Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Friday, July 19, 2019
SP Balasubrahmanyam sings a song for Ilayaraja for Tamilarasan
It was Ilaiyaraja’s birthday on the 2nd of June and the 4th June happens to be the birthday of singer S P Balasubrahmanyam. A few years ago, the composer and the singer fell apart due to royalty issues in singing Ilaiyaraja songs wherein the composer had issued a legal notice to the singer when he was on a concert tour in the USA. Since then SPB has not been singing under Raja’s composition. Now the ice has been broken and the two have patched up resulting in SPB singing in Ilaiyaraja’s concert in Chennai on the 2nd of June. Now, he has also sung a lullaby for Ilaiyaraja for the Vijay Antony film Tamilarasan.
Directed by Babu Yogeeswaran, Tamilarasan has Vijay Antony and Remya Nambessan in the lead. Our sources state that SPB has crooned a lullaby or a 'thalaattu' song in the film. They add, “It was a beautiful moment when the duo patched up and to see them work together in the recording studio was an awesome moment. It was also nostalgic for both as they were teaming up after a long time.” The title of the song goes as 'Vaa Vaa En Magane' which is penned by lyricist Pazhani Bharathi.
It also has to be recalled that veteran singer K J Yesudas has also sung a revolutionary number for Raja in Tamilarasan. Yesudas singing for Raja has also happened after almost a decade. It looks like the film Tamilarasan will have many interesting aspects. It is fast getting canned and is expected to be a year-end release. Apart from Vijay Antony and Remya Nambeesan, this film has Suresh Gopi, Radha Ravi, Sonu Sood, Yogi Babu, Sangeetha, Kasthuri, Robo Shankar, Chaya Singh, Kathir, Munishkanth, Madhumitha, YG Mahendran, Srilekha and also director Mohan Raja’s little son Pranav in his debut.
Courtesy: in.com
Directed by Babu Yogeeswaran, Tamilarasan has Vijay Antony and Remya Nambessan in the lead. Our sources state that SPB has crooned a lullaby or a 'thalaattu' song in the film. They add, “It was a beautiful moment when the duo patched up and to see them work together in the recording studio was an awesome moment. It was also nostalgic for both as they were teaming up after a long time.” The title of the song goes as 'Vaa Vaa En Magane' which is penned by lyricist Pazhani Bharathi.
It also has to be recalled that veteran singer K J Yesudas has also sung a revolutionary number for Raja in Tamilarasan. Yesudas singing for Raja has also happened after almost a decade. It looks like the film Tamilarasan will have many interesting aspects. It is fast getting canned and is expected to be a year-end release. Apart from Vijay Antony and Remya Nambeesan, this film has Suresh Gopi, Radha Ravi, Sonu Sood, Yogi Babu, Sangeetha, Kasthuri, Robo Shankar, Chaya Singh, Kathir, Munishkanth, Madhumitha, YG Mahendran, Srilekha and also director Mohan Raja’s little son Pranav in his debut.
Courtesy: in.com
SP Balasubrahmanyam sings for Malayalam music album
Legendary playback singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyan, 72, has sung for a Malayalam music album after a decade. The album titled "Pranyathen Mazhayaayi", based on the theme of love, was released on Saturday. The lyrics of the album are by K.R.P. Vallikunnam and music by Prasannan. It consists of 10 songs.
Besides Balasubrahmanyam, other singers who have contributed to the album, include M.G. Sreekumar, Sujatha Mohan and Swetha Mohan.
Yet another feature of the album is a song portrayed on the theme of late director P. Padmarajan's last movie "Njan Gandharvan", which was shot in Padmarajan's house.
SPB, as he's fondly called, the singer has recorded over 40,000 songs in 16 languages and is also the recipient of six National Awards.
Courtesy: Mid Day
Besides Balasubrahmanyam, other singers who have contributed to the album, include M.G. Sreekumar, Sujatha Mohan and Swetha Mohan.
Yet another feature of the album is a song portrayed on the theme of late director P. Padmarajan's last movie "Njan Gandharvan", which was shot in Padmarajan's house.
SPB, as he's fondly called, the singer has recorded over 40,000 songs in 16 languages and is also the recipient of six National Awards.
Courtesy: Mid Day
Murali Nada Lahari Award for SPB
The Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna National Award for Artistic Excellence, Murali Nada Lahari, was conferred upon playback singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam on Friday.
The award was presented as part of the Balamurali Nada Mahotsav 2019 held by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and M. Balamuralikrishna Memorial Trust on Carnatic singer’s birthday.
Mr. Balasubrahmanyam recalled his days with Balamuralikrishna and the latter’s sense of humility. He said that the first time he heard him was when his song Pibare Ramarasam aired on All India Radio. “He considered me as his son. I don’t know why he was so fond of me,” he said.
He said all his music directors are his teachers. “You should be a student always. I even learn from small children,” added Mr. Balasubrahmanyam.
Veteran playback singer P. Susheela appreciated the hard work put forth by Mr. Balasubrahmanyam. “He stole the hearts of everyone with his songs,” she said. Carnatic musician T.V. Gopalakrishnan, film and theatre personality Y.Gee. Mahendra, retired DGP K.V.S Gopalakrishnan and K.N. Ramaswamy, director, Bhavan’s Chennai Kendra spoke. K. Krishnakumar and Binni Krishnakumar and their disciples rendered the Balamurali Pancharatnam at the beginning of the programme.
Courtesy: The Hindu
The award was presented as part of the Balamurali Nada Mahotsav 2019 held by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and M. Balamuralikrishna Memorial Trust on Carnatic singer’s birthday.
Mr. Balasubrahmanyam recalled his days with Balamuralikrishna and the latter’s sense of humility. He said that the first time he heard him was when his song Pibare Ramarasam aired on All India Radio. “He considered me as his son. I don’t know why he was so fond of me,” he said.
He said all his music directors are his teachers. “You should be a student always. I even learn from small children,” added Mr. Balasubrahmanyam.
Veteran playback singer P. Susheela appreciated the hard work put forth by Mr. Balasubrahmanyam. “He stole the hearts of everyone with his songs,” she said. Carnatic musician T.V. Gopalakrishnan, film and theatre personality Y.Gee. Mahendra, retired DGP K.V.S Gopalakrishnan and K.N. Ramaswamy, director, Bhavan’s Chennai Kendra spoke. K. Krishnakumar and Binni Krishnakumar and their disciples rendered the Balamurali Pancharatnam at the beginning of the programme.
Courtesy: The Hindu
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
ఆ రోజు గులాబ్జామ్, మసాలా దోశ తిన్నాం!
తన సుమధుర గానంతో సంగీత ప్రియులనే కాకుండా సామాన్య శ్రోతలను సైతం అలరించిన గాన గంధ్వరుడు ఎస్పీ బాలసుబ్రహ్మణ్యం. సంగీతం నేర్చుకోకపోయినా... దాదాపు యాభైవేల పాటల్నిపాడి గిన్నిస్ రికార్డు సాధించిన ఘనత ఆయనది. మరి అలాంటి గాయకుడు అందుకున్న తొలి పారితోషికం ఎంతో తెలుసా? మీరు తొలి పారితోషికం అందుకోగానే ఏం చేశారని ఆయనను అడిగితే..!
‘‘శ్రీశ్రీశ్రీ మర్యాద రామన్న’ చిత్రానికి రూ.300 రెమ్యురేషన్ ఇచ్చారు. ఆ రోజుల్లో ఘంటసాలగారు 500 రూపాయలు తీసుకునేవారు. మా నాన్న నెలకు 80 రూపాయలు పంపేవారు. నాలుగు నెలలు ఇక నాన్న నుంచి డబ్బులు తీసుకోవాల్సిన అవసరం లేదని అనిపించింది. తెగ ఆనందపడ్డా. నేను నా ఫ్రెండ్ మురళి డ్రైవిన్ వుడ్ల్యాండ్స్కి వెళ్లి చక్కగా గులాబ్జామూన్, మసాలాదోశ తిన్నాం. అది చాలా ప్లాన్చేస్తే గానీ వెళ్లగలిగే రోజులు కావు. ఆ రోజున జేమ్స్బాండ్ సినిమాకు వెళ్లాం. అంతవరకూ ఎనభై నాలుగుపైసల సినిమాకు వెళ్తే ఆ రోజున రూపాయి పావలాకు వెళ్లాం. కోక్ తాగాం. వన్బైటూ కాఫీ తాగేవాళ్లం. చెరోకప్పు కాఫీ తాగాం. ఆ తరువాత నేను పాడింది కన్నడ పాట. దానికి 150 రూపాయలు రెమ్యూనరేషన్. ఇంతేనా అన్నాడు నా ఫ్రెండ్. వందరూపాయలు అంటేనే పెద్ద విశేషం. ముందు నాన్నకు తిరిగి డబ్బులు పంపించాలనే ఆలోచన లేదు. తెప్పించుకోకూడదనే ఆలోచన అంతే. తరువాత ఇంటికి డబ్బులు పంపే శక్తి వచ్చిందనుకోండి. అవన్నీ నాకు ఇప్పటికీ గుర్తే. అప్పట్లో పెద్ద పారితోషకం 500 రూపాయలు. చెక్ రూపంలో అందుకున్నా’’ అని చెప్పుకొచ్చారు బాల సుబ్రహ్మణ్యం.
Courtesy: https://www.eenadu.net/cinema/morenews/8/2019/04/18/85629/sp-balasubrahmanyam-after-received-first-remuneration
బాలూ తెరపై కనిపించిన తొలి చిత్రం
తన సుమధుర గానంతో శ్రోతలకు వీనుల విందును పంచిన ప్రముఖ గాయకుడు ఎస్పీ బాలసుబ్రమణ్యం. గాయకుడిగానే కాదు, డబ్బింగ్ కళాకారుడిగా, నటుడిగా వెండితెర ముందూ వెనుక తనదైన ముద్రవేశారు. గాయకుడిగా బిజీగా ఉన్న సమయంలోనూ చక్కని పాత్రలతో ప్రేక్షకులను మెప్పించారు. బాలూ తొలిసారిగా వెండితెరపై కనిపించిన చిత్రం మహమ్మద్ బీన్ తుగ్లక్(1972).
ఆ సినిమాలో ఒక పుట్టిన రోజు వేడుక ఉంది. ఆ వేడుకలో ఒకరు పాట పాడాలి. ఆ పాటను బాల సుబ్రహ్మణ్యంతో పాడించి రికార్డు చేయించారు. అయితే, ఆ సన్నివేశంలో ఎవరు నటిస్తే బాగుంటుందా? అని తర్జనభర్జనలు పడ్డారు దర్శక-నిర్మాతలు. అయితే షూటింగ్ చేసే సమయానికి సినిమాలో కూడా బాలూతోనే పాట పాడిస్తే బాగుంటుందని నిర్ణయానికి వచ్చారు. ఇదే విషయం బాల సుబ్రహ్మణ్యంకు చెబితే ఆయన అంగీకరించారు. అలా గాన గంధ్వరుడు తొలిసారి తెరపై కనిపించారు. నటుడిగా ఎన్నో గుర్తుండిపోయే పాత్రలను చేసిన బాలసుబ్రహ్మణ్యం బాపు-రమణల రెండో చిత్రం ‘బంగారు పిచిక’లో కథానాయకుడిగా చేసేందుకు మాత్రం అంగీకరించలేదు.
Courtesy: https://www.eenadu.net/cinema/morenews/8/2019/06/02/106862/bala-subramanyam-first-movie
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Darbar: Singer SP Balasubrahmanyam spills beans about Rajinikanth's intro song in AR Murugadoss' directorial
Legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam has been signed to lend his voice for the intro song of the film featuring Rajinikanth.
After Petta, fans of superstar Rajinikanth are eagerly looking forward to his upcoming film, Darbar. Directed by AR Murugadoss, the makers of the film kick-started shooting of the film in Mumbai. The team has finished the major portion of the film and are looking forward for a grand release on Pongal 2020. Legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam has been signed to lend his voice for the intro song of the film featuring Rajinikanth. The singer recently shared some interesting details about the intro song and it is sure to leave you excited.
During a recent event, Balasubrahmanyam revealed about Rajinikanth's entry song in the upcoming film Darbar. He said, "The intro song happens in a situation where people praise Rajini for a good thing that he did. He stops the people from that and tells that it was his basic duty to safeguard people. He will tell them not to heap praises on him. He would also tell that if he removes the police dress that he wears, he is also a common man like them. That is when he would sing a song for the masses. The song has come out really well. My heartiest thanks to Anirudh [Ravichander], the production team and Superstar."
Darbar also stars Nayanthara, Niveda Thomas, Ravi Kishan, Kunal Khemu and Sourabh Shukla in pivotal roles. Rajinikanth will be seen playing a police officer almost 25 years after he last played a cop in his 1992 film Pandian.
Courtesy: Pink Villa
After Petta, fans of superstar Rajinikanth are eagerly looking forward to his upcoming film, Darbar. Directed by AR Murugadoss, the makers of the film kick-started shooting of the film in Mumbai. The team has finished the major portion of the film and are looking forward for a grand release on Pongal 2020. Legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam has been signed to lend his voice for the intro song of the film featuring Rajinikanth. The singer recently shared some interesting details about the intro song and it is sure to leave you excited.
During a recent event, Balasubrahmanyam revealed about Rajinikanth's entry song in the upcoming film Darbar. He said, "The intro song happens in a situation where people praise Rajini for a good thing that he did. He stops the people from that and tells that it was his basic duty to safeguard people. He will tell them not to heap praises on him. He would also tell that if he removes the police dress that he wears, he is also a common man like them. That is when he would sing a song for the masses. The song has come out really well. My heartiest thanks to Anirudh [Ravichander], the production team and Superstar."
Darbar also stars Nayanthara, Niveda Thomas, Ravi Kishan, Kunal Khemu and Sourabh Shukla in pivotal roles. Rajinikanth will be seen playing a police officer almost 25 years after he last played a cop in his 1992 film Pandian.
Courtesy: Pink Villa
COLORS Tamil and SP Balasubrahmanyam to recreate the magic of MSV
The tribute concert ‘Ninaithaley Inikkum’ will see Balasubrahmanyam belting out hits of the music director along with leading music artists
Singer SP Balasubrahmanyam will recreate the magic of a bygone era on stage by paying tribute to legendary music director MS Viswanathan or MSV on July 7, at Chennai’s Nehru Stadium from 4:00 PM onwards.
Organised by COLORS Tamil in association with Lakshman Shruti, the tribute concert ‘Ninaithaley Inikkum’ will see Balasubrahmanyam belting out hits of the music director along with leading music artists like Srinivas, Madhu Balakrishnan, Mahathi, Anitha Karthikeyan and Suchitra.
Anup Chandrasekharan, Business Head – COLORS Tamil, said, “This is a great occasion for music lovers in the state. We are bringing alive the magic of MSV through SPB, another legend of this industry. At COLORS Tamil we are always looking at newer avenues to keep our audiences engaged and partnerships like these take us one step closer to the viewers. We are certain that the beautiful medley of songs will take everyone on a nostalgic trip back in time.”
Balasubrahmanyam added, ““MSV is a music magician who has given us classic hits that broke away from traditional compositions. The intricacies and nuances in his music speak about his passion and knowledge he accumulated over years. It is such a privilege and I am deeply honored by this opportunity to render his light romantic numbers and bring back his golden era. For me, a greatest devotee of MSV himself and his other fans, the day will be an enriching and unparalleled experience as we sing and listen to his music masterpieces from 60’s and 70’s.”
For the viewers at home, this concert will be showcased on COLORS Tamil.
The channel is available on all leading cable networks and on all DTH platforms - Sun Direct (CH NO 128), Tata Sky (CHN NO 1555), Airtel (CHN NO 763), Dish TV (CHN NO 1808) and Videocon D2H (CHN NO 553).
Courtesy: Exchange 4 Media
Singer SP Balasubrahmanyam will recreate the magic of a bygone era on stage by paying tribute to legendary music director MS Viswanathan or MSV on July 7, at Chennai’s Nehru Stadium from 4:00 PM onwards.
Organised by COLORS Tamil in association with Lakshman Shruti, the tribute concert ‘Ninaithaley Inikkum’ will see Balasubrahmanyam belting out hits of the music director along with leading music artists like Srinivas, Madhu Balakrishnan, Mahathi, Anitha Karthikeyan and Suchitra.
Anup Chandrasekharan, Business Head – COLORS Tamil, said, “This is a great occasion for music lovers in the state. We are bringing alive the magic of MSV through SPB, another legend of this industry. At COLORS Tamil we are always looking at newer avenues to keep our audiences engaged and partnerships like these take us one step closer to the viewers. We are certain that the beautiful medley of songs will take everyone on a nostalgic trip back in time.”
Balasubrahmanyam added, ““MSV is a music magician who has given us classic hits that broke away from traditional compositions. The intricacies and nuances in his music speak about his passion and knowledge he accumulated over years. It is such a privilege and I am deeply honored by this opportunity to render his light romantic numbers and bring back his golden era. For me, a greatest devotee of MSV himself and his other fans, the day will be an enriching and unparalleled experience as we sing and listen to his music masterpieces from 60’s and 70’s.”
For the viewers at home, this concert will be showcased on COLORS Tamil.
The channel is available on all leading cable networks and on all DTH platforms - Sun Direct (CH NO 128), Tata Sky (CHN NO 1555), Airtel (CHN NO 763), Dish TV (CHN NO 1808) and Videocon D2H (CHN NO 553).
Courtesy: Exchange 4 Media
Monday, July 1, 2019
బాలూ అడ్రస్ వెతుక్కుంటూ వెళ్లిన ఘంటసాల
ఇంటర్నెట్డెస్క్: తన అద్భుతమైన గానంతో తెలుగు ప్రేక్షకులను మంత్రముగ్ధులను చేసిన గాయకుడు ఘంటసాల వెంకటేశ్వరరావు. ఆయన గొంతు నుంచి జాలువారిన ప్రతి పాటా ఓ ఆణిముత్యమే! ఆయన పాడిన పాటలు ఎంత అద్భుతంగా ఉండేవో.. ఆయన అంత నిరాడంబరంగా ఉండేవారు. ఆయన నిరాడంబరతకు నిదర్శనం ఈ ఘటన. ప్రముఖ గాయకుడు బాలసుబ్రహ్మణ్యం ఓ సందర్భంలో పంచుకున్నారిలా.
‘‘ఘంటసాలగారు ఆలీబాబా నలభై దొంగలు(1970) సినిమాకు సంగీతం చేస్తున్నారు. అందులో ఆయనతో పాటు నేనూ మిగిలిన వాళ్లు కలిసి ఓ పాట పాడాలి. ఆ విషయం నాకు చెప్పడానికి నా చిరునామా కోసం కోదండపాణి గారింటికి వెళ్లారు. అక్కడ ఆయన లేరు. కోదండపాణిగారు వచ్చే వరకూ ఉంటానని ఇంటి పక్కన బయట రేకులు పరిచి ఉంటే దాని మీద చుట్ట కాలుస్తూ కూర్చొన్నారు. అదే సమయంలో నేను అక్కడికి వచ్చి ఆయన్ను చూసి నమస్కరించా. ‘ఏమిటి మాస్టారూ.. ఇక్కడ కూర్చొన్నారు’ అని అడిగా ఆశ్చర్యపోతూ.. ‘‘ఏం లేదు బాబూ నీ అడ్రసు కనుక్కొందామని కోదండపాణి ఇంటికొచ్చాను. ఆయన లేరు. ఇప్పుడే వస్తారని చెప్పారు. సర్లే అని ఇక్కడ కూర్చున్నా. నేను ‘ఆలీబాబా’కు సంగీతం చేస్తున్నా. నువ్వు నేనూ కలిసి ఓ పాట పాడాలి. వీలైనప్పుడు రిహార్సల్స్కు రా’’ అని అన్నారు. ‘అది చెప్పడానికి మీరే స్వయంగా రావాలా మాస్టారూ..! ప్రొడక్షన్ వాళ్లతో కబురు చేయొచ్చు కదా’ అని నేను అంటే.. ‘లేదు బాలూ వేరే పని మీద ఇటు పక్క వచ్చాను. ఎలాగూ వచ్చానని నీ అడ్రసు అడుగుదామని కోదండపాణి ఇంటికి వచ్చాను’ అని ఘంటసాల అంటే చెమర్చిన కళ్లతో ఆయన నమస్కారం చేశాను’ అని చెప్పుకొచ్చారు బాలు.
Courtesy: https://www.eenadu.net/cinema/morenews/8/2019/06/23/115989/ghantasala-went-to-sp-balasubrahmanyam-home
‘‘ఘంటసాలగారు ఆలీబాబా నలభై దొంగలు(1970) సినిమాకు సంగీతం చేస్తున్నారు. అందులో ఆయనతో పాటు నేనూ మిగిలిన వాళ్లు కలిసి ఓ పాట పాడాలి. ఆ విషయం నాకు చెప్పడానికి నా చిరునామా కోసం కోదండపాణి గారింటికి వెళ్లారు. అక్కడ ఆయన లేరు. కోదండపాణిగారు వచ్చే వరకూ ఉంటానని ఇంటి పక్కన బయట రేకులు పరిచి ఉంటే దాని మీద చుట్ట కాలుస్తూ కూర్చొన్నారు. అదే సమయంలో నేను అక్కడికి వచ్చి ఆయన్ను చూసి నమస్కరించా. ‘ఏమిటి మాస్టారూ.. ఇక్కడ కూర్చొన్నారు’ అని అడిగా ఆశ్చర్యపోతూ.. ‘‘ఏం లేదు బాబూ నీ అడ్రసు కనుక్కొందామని కోదండపాణి ఇంటికొచ్చాను. ఆయన లేరు. ఇప్పుడే వస్తారని చెప్పారు. సర్లే అని ఇక్కడ కూర్చున్నా. నేను ‘ఆలీబాబా’కు సంగీతం చేస్తున్నా. నువ్వు నేనూ కలిసి ఓ పాట పాడాలి. వీలైనప్పుడు రిహార్సల్స్కు రా’’ అని అన్నారు. ‘అది చెప్పడానికి మీరే స్వయంగా రావాలా మాస్టారూ..! ప్రొడక్షన్ వాళ్లతో కబురు చేయొచ్చు కదా’ అని నేను అంటే.. ‘లేదు బాలూ వేరే పని మీద ఇటు పక్క వచ్చాను. ఎలాగూ వచ్చానని నీ అడ్రసు అడుగుదామని కోదండపాణి ఇంటికి వచ్చాను’ అని ఘంటసాల అంటే చెమర్చిన కళ్లతో ఆయన నమస్కారం చేశాను’ అని చెప్పుకొచ్చారు బాలు.
Courtesy: https://www.eenadu.net/cinema/morenews/8/2019/06/23/115989/ghantasala-went-to-sp-balasubrahmanyam-home
Sunday, June 16, 2019
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam recalls his journey through weight loss
‘Bariatric surgery is safe if we can’t reduce weight through routine methods’
For an auditorium filled with people, a song rendered by playback singer S. P. Balasubrahmanyam could be nothing short of magical. But SPB, as he preferred to be addressed, went beyond music. He looked back at a time when he weighed 135 kg, and spoke on life after bariatric surgery, the importance of losing weight, and emphasised the need to conserve water like never before.
“In 2012, I weighed 135 kg. You would have seen me in several programmes on several stages and in photographs. You would know the difference from then and now. From 135 kg, I have come to 96 kg, and I am maintaining it. I would not say this is less but I feel it is enough for my age,” he told the audience at the inauguration of an Institute of Bariatrics at MGM Healthcare on Tuesday.
Weight should be reduced through routine methods, he said, adding: “But due to so many reasons, if we cannot, bariatric surgery is the safest procedure. There is no need to fear.”
He recalled how almost 25 years ago, he did what no playback singer would do — undergo a vocal cord surgery. “I underwent the surgery and I am better than ever. At 73, I am able to sing pretty well,” he said.
‘Not cosmetic surgery’
Noting that bariatric surgery was not cosmetic surgery, he said that he stood as an example. “My son and I underwent bariatric surgery and we are doing well. It is not to become heroes in movies. You can avoid diabetes that is the rootcause for so many diseases, he said. “Unfortunately, only in our country, many obese persons are portrayed as comedians,” he added.
Water conservation
He raised the need to conserve water. “There could be wars for water. Conserving each drop of water is essential. Let us not leave deserts for the next generation. If they give me a bottle of water, I never leave it half with water. A litre of water costs more than a litre of milk,” he said.
Deepak Subramanian, senior consultant and clinical lead, Department of General, Minimal Access (Gastro) and Bariatric Surgery, said obesity was increasing, and about 30% of women in Tamil Nadu suffer from obesity. The institute would offer endo-bariatric procedures.
Rahul Menon, chief executive officer and Prashanth Rajagopalan, director, MGM Healthcare, were present.
Courtesy: The Hindu
Sunday, June 2, 2019
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Thursday, May 9, 2019
Have Ilaiyaraaja and SP Balasubrahmanyam made up after fight over royalty?
Composer Ilaiyaraaja and legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam are best friends who have given numerous hit songs for several decades. However, the friendship hit a sour patch with a fight over royalty. After a couple of years, it looks like the two have reconciled and decided to work together again.
In 2017, SPB, KS Chitra and his son SP Charan found themselves in a legal hassle when Ilaiyaraaja claimed royalty from them if they performed his songs on stage. When the three singers were on a musical tour in the US, Ilaiyaraaja's attorney slapped a legal notice, asking them not to perform Ilaiyaraaja's compositions.
This legal notice caused a rift between Ilaiyaraaja's friendship with SP Balasubrahmanyam. In fact, SPB gave the famous Ilaiyaraaja 75 tribute concert a miss. The concert, organised by Nadigar Sangam, saw AR Rahman, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan in attendance.
Now, it is said that Ilaiyaraaja has another concert coming up in June. Reports suggest that SPB has volunteered to be part of the concert, setting aside their differences. After a major fight, this is the first time SPB and Ilaiyaraaja are coming together.
The concert, which will be held on June 2, will be a celebration of Ilaiyaraaja's 76th birthday. Singers KJ Yesudas, KS Chitra and Mano are said to be a part of this concert, which will be held at EVP Film City.
Courtesy: India Today
In 2017, SPB, KS Chitra and his son SP Charan found themselves in a legal hassle when Ilaiyaraaja claimed royalty from them if they performed his songs on stage. When the three singers were on a musical tour in the US, Ilaiyaraaja's attorney slapped a legal notice, asking them not to perform Ilaiyaraaja's compositions.
This legal notice caused a rift between Ilaiyaraaja's friendship with SP Balasubrahmanyam. In fact, SPB gave the famous Ilaiyaraaja 75 tribute concert a miss. The concert, organised by Nadigar Sangam, saw AR Rahman, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan in attendance.
Now, it is said that Ilaiyaraaja has another concert coming up in June. Reports suggest that SPB has volunteered to be part of the concert, setting aside their differences. After a major fight, this is the first time SPB and Ilaiyaraaja are coming together.
The concert, which will be held on June 2, will be a celebration of Ilaiyaraaja's 76th birthday. Singers KJ Yesudas, KS Chitra and Mano are said to be a part of this concert, which will be held at EVP Film City.
Courtesy: India Today
Friday, May 3, 2019
Adimai Penn: The film that made icons
As the MGR classic turns 50, MetroPlus looks back on the film that became a launchpad for singer SP Balasubrahmanyam
MG Ramachandran made three films under his banner — Nadodi Mannan, Ulagam Sutrum Valiban and Adimai Penn, which turns 50 today. From the initial promotional material, Adimai Penn too was projected as yet another MGR directorial, just like the other two films. However, it was veteran director K Shankar who wielded the baton. Originally, actors Saroja Devi and KR Vijaya were cast to play the leading ladies. In fact, they also shot a couple of scenes with cinematographer PN Sundaram. The project, for various reasons, was shelved and the story was changed.
MGR and Jayalalithaa were a hit pair back then, and in order to cash in on the box-office success of the combination, it was decided that the duo play double roles, with Ramamurthy cranking the camera. Jayalalithaa also made her singing début with ‘Amma endral anbu’, a song which she later used in her political career.
Adimai Penn was not just an iconic film, but a film that made many icons. One such was the arrival of the supremely talented playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam in to mainstream Tamil cinema. Recalling the experience working on the film, SPB says, “I was recording a Telugu song for the dubbed version of an MGR film in AVM studios. He (MGR) was sitting under a tree during a break. Since there were no air conditioners then, the doors of the studio were kept open. MGR was said to have remarked that he liked the Telugu version of his song, and asked his assistants to check out on the singer. He was keen on using a new voice and suggested my name to music director KV Mahadevan, fondly known as ‘mama’.”
A few days after that incident, a huge car landed outside SPB’s residence and an assistant walked in and said, “Chinnavar (MGR was referred to as Chinnavar) wants you to sing for this film. So, please come for rehearsals.” During the rehearsals at MGR’s Ramapuram residence, all the industry legends were waiting for SPB, and the tune — the iconic ‘Aayiram nilave vaa’ — was explained by ‘mama’. SPB says he overcame hesitation and anxiety and “somehow managed to sing the part alongside the legendary P Susheela”.
Since the song was to be filmed in Jaipur, the entire unit was supposed to leave in a week’s time. But SPB was diagnosed with typhoid during the recording sessions. “The crew sympathised with me and I was told to attend recording only after I fully recovered. When I went back to the studio again, I assumed it would be for some other song since ‘Aayiram nilave vaa’ was supposed to be shot in Jaipur, and the unit left already,” he says, adding, “I was pleasantly surprised when mama said, ‘You remember ‘Aayiram nilave vaa’? Then, let’s record it after a couple of rehearsals’. I was in a daze, but managed to sing it. MGR listened to the song and appreciated me.”
Soon after the recording, SPB says he mustered up courage to ask MGR the reason he was retained for the same song, despite his medical condition. “He asked me if I had told my friends about the song and even sung it for them,” remembers SPB, elaborating, “He said, ‘What if they watch the film and find out that you hadn’t sung? People might think that you didn’t do a good job and that we decided not to use your voice. Since this will affect your career, I postponed the shoot in Jaipur till your recovery’.”
Choked with emotions, SPB sought MGR’s blessings. “I cannot imagine anybody else so concerned about a newcomer’s career. In fact, I recorded two more songs, which did not find a place in the final version of the film. The first was a slow number with beautiful lyrics by Pulamaipiththan — ‘Veerathile kavi ezhudhi’, which was also Chandrababu’s favourite.” The second song, ‘Thaai illamal naan illai’, according to SPB, needed more zeal, and TM Soundararajan was chosen to croon the number.
SPB says he is grateful for both Adimai Penn and Shanthi Nilayam, which released the same year. “Both the films were quoted in the first State award I received in my début year in Tamil,” he adds. Following the release of Adimai Penn, the song ‘Ayiram nilave vaa’ became so popular that Sivaji Ganesan, in a special radio programme, stated that it was his favourite MGR song.
Courtesy: The Hindu
MG Ramachandran made three films under his banner — Nadodi Mannan, Ulagam Sutrum Valiban and Adimai Penn, which turns 50 today. From the initial promotional material, Adimai Penn too was projected as yet another MGR directorial, just like the other two films. However, it was veteran director K Shankar who wielded the baton. Originally, actors Saroja Devi and KR Vijaya were cast to play the leading ladies. In fact, they also shot a couple of scenes with cinematographer PN Sundaram. The project, for various reasons, was shelved and the story was changed.
MGR and Jayalalithaa were a hit pair back then, and in order to cash in on the box-office success of the combination, it was decided that the duo play double roles, with Ramamurthy cranking the camera. Jayalalithaa also made her singing début with ‘Amma endral anbu’, a song which she later used in her political career.
Adimai Penn was not just an iconic film, but a film that made many icons. One such was the arrival of the supremely talented playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam in to mainstream Tamil cinema. Recalling the experience working on the film, SPB says, “I was recording a Telugu song for the dubbed version of an MGR film in AVM studios. He (MGR) was sitting under a tree during a break. Since there were no air conditioners then, the doors of the studio were kept open. MGR was said to have remarked that he liked the Telugu version of his song, and asked his assistants to check out on the singer. He was keen on using a new voice and suggested my name to music director KV Mahadevan, fondly known as ‘mama’.”
A few days after that incident, a huge car landed outside SPB’s residence and an assistant walked in and said, “Chinnavar (MGR was referred to as Chinnavar) wants you to sing for this film. So, please come for rehearsals.” During the rehearsals at MGR’s Ramapuram residence, all the industry legends were waiting for SPB, and the tune — the iconic ‘Aayiram nilave vaa’ — was explained by ‘mama’. SPB says he overcame hesitation and anxiety and “somehow managed to sing the part alongside the legendary P Susheela”.
Since the song was to be filmed in Jaipur, the entire unit was supposed to leave in a week’s time. But SPB was diagnosed with typhoid during the recording sessions. “The crew sympathised with me and I was told to attend recording only after I fully recovered. When I went back to the studio again, I assumed it would be for some other song since ‘Aayiram nilave vaa’ was supposed to be shot in Jaipur, and the unit left already,” he says, adding, “I was pleasantly surprised when mama said, ‘You remember ‘Aayiram nilave vaa’? Then, let’s record it after a couple of rehearsals’. I was in a daze, but managed to sing it. MGR listened to the song and appreciated me.”
Soon after the recording, SPB says he mustered up courage to ask MGR the reason he was retained for the same song, despite his medical condition. “He asked me if I had told my friends about the song and even sung it for them,” remembers SPB, elaborating, “He said, ‘What if they watch the film and find out that you hadn’t sung? People might think that you didn’t do a good job and that we decided not to use your voice. Since this will affect your career, I postponed the shoot in Jaipur till your recovery’.”
Choked with emotions, SPB sought MGR’s blessings. “I cannot imagine anybody else so concerned about a newcomer’s career. In fact, I recorded two more songs, which did not find a place in the final version of the film. The first was a slow number with beautiful lyrics by Pulamaipiththan — ‘Veerathile kavi ezhudhi’, which was also Chandrababu’s favourite.” The second song, ‘Thaai illamal naan illai’, according to SPB, needed more zeal, and TM Soundararajan was chosen to croon the number.
SPB says he is grateful for both Adimai Penn and Shanthi Nilayam, which released the same year. “Both the films were quoted in the first State award I received in my début year in Tamil,” he adds. Following the release of Adimai Penn, the song ‘Ayiram nilave vaa’ became so popular that Sivaji Ganesan, in a special radio programme, stated that it was his favourite MGR song.
Courtesy: The Hindu
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
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