Before the function: The Live in concert by our Melody Queen "Marakka Mudiyuma" is
to be a grand affair. Posters, Banners and hoardings
are seen prominently in Chennai, while Radio Mirchi
a sponsor gives the tickets to its listeners/participants.
MSV, TKR, TMS are to participate. In its June
24th edition, Dinathanthi carries the interview by Mrs. P. Susheela
at the press meet yesterday. Report on the Function:
An excellent show. I am yet in the clutches of the show
memories and still unable to free myself. The great
lady literally stole the hearts of the audience, who
were spell bound with her presence, voice, rendition
and grace. At 70, what an energy, to stand throughout and render
the songs continuously without a break. Music was
provided by UK Murali.
Melody queen started off with ‘Raman Ethanai
Ramandi’ at
6,30 pm . In the first few songs once could see the age
peeping in her voice. At 8 pm the honouring session
had TKR, PBS, Manorama, Geethanjali, Revathy Shankar
on the dais. PBS and TKR praised her attributes
and said that there are so many qualities imbibed
in this great woman, that you will find time a constraint
if listed. Manorama’s
presence and speech changed the atmosphere and said that only
singer she likes is PS and none else. She described
her voice to a silver stick when inserted in your
ear, touches your brain. Though somewhat crude
description, but that is what PS voice does. It
reaches your brain and lingers.
Post this one should have seen madam PS. She was at her
very best and in a great form. When the break was announced she said “No break” and continued singing.
Kannukku mai azhagu…….Indha padalukku Suseelavin kuralum
bhavamum azhagu. Variamuthu illayE. Anubavithu paadinaar.
Her rendition excelled the original. Her voice
was the music in every word. Only now did she realize
Vairamuthu’s lines “Ilamaaran kannukku epOdhum
naan azhagu” and sang the lines pointing to herself. Ammamma from Vennira Adai was a masterpiece. The humming
which takes different pitches (3 times) was done
with ease and a perfect foil to the original. Thunderous
applause every time she finished the humming. All these must have raised her energy levels.
Thamarai kannangal.. Appappa
solla varthai illai. Athe inimai athe kuzhaivu. The
next was Malai
pozhuthin mayakkathilE. Unnai
kaanatha kannum was another feather. Towards the
last line PS sang pointing her hand to the audience “Neengal
illaamal naanum naan alla…” This presence
of mind increased the duration of the applause.
MOC Fathima Babu did a fabulous job. She said that those
present were blessed since they could watch this rare
programme live, though millions could see the same
on TV. One could see her engrossed into the songs that
every time she had to realize the song is over and
commence her compering. In between the song she listed
the awards, titles and other achievements. PS is
still a big threat to today’s singers.
The entire programme kept the audience glued to their seats
but for the somewhat long felicitations by PBS
and TKR. PBS and PS sang Roja malare rajakumari. Due respect
to PBS (thaangavillai). While one appreciates his
eagerness to sing this song, the voice and age did not co-operate, while PS was smooth and sweet.
The most exciting moment for me personally was when madam
PS called me over the microphone to the stage, when
I had the honour of presenting a shawl to our Sangeetha
Saraswathi and said a few words about our site.
The compere also announced the creation of the site
by her fans.
Much to my surprise I was flocked by enthusiastic fans asking
details about the site, my address, contact numbers,
etc.
At the end eager fans thronged madam and she had to be escorted
to her car and seen off.
Eppozhuthum Marakka
Mudiyathu. Ithanai yarrum marukka mudiyuma. Appadi oru iniya
aridhana nigazhchi.
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