the cardinal characteristics of her music.


Please read more

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._L._Vasanthakumari

Venkata Raman.G

 

[P.J.]

Tributes to S V RANGA RAO

Tributes to S V RANGA RAO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe0i-cHYeNc

S V RANGA RAO, full name Samarla Venkata Ranga Rao Naidu (3 July 1918 – 18 July 1974) popularly Known as S.V.R. Indian Film Actor, Director and Producer known for his works in Telugu and Tamil Cinema, on his Birth Anniversary today.. Widely recognized as one of the finest Indian method actors, Rao was popularly known as "Viswa Nata Chakravarthi." He was known for his natural acting and for portraying versatile roles of Hindu mythological characters like Ravana, Ghatotkacha, Duryodhana, Kamsa and Kichaka from Indian Mythology. In 1963, He garnered the Best Actor Award for his portrayal of Kichaka in Nartanasala at the Afro-Asian Film Festival Held in Jakarta. He has garnered the erstwhile Rashtrapati Award, five times for acting in Telugu and Tamil cinema.

Rao was born in Telugu Speaking family, to Samarla Lakshmi and Samarla Koteswara Rao, an excise inspector at Nuzvidu town in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, India when World War I was drawing to a close. His mother, Lakshmi Narasayamma, a staunch devotee of Lord Venkateswara, named the boy after him. The possessive father sent S.V.R. to the erstwhile Madras Presidency where he completed his schooling at Hindu College. At an early age of 12, he showed interest in stage action, he ventured into acting after completing his B.sc.


Awards:
Rashtrapati Award in acting
Annai (1962)
Sarada (1962)
Naanum Oru Penn (1963)
Karpagam (1963)
Nartanasala (1963)
Nandi Award for Best Feature Film (director)
Chadarangam (1967) - Silver Nandi
Bandhavyalu (1968) - Gold Nandi

Filmfare Awards South
Filmfare Special Award - South for Naanum Orupen (1963)
International honors

Best Actor Award for his portrayal of Keechaka in Nartanasala at the Indonesian Film Festival at Jakarta in 1963


Other honors
He was given the distinguished names as Viswa Nata Chakravarti, Nata Sarvabhouma, Nata Sekhara, Nata Simha.




Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._V._Ranga_Rao

Venkata Raman.G

 

[P.J.]

Wishing BALAKUMARAN (born 5 July 1946) prolific Tamil Writer,

Wishing BALAKUMARAN (born 5 July 1946) prolific Tamil Writer.

Wishing BALAKUMARAN (born 5 July 1946) prolific Tamil Writer, author of over 150 novels, 100 short stories, and Dialogue/Screenplay writer for over 14 Films, on his Birthday today. He has also contributed to Tamil periodicals such as Kalki, Ananda Vikatan and Kumudam.



Contribution to Films:

Balakumaran's contribution to films has largely been in the field of Screenplay making and Dialogue writing. His skills in crafting the dialogue for any conceivable character are noteworthy in Kollywood. List of the films to which Balakumaran contributed:


Nayakan
Guna
Shenbagathottam
Gentleman
Kadhalan
Kizhakku Malai
Madangal Aezhu
Ragasiya Police
Baasha
Sivasakthi
Ullaasam
Velai
Jeans
Mugavaree
Kalabha Kadhalan
Vallavan
Manmadhan
Thiruvedu
Pudhupettai
.
Awards:
Literary Awards won :



Irumbu Kudhiraigal – Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiyar Trust Award

Mercury Pookal – Illakkiya Sindhanai Awards

Kadarpalam – State Award (II Prize) (Short Story Collection)
Sugajeevanam – State Award (I Prize) (short story collection)


Cinema Awards Won :

Guna – Cinema Express Award
Kaadalan – State Award (Best dialogue Writer)


Other Awards :
Honoured with "Sindhanai Chemmal" title (From Lions Club Madras)
Kalaimaamani Award from Government of Tamil Nadu




Sources: Venkata Raman G

http://balakumaaran.blogspot.in/2008/05/biography-of-writer-balakumaran.html

 

[P.J.]

Wishing Sri M BALAMURALI KRISHNA

Wishing Sri M BALAMURALI KRISHNA


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_bRD1gUSik

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fPHgITrhi8&feature=youtu.be


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS6xqC_qHqY&feature=youtu.be




Wishing Sri M BALAMURALI KRISHNA or Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna (born 6 July 1930) Indian Carnatic Vocalist, Multi-Instrumentalist, Playback Singer, Composer and Actor, on his Birthday today.. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, for his contribution towards Indian Art. He was made Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Government in 2005


Balamurali Krishna was born in Telugu speaking Brahmin family of Sankaraguptam, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh state. His father was a well known musician and could play the flute, violin and the veena and his mother was an excellent veena player. His mother died when he was an infant and Balamuralikrishna was raised by his father. Observing his inner penchant towards music, his father put him under the tutelage of Sri Parupalli Ramakrishnayya Pantulu. Sri Pantulu was a direct descendant of the Sishya Parampara of Saint Thyagaraja.


Under his guidance, the young Balamuralikrishna learned Carnatic Music. At the age of eight, Balamuralikrishna gave his first full-fledged concert at a Thyagaraja Aradhana, Vijayawada. Musunuri Suryanarayana Murty Bhagavatar, a distinguished Harikatha performer, saw the musical talent in the child and gave the prefix 'Bala' (child) to the young Muralikrishna. This title has stuck ever since and Balamuralikrishna has been known so.


Balamuralikrishna thus began his musical career at a very young age. By the age of fifteen he had mastered all the 72 melakartha ragas and had composed krithis in the same. The Janaka Raga Manjari was published in 1952 and recorded as Raagaanga Ravali in a nine-volume series by the Sangeeta Recording Company. Not merely content with his fame as a Carnatic vocalist, very soon started playing the kanjira, mridangam, viola and violin. He also accompanied various musicians in violin and is also noted to give solo viola concerts.


Balamuralikrishna started his career at the age of six. Up to the present time, he has given over 25,000 concerts worldwide. He accompanied Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. He also gave jugalbandi concerts with Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Kishori Amonkar, among others. He is also known for popularising the compositions of Sri Bhadrachala Ramadasu and Sri Annamacharya.


Balamuralikrishna's concerts combine sophisticated vocal skills and rhythmic patterns of classical music with the popular demand for entertainment value. Balamurali Krishna has been invited to give concerts in many countries, including the US, Canada, UK, Italy, France, Russia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Middle East and many more. Apart from his native tongue, Telugu, his works also include ones in other languages like Kannada, Sanskrit, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, Bengali, and Punjabi.


He appeared as featured soloist with an award-winning British choir, performing the "Gitanjali Suite" with words from Rabindranath Tagore's Nobel Prize-winning poetry and music by Dr. Joel, the noted UK-based Goan composer. His clear diction in several languages prompted an invitation to record Tagore's entire Rabindra Sangeet compositions in Bengali, preserving them for posterity. He has sung in French, and even ventured into jazz fusion, collaborating with the top Carnatic percussion teacher, Sri T.H. Subash Chandran, in a concert for Malaysian royalty.


He has recently become increasingly interested in music therapy, and now performs only occasionally. He gave his authorisation to S. Ram Bharati to found "Academy of Performing Arts and Research" in Switzerland and is also working on music therapy. He established the 'MBK Trust' with the objective of developing art and culture and for carrying out extensive research into music therapy. A dance and music school, 'Vipanchee' is a part of this Trust.


In February 2010, he did a three-day concert in Vishakapatnam, a first in his career.
Balamuralikrishna has composed over 400 compositions in various languages like Telugu, Sanskrit, Kannada and Tamil. His compositions range from Devotional to Varnams, Krithis, Javalis and Thillans, in all the fundamental 72 melakartha ragas to film music.


He made his acting debut with Bhakta Prahlada (1967) under AVM Productions as Narada, and has acted in various films.


Characteristic of Balamuralikrishna's musical journey has been his non-conformism, spirit of experimentation and boundless creativity. Balamuralikrishna has innovated the whole Carnatic music system by keeping its rich tradition untouched. The ragas like Ganapathi, Sarvashri, Mahati, Lavangi etc. are credited to him. The ragas which he invented represent his quest for new frontiers. Ragas like Lavangi are set to three or four notes in ascending and descending scale. Ragaas created by him, like Mahathi, Lavangi, Sidhdhi, Sumukham have only four notes; while Ragaas created by him, like Sarva Sri, Omkaari, Ganapathy have only three notes.


He also innovated the tala system. He has incorporated "gati bhEdam" (గతి భేదం) in the "sashabda kriya" (సశబ్ద క్రియ) (actions in Talas, which can produce sound/shabda (శబ్ద) are called sashabda kriya - సశబ్ద క్రియ) part of the existing Tala chain, thus throwing open a new chain of Tala system. Saint Arunagirinaadhar used to inject such systems in his famous Thirupugazh, but only as Sandham, while Balamuralikrishna is known to be the pioneer in bringing such Sandhams into a logical rhythm, with Angam and definition. Thri Mukhi, Panchamukhi, Saptha Mukhi and Nava Mukhi are the basic classifications, he has named for his New Tala System.


Awards and honours:
Civilian honours
Padma Vibhushan
Padma Bhushan
Padma Shri

International honours
Ordre des Arts et des Lettres Chevalier ribbon.svg Chevalier Rank Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Government (2005).

All India Radio
Top Grade – Awarded "Top Grade" for performance areas
playing instruments: violin, viola, mrudhingam, kanjira, music:- classical music, light music, devotional music, composer, conductor, music director and poet.


National Film Awards
1976 – National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer – Hamsageethe – "Himadri Suthe Pahimam"
1987 – National Film Award for Best Music Direction – Madhavacharya
Kerala state film awards
1987-Best Male playback singer – Swathi Thirunal
2010-Best Classical Music Singer-Grammam


Other honours

Honorary Doctorate
Sangita Kalanidhi by The Music Academy, Madras
Sangeetha Kalasikhamani by The Fine Arts Society, Chennai (1991)
He was awarded the Lifetime achievement Global Indian Music Academy Award for 2011.
Sangeetha Kalasarathy

"Sangeetha Virinchi" tilte conferred by Sangeetha Bharathi music School, Auckland during Dr BMK concert "Raganga Ravali" in 2009 at Auckland, New Zealand[8]



Sources:

Venkata Raman G

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._Balamuralikrishna

 

[P.J.]

Saindhavi in Kaatrin Kural

Saindhavi in Kaatrin Kural


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksyAJfHmGl4&list=RDksyAJfHmGl4#t=128


Published on Dec 8, 2012

 

[P.J.]

Wishing REVATHI, real name Asha Kutty (Born 8 July 1966), Indian Film Actress

Wishing REVATHI, real name Asha Kutty (Born 8 July 1966), Indian Film Actress

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkDhyITwsCo&list=RDgkDhyITwsCo#t=73

Wishing REVATHI, real name Asha kelunny (Born 8 July 1966), Indian Film Actress and Film Director, who predominantly appears in Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu & Hindi Films, on her Birthday today. She has also starred in a few Kannada and Bollywood films. She was one of the top heroine in South India from 1983 to 1996. She has also directed feature films, and has acted in and produced multiple television programs. She has won several accolades, including three National Film Awards in three different categories, and six Filmfare Awards South. Revathi is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, having studied since the age of seven and performed her arangetram in Chennai in 1979. Apart from films, she has been involved in a variety of social organisations, the most notable being the Banyan, Ability foundation, Tanker foundation and Vidyasagar, and has also served as a member of several film festivals including the Chennai International Film Festival and the International Film Festival of India.

Revathi was born in Kochi to Kelunni Nair, a major in the Indian Army who hails from Kallikkad, Palakkad, and Lalitha Kelunni. She has a younger sister Bindu.


In 1983, while living and attending 12th Standard in school at Chennai, Tamil Nadu she was spotted by notable Tamil director Bharathiraja, who was searching for a new heroine for his next film, and went on to play the heroine of Mann Vasanai which became a commercial success. Her name Asha kutty was changed to a screen name Revathi by director Bharathiraja. Since then, she has acted in over one hundred films in all four major South Indian languages as well as Hindi. She also lent her voice for Sridevi in Malayalam movie Devaraagam.


Over the course of her career, she has earned numerous awards both regionally and nationally, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil for three consecutive years (1992–1994) for Thevar Magan, Marupadiyum, and Priyanka respectively, the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam for Kakkothikkavile Appooppan Thaadikal, the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for Thevar Magan, as well as the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu for Ankuram. Alongside many that include awards from the Film Fans Association, the Tamil Nadu State Government, Cinema Express, and other organisations.


Mitr, My Friend (2002) was her first full-length directorial venture. An Indian English film, a rarity at the time of its making, Mitr garnered an award for Best Regional Film (English) at the National Awards and got Shobana her second national award for best actress. Her next film as a director, Phir Milenge (2004), created waves as one of the first Hindi movies to deal with the sensitive subject of AIDS. She was also a part of Mani Ratnam's stage show, Netru, Indru, Naalai, as well as the Malayalam anthology film Kerala Cafe.


Revathi married cinematographer and director Suresh Chandra Menon in 1986. The couple don't have any children. However following differences between them, they started living separately from 2002 and were granted divorce on 22 April 2013 by Chennai Additional Family Court. Revathi said in an interview that they would remain good friends even after the divorce. On July 8, 2014, she publicly announced that she had adopted a daughter, Mahee 2 years ago in 2012.




https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revathi
Venkata Raman G

 

[P.J.]

Wishing SUKANYA (Born July 8, 1969) South Indian Actress,

Wishing SUKANYA (Born July 8, 1969) South Indian Actress,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spNGG6aEKEg


http://tamilsongslyrics.our24x7i.com/english/cast_wise/tamil_actors/SUKANYA/449/2/1.jws

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MrfIsWDZoU&feature=youtu.be




Wishing SUKANYA (Born July 8, 1969) South Indian Actress, Singer, Music Composer, Bharatanatyam Danseuse and Voice Actor, on her Birthday today. She has acted in Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu Movies, and one of the main stream heroine from 1991 to 1997 and as a supporting actress from 2000 with a total of over 24 years of experience in the entertainment industry. She has composed two devotional albums namely Azhagu, Thirupathi Thirukudai Thiruvizha.She has won five Best Actress Filmfare awards for her performance in Tamil films including Puthu Nellu Puthu Nathu, Walter Vetrivel and Rajarajan.


Sukanya was married to Sridharan Rajagopalan in 2002 in United States and later she got divorced in 2003 and came back to Chennai to resume her acting career from 2003.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukanya_(actress)
http://www.indiancinemagallery.com/gallery/sukanya.html
Venkata Raman G

 

[P.J.]

Tributes to Alathur SUBBAIYER,

Tributes to Alathur SUBBAIYER,




Tributes to Alathur SUBBAIYER, the younger of the famous Alathur Brothers Srinivasa Iyer (1911–1980) & Sivasubramania Iyer (7 July 1916–1965) Carnatic Vocalists. The world of Carnatic music knows them as the star duo of the twentieth century. They learnt under Alathur Venkatesa Iyer, the father of Sivasubramania Iyer. They were not brothers by birth.



They gave their first concert at Thyagaraja Aradhana festival in Thiruvaiyaru in 1928. Following the grand tradition set by their guru, the duo excelled in the authentic version of Carnatic music bringing together its technicalities to develop a taste for this patantara in the audience, both the experts and the laymen, alike.


Combining the strengths of various aspects of Carnatic music, they established a style of music for themselves. Their music was the result of arduous training, conscious evolution of the Lakshya and Lakshana aspects, unique to Carnatic music and inspiration drawn from many a colossus of bygone era in Carnatic music. Known to the world to have presented many a complicate "pallavi" replete with all its mathematical permutations and combinations of usages, they had mastered "Laya" at a young age, imbibing the art from their Guru. Not many know though that another stalwart of Carnatic music, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer had once commented that the kind of "Jeevan" or life the brothers enthused in the very same compositions others sang on the concert platform was hard to enunciate and almost incomparable.


The finesse and authority with which they handled compositions like Vidulaku Mrokeda (Mayamalavagowla, Tyagaraja), Mari Mari Ninne (Kambhoji, Tyagaraja), Epapamu (Atana, Tyagaraja), Shantamu Lekha (Sama, Tyagaraja), Kalinarula (Kuntalavarali, Tyagaraja), Koniyadina (Kambhoji, Veena Kuppaiyer), Shree Matha Shiva (Begada, Muthuswami Dikshitar), Kanulara Kanti (Danyasi, Wallajahpet Venkatramana Bhagavatar) were essays into the very depths of the most authentic of Carnatic music.
Compositions in Tamil like Sivanai Ninaindhavar (Hindolam, Kavikunjara Bharathi) sparkled in their exposition. Exclusive Tiruppugazh concerts were a regular with them.


The Alathur brothers performed with most of the star accompanists of the world of Carnatic music. On the violin, earlier they were accompanied by Thiruvalangadu Sundaresa Iyer, Mayavaram V. R. Govindaraja Pillai, Kumbakonam Rajamanickam Pillai, Mysore T. Chowdiah among others. Later T. N. Krishnan and Lalgudi G. Jayaraman accompanied them in most of their concerts while Kandadevi Azhagirisami accompanied them in a few.


In the earliest of their concerts, mostly in and around Tiruchirapalli, the veteran mridangam exponent, Pudukottai Dakshinamoorthy Pillai accompanied them. It was he who introduced Pazhani Subramania Pillai, son of Pazhani Muthiah Pillai, himself a close friend of Alathur Venkatesa Iyer, to them. Their regular concerts in Tanjore and later in Madras had brought to them the Mridangam maestro Palghat Mani Iyer. From then onwards their concerts were either with Pazhani Subramania Pillai on the mridangam or an incomparable combination of Mani Iyer on the mridangam and Pillai on the Kanjira. It is said that the brothers were at their peak form essaying mind-boggling Pallavis with Lalgudi Jayaraman on the violin to provide answer to their exulting calculations and Mani Iyer and Pillai to take it further on to a different plane altogether with their solo versions, Thaniavardhanam.


From 1944 to 1968 the brothers were the court musicians for the Maharajah of Travancore.

http://www.thehindu.com/features/...alathur-subbiers.../article7378667.ece

Venkata Raman G
http://www.carnaticcorner.com/articles/alathoor_brothers.htm

 

[P.J.]

‘Art elevates you as a human being’

‘Art elevates you as a human being’

July 8, 2015

Bombay Jayashri a Carnatic vocalist and music composer, was is in Goa to teach Carnatic music at the Goa University under the University’s Visiting Research Professor Programme. In a candid chat with
NT BUZZ she speaks about her musical journey and helping autistic children through music




“Music or for that matter art is about making an individual sensitive and bringing out one’s emotions”, says Carnatic singer, Bombay Jayashri, who is in Goa as part of Goa University’s Visiting Research Professor, Nana Shirgaokar Chair in Indian Music.


Bombay Jayashri is a familiar name in the world of Indian Classical music. The lullaby she rendered for the Hollywood movie ‘Life of Pi’ made her a household name.


However, she does not perform Hindi music, only Carnatic.

“After Life of Pi my audiences also included those that appreciated film music. I also began to get an international audience”, says Jayashri, comfortably ensconced on the lawns of International Centre Goa (ICG), Dona Paula.


Speaking about her course she says that the ten-day course will be held for three years at the Goa University. “This course is not about making professional singers rather it is about learning appreciation of music. The course sees a good mix of students and professionals and is well-planned course. It is nice to see that the government is supporting such courses, which is otherwise quite rare”, says Jayashri.


Jayashri, who is familiar with teaching music, says that today there is tremendous pressure on children to excel, the best example of this being reality shows. “In a way they are good given that they are promoting talent. But, what happens to these winners post these reality shows? There is tremendous stress on children and parents. The time they spend on these reality shows should be utilised in training and preparing in a particular field of art”, says Jayashri.


Jayashri was born into a family of musicians and was, as a result, always surrounded by pedigree musicians and steeped in music. It was her mother who motivated and inspired her to take interest in various art forms right from Bharatnatyam to abhang to ghazals.


However also observes that today’s generation lacks in commitment. “Nowadays children learn music by recording it on their smart phone or through Skype. When I started learning Carnatic music in the year 1989, at Chennai, under my guru Lalgudi G Jayaraman, I was not even allowed to write notes in the class. I used to go home and take down notes. When you learn anything online there is no connect with a guru. I used to observe my guru, the way he spoke, behaved, etc. These things now come handy, when I teach my students. The guru-shisya relation is almost like that of a mother and child relationship, which has to be nurtured”, says Jayashri, who does not allow any form of recording during her class as she believes that children tend to learn more if they just listen and understand what the teacher is saying.


Considering herself to be a product of the old school, the musician says that it is necessary for today’s generation to be made aware about India’s artistic legacy. “A child who is eight- or nine-year-old should know what is raag todi or for that matter who is Rabindranath Tagore. One should finish learning about art by the age of 18 or 19. After that it is all about polishing that art”, says Jayashri. Laments that today the focus is only on performance and that the whole idea of singing during family events has now become history, the artiste whose real name is Jayashri Ramnath. “Performance and concerts are just one small part of singing. I remember for any event or some ceremony my mother or aunt would sing. Even our grandmothers loved to sing during their leisure time and this was not to excel as singers, but purely for the enjoyment. We have lost that culture of singing at home. That’s why I tell my students to not just have dinner together as a family. Why not all sit and sing together? I believe that singing or for that matter art elevates you as a human being”, says Jayashri. Another dimension of music that Jayashri is focused on is the therapeutic and healing aspect of music. She has been working closely with institutions caring for autistic children to help open their senses through the medium of music.


Jayashri introduction to autistic children happened by chance. “It was after a concert of mine in Dubai. A mother and child approached me. The child was continuously saying ‘you sang everything wrong.’ When I heard that it did hurt my ego as all others praised my singing. Next day, I met them again at dinner and the mother told me that her child is autistic and that he never lies. That statement hurt me more. She then told me that he had heard the same song earlier and on that basis he had said that what I sang at the concert was wrong. So, when I went back, I did realise that I didn’t sing perfectly. After that I came across many such children. Then I thought why not sing for them”, says Jayashri.


Now under her trust Hitham Trust, which is based in Chennai, teaches autistic children music. “They learn and sing, which is a great experience. Most of them are very talented in music and there is immense improvement in their behavior with music. More than self-reliant, they are happy”, says Jayashri.





http://www.navhindtimes.in/art-elevates-you-as-a-human-being/

 

[P.J.]

Pallavi darbar 2015

PALLAVI DARBAR 2015

Sriranjini Santhanagopalan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSbqZ9pTtcw

Dr Pantula Rama

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7K5FJ9bSRE

 

[P.J.]

Wishing P UNNIKRISHNAN or Parrakkal Unnikrishnan (born 9 July 1964)

Wishing P UNNIKRISHNAN or Parrakkal Unnikrishnan (born 9 July 1964)

Wishing P UNNIKRISHNAN or Parrakkal Unnikrishnan (born 9 July 1964) Carnatic Vocalist and National Award winning Playback singer, on his Birthday today.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvdgu4zVUyQ


Unnikrishnan was born to K. Radhakrishnan and Dr. Harini Radhakrishnan in Palakkad, Kerala. The family home, Kesari Kuteeram, was a well known landmark of Madras city, with great grandfather Dr. K. N. Kesari being an eminent Ayurvedic physician and the promoter of the popular Telugu women's magazine Gruhalakshmi .

He went to Asan Memorial Senior Secondary School, Chennai, in 1983. He graduated from Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, Chennai, and received his B.Com degree from the Madras University. He earned a General Law and Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations.

He worked as an executive in Parry s Confectionery Ltd. from 1987 to 1994 and quit his job to become a professional singer.



Unnikrishnan was initiated into Carnatic Music at age of 12 by Seshadri, Unnikrishnan. He was inspired by Sangita Kalanidhi Dr. S. Ramanathan. He attended a special workshop for six months on "Veena Dhanammal Bhani" under Sangeetha Kalanidhi T.Brinda and Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr.T.Vishwa Nathan.
He is a national award winning playback singer for his debut film songs "Ennavale Adi Ennavale" and "Uyirum Neeye". These songs were composed by A. R. Rahman, with whom Unni Krishnan gave most of his memorable songs. He was one of the permanent judges in the reality television show AIRTEL Super Singer on Vijay TV in both the seasons (2006, 2008 & 2010-2011) and 2008 Idea Star Singer on Asianet.


Unnikrishnan is also becoming known for his experimental work. In 2008, he presented a novel jazz concert in Thiruvananthapuram with the Eli Yamin Jazz Quartet and pianist Anil Srinivasan.He prefers singing classical songs over pop music.


“Carnatic music has grown to a great extent. The taste of the audience has changed with time. Youngsters have developed a taste for the music form and the number of people flocking to these concerts has increased by leaps and bounds. There is novelty in the genre.”


“The nuances of Carnatic music may be difficult for a layman to understand but music lovers today are willing to put in the effort to enjoy the music. I have seen youngsters talking about this form of music with enthusiasm. People take time off their busy schedules to come and listen to us artistes. So, it’s our responsibility to ensure that they enjoy the music. Even in reality shows, we ask the contestants to develop a taste for Carnatic music so that they can perform better in light music”.


Unnikrishnan was initiated into Carnatic Music at age of 12 by Seshadri, Unnikrishnan. He was inspired by Sangita Kalanidhi Dr. S. Ramanathan. He attended a special workshop for six months on "Veena Dhanammal Bhani" under Sangeetha Kalanidhi T.Brinda and Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr.T.Vishwa Nathan.
He is a national award winning playback singer for his debut film songs "Ennavale Adi Ennavale" and "Uyirum Neeye". These songs were composed by A. R. Rahman, with whom Unni Krishnan gave most of his memorable songs. He was one of the permanent judges in the reality television show AIRTEL Super Singer on Vijay TV in both the seasons (2006, 2008 & 2010-2011) and 2008 Idea Star Singer on Asianet.


Unnikrishnan is also becoming known for his experimental work. In 2008, he presented a novel jazz concert in Thiruvananthapuram with the Eli Yamin Jazz Quartet and pianist Anil Srinivasan.He prefers singing classical songs over pop music.


“Carnatic music has grown to a great extent. The taste of the audience has changed with time. Youngsters have developed a taste for the music form and the number of people flocking to these concerts has increased by leaps and bounds. There is novelty in the genre.”


“The nuances of Carnatic music may be difficult for a layman to understand but music lovers today are willing to put in the effort to enjoy the music. I have seen youngsters talking about this form of music with enthusiasm. People take time off their busy schedules to come and listen to us artistes. So, it’s our responsibility to ensure that they enjoy the music. Even in reality shows, we ask the contestants to develop a taste for Carnatic music so that they can perform better in light music”.


Sources:

Venkata Raman.G
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._Unni_Krishnan

 

[P.J.]

Wishing ANURADHA SRIRAM (born 9 July 1970)

Wishing ANURADHA SRIRAM (born 9 July 1970) Indian Carnatic and Playback singer, on her birthday today.. She has sung in more than 90 Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi films.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkpkViFAB50


Anuradha Sriram Parasuram was born in Chennai to playback singer Renuka Devi and Meenakshi Sundaram Mohan. She completed her Bachelors and Master's degree in Music in Queen Mary's College, Chennai. Anu is a Gold medalist in UG and PG. She received Govt Scholarship for her higher studies in abroad (U.S). She learned Carnatic Classical music from the musical giant S. Kalyanaraman and Hindustani Classical music from Manik Bua Takurdas.


Anuradha is from a Tamil Iyer family and completed her Master's in Ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University, US (where one of her professors and mentors was T. Viswanathan) prior to her foray into music. She also studied Western classical opera music in the US


Anuradha Sriram first entered the Tamil Cinema Industry as a child artist in the 1980 Tamil movie Kaali. In 1995, she was introduced as a singer by A R Rahman for the song "Malarodu Malaringu" in the movie Bombay. Her first solo was for A R Rahman in Indira.


She specialises in Carnatic music and has sung in over 1000 concerts worldwide. She is keenly interested in folk music. She has featured in a number of jugalbandhi or fusion concerts along with her husband, Sriram Parasuram, a Hindustani maestro. She has sung more than 3000 songs in various languages.


Anuradha's cine career was triggered by her proficiency in the different raagas in Carnatic music and her distinguished educational background in music. She was eventually spotted by A. R. Rahman who gave her a chance in Ini Accham Accham Illai from Indira. Later, she worked with him in many hit film songs like Anbendra from Minsara Kanavu, Dil Se Re from Dil Se.., Anbe Anbe from Jeans, Ishwar Allah from Earth, Ishq Bina from Taal, Kaattu Sirukki from Raavanan ettc. She lent her voice to Kiran Rathod in Anbe Sivam.




Sources: Venkata Raman G
http://www.cinemawale.com/anuradha-sriram

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anuradha_Sriram

 

[P.J.]

Tributes to K BALACHANDER, full name Kailasam Balachander (9 July 1930 – 23 December

Tributes to K BALACHANDER, full name Kailasam Balachander (9 July 1930 – 23 December 2014)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QjN3q5uQSU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0ijBk4ZkZs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX5CrhZ9dU0&feature=youtu.be


Tributes to K BALACHANDER, full name Kailasam Balachander (9 July 1930 – 23 December 2014) Indian Director, Producer, Writer, Actor, Playwright, Stage Conductor who worked mainly in the Tamil Film Industry, on his Birth anniversary today.. He was well known for his distinct film-making style, and the Indian film industry knew him as a master of unconventional themes and hard-hitting subject matters of contemporary time. Balachander's films are well known for their portrayal of women as bold personalities and central characters. Popularly referred to as Iyakkunar Sigaram (Tamil: இயக்குனர் சிகரம் meaning "the director who scaled the peak"), his films are usually centred on unusual or complicated interpersonal relationships and social themes. Starting his cinematic career as a screenwriter, Balachander soon graduated as a director with Neerkumizhi in 1965. He was given a break into Tamil films by M. G. Ramachandran.



In a career that spread over 50 years, he had contributed to nearly 100 feature films either as a screenwriter or director, thus becoming one of the most prolific film-makers in the country. Known among his colleagues as a tough task master,[5] he was credited with having nurtured numerous actors, notably Nagesh, Sujatha, Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Nassar, Chiranjeevi, Jayaprada, Jayasudha, Saritha, Renuka, Prakash Raj , Ramesh Aravind and Vivek.


As of 2013, Balachander had won nine National Film Awards and 13 Filmfare Awards. He was honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, in 1987, and is a recipient of the ANR National Award and Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest award in cinema. K. Balachander is revered as one of the best directors India has ever produced.


A production house named Kavithalaya Productions which has been producing films since 1981 is Balachander's very own production house. Apart from Tamil, he had made films in other languages such as Telugu, Kannada and Hindi. He had also made a few film appearances and has directed a few TV serials as well.



Sources:


Venkata Raman G

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K._Balachander

 

[P.J.]

Rajashilpi Film Songs

Rajashilpi Film Songs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyG5XSppG6M&list=PLEqZCvIXGq0aSjQTRD5eV0LsmGKjU7i5C

Published on May 6, 2015
Ambilikkala Choodum | Raajashilpi | Malayalam Film Song
Singer : KS Chithra
Music : Raveendran

 

[P.J.]

Wishing BALA BHASKAR (born 10 July 1978) Indian Carnatic Classical Violinist,

Wishing BALA BHASKAR (born 10 July 1978) Indian Carnatic Classical Violinist,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB5XCLm3IZ8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucSP5E4cbWM




Published on Mar 5, 2015
Balabhaskar (born 10 July 1978) is an Indian violinist, composer and record producer. He is best known for promoting fusion music in South India.[1][2] Hailing from a musically affluent family, he was introduced to the world of instrumental music at the age of three, by his uncle Shri. B.Sasikumar, a laureate in Carnatic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQad2wnJQOM

Published on Apr 30, 2015

Wishing BALA BHASKAR (born 10 July 1978) Indian Carnatic Classical Violinist, Composer and Record producer, on his Birthday today. He is best known for promoting Fusion Music in South India. Hailing from a musically affluent family, he was introduced to the world of instrumental music at the age of three, by his uncle Shri. B.Sasikumar, a laureate in Carnatic music.



Balabhaskar was a child prodigy and start doing stage show at 12. He became the youngest music director in the Malayalam film industry when he composed for the movie Mangalya Pallak at 17. His compositions for the albums Ninakaai and Aadyamai are still among the most-sought-after romantic song collections. He is exceptionally versed in Carnatic music and hence is an exponent of the same. His flair of connecting with his audience has made him one of the hot favorites for major stage shows and classical concerts.


Balabhaskar has performed with many noted musicians and instrumentalists in India and abroad, including Ustad Zakhir Hussain, Sivamani, Louiz Banks, Vikku Vinayakram, Hariharan, Mattannur Sankarankutty, Ranjit Barot, Fazal Qureshi, and so on. He also performs with his guru and uncle Shri B. Sasikumar, as violin duo in Carnatic concerts.


Balabhaskar debut instrumental fusion album was let it B in 2011. It features renowned musicians including Sivamani, Louiz Banks, Fazal Qureshi, Gino Banks and Sheldon D Silva. let it B has flavors of rock, jazz, hip-hop and techo music spun around Balabhaskar's Indian violin. The album uses specially composed Sanskrit lyrics, in an effort to promote Sanskrit as a language of communication. Two songs, "Begin with Soorya" and "B yond," have been visualized and are available along with the visuals of the making in the limited edition series. The album is produced under the banner of MC Audios and Videos.
Balabhaskar brought out a collection of soothing Carnatic Keertanas colored in his style, lending it an international flavor. The project is called Bhajati and is marketed by Audio Tracs.


Awards:

Balabhaskar is the recipient of the Bismillah Khan Yuva Sangeetkaar Puraskaar in 2008 by Kendra Sangeet Natak Academy for Instrumental Music(Violin).


Filmography:

Apart from his concerts and stage shows, Balabhaskar has given music to ad films, movies, tele-serial titles and albums in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telegu and Sanskrit languages.


Bhajati 2011 Carnatic fusion
let it B 2011 World fusion album
Pattinde Palazhi 2010 Malayalam movie
Mangalyapallakku - Malayalam movie
Ninakkayi - Malayalam Album
Moksham - Malayalam movie
Kannadikkadavathu - Malayalam movie
Adyamai - Malayalam album







Sources:

Venkata Raman G

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balabhaskar

 

[P.J.]

Wishing BALA (Tamil: பாலா; born 11 July 1966) Indian Film Director,

Wishing BALA (Tamil: பாலா; born 11 July 1966) Indian Film Director,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f78KFW2Wf_8


Nan Kadavul

Wishing BALA (Tamil: பாலா; born 11 July 1966) Indian Film Director, Screenwriter, and Producer, working in Tamil Cinema, on his Birthday today.. Bala is widely acclaimed for "revolutionizing Tamil cinema" through his realistic, dark and disturbing depiction of the working class on celluloid screen. He has received several awards and recognition for his work, including the National Film Award for Best Director for his fourth feature film Naan Kadavul (2009).



Bala was born on 11 July 1966 in Narayanathevanpatty, Theni district, Tamil Nadu, India. He studied Tamil Literature at The American College in Madurai. He admitted, that, as a youngster, he was not interested in studies and had dropped in his college days and was considered by many as he won't come up in life. At certain point he determined to prove himself to the society. After a struggling period he came to Chennai and entered the film industry.


He started his film career as an assistant director to National Film Award–winning director and cinematographer Balu Mahendra. He made his directorial debut with Sethu in 1999, that gave a break to Vikram, the film's lead actor, who was also struggling in the Tamil film industry for almost a decade without a hit and recognition. More than 60 distributors saw the film and hesitated to screen it because of its tragic ending. The film was released on a low profile without any advertisement but after the first days the film started running to packed houses just through 'word of mouth' The film was said to have initiated a 'new wave' as it received critical acclaim and became a hit. Its success led to remakes in Kannada (Huchcha), Telugu (Seshu) and Hindi (Tere Naam) languages.


"Bala is unique in many ways. The way he changed Tamil Cinema's character was commendable ... There were many who tried for a change. Among the new generation of filmmakers, Bala leads the pack in bringing a change in Tamil cinema's outlook and approach."


—Malayalam film-maker Shaji N. Karun who headed the jury of the 56th National Film Awards.


Bala's next film was Nandha which gave a career boost to Suriya. His third film Pithamagan broke all the sentiments which were prevailing in Tamil cinema and fetched actor Vikram a National Award for a powerful performance with hardly few verbal dialogues. In 2009 he released Naan Kadavul in Tamil featuring Arya and Pooja Umashankar for which he won his first National Film Award for Best Direction; he was the third film-maker from Tamil Nadu to do so. The film revolved around an aghori, with most of the scenes being filmed in the Hindu holy place Kasi.


In 2011, his fifth directorial Avan Ivan, considered his first comedy film, released, starring Vishal Krishna and Arya. While the film opened to mixed reviews by critics, the lead actors gained critical acclaim for their performances, particularly Vishal.


Bala's next film was in 2013, Paradesi, starring Adharvaa, Vedhicka and Dhansika in the lead.The film's music was scored by G. V. Prakash Kumar. The film is based on real life incidents that took place before independence in the 1930s. It released on 15 March 2013. The dubbed version of Telugu was released with the same name. The film opened mostly to positive reviews.





Sources:

Venkata Raman G

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bala_(director)

 

[P.J.]

Wishing MANI SHARMA (Born: July 11, 1964),music director


Wishing MANI SHARMA (Born: July 11, 1964),music director

Wishing MANI SHARMA (Born: July 11, 1964), full name Mani Sharma Yanamandra is an ace music director known for his works in Telugu and Tamil films, on his Birthday today.. He is popularly known as "Melody Brahma" (God of Melody) for his contributions to music in Tollywood. He himself stated in tv9 interview that he admires S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra, Shankar Mahadevan very much.

Legendary singers S. P. Balasubrahmanyam & K. S. Chithra recorded maximum number of songs in his composition. Mani has scored music for more than 175 films in Telugu, Tamil and other South Indian Languages. He has received two Nandi Awards, three Filmfare Awards and three Music Mirchi Awards.


Mani Sharma started his career as a keyboard player in the late 1980s under the guidance of music director Sri Satyam. As a keyboard player, he toured with Padma Bhushan Dr. S.P.Balasubrahmanyam. He used to work with Murali Krish and Chakri Policherla under Maestro Ilaiyaraaja in Chennai.


Mani was also a keyboard player for Raj-Koti and M. M. Keeravani. He was approached by Ram Gopal Varma for the background score of Antham. Varma asked him to compose a single song for his film and he agreed. Then he continued to compose background music for other films like Raathri (Raat), Preminchukundam Raa etc. His first film as a full-time music composer was Super Heroes. Later he got the breakthrough with Chiranjeevi's 1998 film Bavagaru Bagunnara.

Awards and Nominations:

2010: Winner, Music Mirchi Awards South Best Music Director for Khaleja
2010: Winner, Music Mirchi Awards South Song of The Year for Sada Siva from Khaleja
2009: Winner, Music Mirchi Awards South Best Music Director for Ek Niranjan
2003: Winner, Telugu Filmfare Best Music Director Award for Okkadu
2003: Winner, Nandi Award for Best Music Director for Okkadu
2000: Winner, Telugu Filmfare Best Music Director Awardfor Chirunavvutho
1998: Winner, Telugu Filmfare Best Music Director Award for Choodalani Vundi
1998: Winner, Nandi Award for Best Music Director for Choodalani Vund





Sources

Venkata Raman G
http://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/mani-sharma.html
http://imusti.com/#!/artists/info/12657/Mani-Sharma
http://www.in.com/mani-sharma/profile-182157.html
http://www.whopopular.com/Mani-Sharma
http://www.thebigpizza.com/6d78aac40d9643b3.html

 

[P.J.]

Banjara school of dance-hotel california-odissi oriental fusion

BANJARA SCHOOL OF DANCE-HOTEL CALIFORNIA-ODISSI ORIENTAL FUSION

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8455KbRITBY#t=22

Published on Oct 15, 2013



this is an odissi-oriental bellydance fusion choreographed by meher malik and nitisha nanda to a timeless tune "hotel california". it is lyrical interpretation of the song taking inspiration from the beautiful story telling aspect of indian classical dance and the isolations and nuances from bellydance.for more information please find banjara school of dance- india's premier bellydance fusion school.

music credit goes to paraj bhatt and arnav srivastava -"909 music" for the excellent work.
performed by meher malik,nitisha nanda, ria raghuvanshi, meher malik, akanksha gupta,sonal chopra, kritika ahuja, roshni dhameja, ankkita jain, aakriti gandhi, aparajita gantayet.
this is a performance from the fifth edition of "jashn-e-banjara", india's biggest bellydance festival 13/14/15 september 2013.

 

[P.J.]

Tributes to JAISHANKAR (12 July 1938—3 June 2000) Tamil Film Actor

Tributes to JAISHANKAR (12 July 1938—3 June 2000) Tamil Film Actor

Tributes to JAISHANKAR (12 July 1938—3 June 2000) Tamil Film Actor, on his Birth Anniversary today. He was credited onscreen with title of Makkal Kalingnar Jaishankar in most of the film starring him and is sometimes referred to as the Thennagathu James Bond (South Indian James Bond) because of his roles in films such as Vallavan Oruvan and CID Shankar.



Jaishankar was called Subramaniam Shankar at birth, on 12 July 1938. His father was a magistrate, and Jaishankar was educated at PS High School and The New College, Chennai, where he was awarded an honours degree. He studied law but gave it up after a year because of his interests in the theater and other art forms.


He joined Cho's Viveka Fine Arts, which consisted mostly of Mylaporeans where he did insignificantly small roles. Obviously not happy he moved out and the break came with Koothabiran's Kalki Fine Arts where he made a mark playing a lead role in Kalki's 'Amara Thaara'.


In an era dominated by Sivaji Ganesan, M. G. Ramachandran and Gemini Ganesan, he created his own niche with portrayals of interesting characters. He was popularly known as South Indian James Bond because of his roles as the investigative detective in Vallavan Oruvan and CID Shankar and "Friday star" because he invariably had a release every week, He was also adept at comedy and contemporary portrayals as seen in Pattanathil Bhootham, Noottrukku Nooru and Kuzhandaiyum Deivamum. With the emergence of Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan, he began to play villain and father roles in many films, among them Murattu Kaalai, Apoorva Sagodharargal and Thalapathi.


He is also remembered for his philanthropy as he helped the needy without any publicity.


Among his more memorable roles was the teacher's role in the K Balachander film, Noothukku Nooru. He was last seen on screen in Iravum Pagalum, which had also been the title of his debut film.
Jaishankar died of heart attack on 3 June 2000, at the age of 61 in Chennai. He is survived by his wife and sons.


Each year his son, Dr.Vijay Shankar, conducts 15 free eye surgeries on his father’s birthday. He planned to create a trust in his father’s memory and conduct these camps on a larger scale and later include some more specialities like cardiac surgeries also




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y09FWvxwIF8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOks2BzWm2k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGSc_YJ8qUo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQorDbcR40k



Sources:

Venkata Raman G



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaishankar

 

[P.J.]

Wishing VAIRAMUTHU RAMASWAMY (Tamil: வைரமுத்து) (Born 13 July 1953) Tamil Poet

Wishing VAIRAMUTHU RAMASWAMY (Tamil: வைரமுத்து) (Born 13 July 1953) Tamil Poet and Lyricist, on his Birthday today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48hDKGpW8T0

"Hits of Vairamuthu"


Vairamuthu began his lyricist career through the Tamil film Soolam (1980) directed and produced by Oscar Movies M Baskar.Debuting in the film Nizhalgal (1980) with the lyrics for the song "Idhu oru Ponmalai Pozhudhu", he has now about 5800 songs to his credit as of January 2009. His partnership with Academy Award Winning composer A. R. Rahman has resulted in critical praise, awards, and box office hits.



He was awarded the National Film Award six times for Best Lyricist, the most by any Indian lyricist. He is a recipient of Kalaimamani, while also winning awards from the Government of Tamil Nadu for his contribution to Tamil literature.


Vairamuthu was born to Ramaswamy Thevar and Angammal of Mettur in a middle-class family. When he was four, the village gave way to Vaigai Dam and the family moved to Vadugapatti village, community in Theni near Periyakulam.


The ambience of the village is said to have inspired him to write poems. According to him, Tamil and Rationalist movements of the sixties stimulated his poetic zeal. The speeches of Periyar & Anna, the writings of Karunanidhi and the works of eminent poets like Bharathi, Bharathidasan and Kannadasan and the life in the countryside shaped the young poet's thinking. At the age of fourteen, he was inspired by Thiruvalluvar's Thirukkural to write a venba compilation of poetry, strictly adhering to the yappu grammar rules of Tamil poetry.


He joined Pachaiyappa's College in Chennai where he was acclaimed as the best speaker and poet. While in his second year of BA and barely nineteen years of age, Vairamuthu published his maiden anthology Vaigarai Megangal. It was prescribed for study in Women's Christian College. Thus, he achieved the distinction of a student poet whose work was taken into curriculum while he was still a student.


His second work, Thiruththi Yezhudhiya Theerppugal, in pudhu kavidhai (free verse) form was published in 1979. He made his film debut in the succeeding year when he set lyrics for Bharathiraja's Nizhalgal.
On the literature front, his notable works include Innoru Desiya Geetham, Indha Pookkal Virppanai-kkalla, Sigarangalai nOkki, Villodu Vaa Nilave and many others numbering to 30. He has also introduced some foreign poets and their works to Tamil in his Ella Nadhiyilum En Odum. Some of his works are translated into Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. The trend continues as hundreds of his film lyrics and translated into Hindi.


On 2003, His selected versions of 58 Poems were translated in English by Balan Menon and were released as a book "A drop in Search of the Ocean: Best Poems of Vairamuthu". And which was also translated into Hindi Version Bindu Sindhu Ki Oar.


His chosen song lyrics from various film successes, have been interpreted into Norwegian poems by Gowsegan Gowrithas (Kevin Raja Gowrithasan f.1984) The book's title was decided by Vairamuthu himself and was called Good Morning Poetry'' published in Oslo, Norway 2004. The Hindu.


He is the not Tamil Nadu President of Indo-Russian Friendship Society. At the invitation of the Russian Government, Vairamuthu has visited Russia to participate in an Indian cultural event in 1987. In response to invitations of various Tamil groups, he visited the USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.


His works have the underlying themes of humanism transcending barriers of space and race. He opened Tamil schools in Bangkok, Canada and Hong Kong promoting Tamil children living there to develop an interest in learning the language.


In 2009, his own album was released in a village in Tiruppur district. This album fully mentioned human activity and death far.


Awards and Recognitions:

Vairamuthu holds the record of winning maximum number of National Film Award for Best Lyrics (six times). He is also a recipient of the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. The "Tamil Development Society of Madras" conferred on him the title of Kaviyarasu in 1986. His Kaviraajan Kavidhai narrating Subramanya Bharathi's life in Pudhu Kavidhai earned him the Bharathi Literature Prize.

1981 Tamil Nadu State Film Award "Vizhiyil Vizhundu", "Kadhal Oviyam" Alaigal Oivathillai
1986 National Film Award All Songs Mudhal Mariyathai
1990 Kalaimamani – – Awarded by the Government of Tamil Nadu
1993 National Film Award "Chinna Chinna Aasai" Roja
1995 Tamil Nadu State Film Award "Poralae Ponnuthayi" Karuththamma
1996 Tamil Nadu State Film Award "Oruvan Oruvan", "Kannaalanae" Muthu, Bombay
2000 National Film Award "Mudhal Murai Killipparthaein" Sangamam
2000 Tamil Nadu State Film Award "Mudhal Murai Killipparthaein" Sangamam
2003 Padmashri – – India's fourth highest civilian honour
2003 National Film Award All Songs Kannathil Muthamittal
2005 Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist "Oh Sukumari" Anniyan
2005 Tamil Nadu State Film Award "Oh Sukumari", "Iyengaaru Veetu" Anniyan
2008 Tamil Nadu State Film Award All Songs Periyar
2011 National Film Award "Kallikkaattil Perandha Thaayae" Thenmerku Paruvakaatru
2011 Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist "Sara Sara" Vaagai Sooda Vaa
2014 Padmabhushan – – India's third highest civilian honour





Sources:
Venkata Raman G
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vairamuthu

 

[P.J.]

Wishing SARATH KUMAR, full name Ramanathan Sarathkumar (born 14 July 1954)

Wishing SARATH KUMAR, full name Ramanathan Sarathkumar (born 14 July 1954)

Wishing SARATH KUMAR, full name Ramanathan Sarathkumar (born 14 July 1954) Indian Film Actor, Journalist, Politician & the current president of the South Indian Film Artistes' Association, on his Birthday today.. Sarathkumar has acted in more than 130 Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada films. He can speak Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi and English fluently.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1usW7NypPyo




In 1986, Sarathkumar started his acting career in the Telugu film Samajamlo Sthree. He first acted in negative roles, and later played minor roles before establishing himself as a lead actor in the subsequent years earning him the title Supreme Star in Tamil cinema. He has won two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and three Filmfare Awards South.


In 2007, he launched a new political party All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK) in Tamil Nadu claiming to carry out the ideals of K. Kamaraj. He is the present Member of Legislative Assembly of Tenkasi constituency. He has been elected as President of the South Indian Film Artistes' Association for the third consecutive term





Sources:

Venkata Raman G

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._Sarathkumar