Happy B'day Kajol n Genelia

Happy B'day Suriya

Happy B'day Suriya

Tribute to R.D.Burman

June 27th 2009

Today is one of my most favourite Music Composer R.D.Burman's 70th Birth Anniversary. Though he's not alive, his Birthday is celebrated by almost all Hindi music lovers of India.
Rahul Dev Burman, who was called Pancham da created a wave in Hindi Film Music. Though is father S.D Burman was a renowned Music Director, RDB created a special identity for himself.Still his music is loved by all. Before Ilayaraja's entry, even Tamil people liked listening to Hindi songs.My mom and dad are lovers of Old Hindi Music esp Aradhana, Yadon Ki Baarat, Bobby, Caravan, Kati Patang, Tere Mere Sapne, etc. Almost all are RDB songs.Even Ilayaraja has told that RDB was one of his mentors. But I became his fan without knowing about him and his other. The first Hindi album I loved is 1942, A Love Story. (Courtesy: My neighbour Savitha Akka). I was crazy about "Oh ek ladki ko dekha to...."; "Kuch na kaho.." songs.It was in 1994 and I was in my 5th std. The satellite channels were at their initial stage. I started learning Hindi from Vasantha Maami.She advised us to watch Hindi channels. Our favourite was Top Ten Songs in Zee TV or Star TV.The songs from 1942 A Love Story were on Top. It made me a gr8 fan of Anil Kapoor, Kumar Sanu and the composer (but I didn't know abt his previous compositions).Unfortunately it was his last movie. Later I started listening to other Hindi songs.
But I became an ardent fan in 2007 when I was in Kolkata where I became a fan of Kishore Kumar first.The song "Yeh jo Mohabbat hai.." from Kati Patang was played in the office and suddenly it attracted me.I got the other songs of Kishore from Ritwik. Then regularly, I used to watch the program K for Kishore in Sony TV without fail. Most of the songs sung were Kishore Kumar's songs in RDB's composition. I started loving RDB's Music.The songs of "Teesri Manzil" (Original version of Kalaignan) made me a big fan of the legend. I was taken aback by the Orchestrization of the songs.It was released in 70s but the music was a decade ahead. The songs "O Haseena zulfonwali..", "Aaja aaja...", etc are still Listener's choice.Then the songs of "Hum Kisi se Kum Nahin", "Aandhi", "Jawani Diwani", etc made me idolize him. He extracted the best from every singer.I love his melodies in Kishore-Lata combination and foot-tapping numbers in Kishore-Asha combo.He's the only Composer who made three legendary singers sing a song.That's my most fav "Tum bin jaaoon kahan..." from Pyar Ka Mausam. He made Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar sing the song.Asha Bhonsle has sung many songs for him. Though she was used for Peppy n Cabaret type songs like "Churaliya hai..","Dum maro dum..", "Piya tu ab to aaja...", "Aaja Aaja...", "Jaane jaan...", "Aa dekhen zara...",she got her national award for the soul stirring "Mera kuch saamaan.." from Ijaazat.They got married though she is elder than him and a widow. The movie "JHANKAAR BEATS" and "DIL VIL PYAR VYAR" are tributes to the Legend. His songs were remade in those movies. (I also think to name my child "Rahul" like Sanjay Suri in Jhankaar Beats.)Though he ruled Bollywood, he had composed for only one Tamil movie.That's Sathyaraj-Gouthami starrer "Ulagam Pirandhadhu Enakkaga". But the songs didnt become hits. Even when the Madhavan starrer Dil Vil Pyar Vyar" was remade in Tamil as "Kaettavarellam Paadalam", both the movie and the songs got unnoticed.

Almost all of my colleagues belong to my generation and are in their 20s. But when we went for a Picnic, we all were singing RDB songs.A set of friends go to bar every Friday. Some of us booze and some dont. But we have never sung songs in the Bar.But this Friday (26th Jun), I started singing "Tum bin jaaon kahan..." and Ganesh and Vinayak joined me.I sang the full song 4 stanzas (2 of Rafi's version and 2 of Kishore's version). Vinayak was surprised to see me singing the whole song and praised me.The we sang "Tere bina zindgi se.." and "Pal pal dil ke pas...". It all happened after 12am. Something made me sing the songs and to give tribute to Pancham da. What's that? That's the magic of Music.

Happy B'day SPB- The Legendary Singer

            

      My most favourite legendary singer S.P.Balasubramaniam turns 6 . He is one of the gifted singers with a God-gifted voice. It's such a pleasing and mesmerising voice I always envy for. He's the most versatile singer of Indian Cinema. Still in Bollywood, people consider Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi are the best and evergreen singers. But for me, SPB is a mixture both Mohammed Rafi and Kishore da. He has the softest voice like Rafi and versatile styles of singing like Kishore. He has sung almost every kind of songs with different kinds of voices. 

Though he's not a trained in classical music, his songs are classics. S.P.B - Janaki - Ilayaraja trio is still one of the best combos that has given mindblowing songs. 

He holds the world record in the Guinness for having sung the most number of song recordings by any singer (the record for a female singer is held by Lata Mangeshkar). 

     Though his mother-tongue is Telugu, his pronunciation is too good in almost all the languages he has sung.  No wonder he got Five National Awards for the Best Singer. His first song in Hindi fetched him a National Award in Hindi for the song "Tere mere beech mein..." in Kamalhaasan's debut Hindi movie Ek Duuje Ke Liye directed by our own KB. Even Lata Mangeshkar, who had sung the female version of the song didnt get the prestigious award for the song. 

 But his first National Award in Tamil is his 5th Award for the song "Thanga Thamarai Malare..." in Minsara Kanavu in 1997. 

          He sings with an awesome bhava (expressions). This was identified by legendary director K.Balachander and introduced him as an actor in Manadhil Urudhi Vendum as Dr.Ardhanari, a musical doctor. It's such an apt character for him. KB's student Vasanth made himthe male  Pratogonist (namma baashaila sonna HERO) in his debut movie Keladi Kanmani.

 He turned Music Director in the film Thudikkum Karangal and composed Music for many Telugu and Tamil movies. But my favourite is Sigaram, where he played the role of a playback singer. The song "Agaram ippo sigaram aachu...." was sung by K.J.Yesudoss who was considered competitor for SPB at his time. The song is all about raise and praise of the singer of the movie. But indirectly SPB made KJJ to praise about him. 

Eventhough he's 66, he's voice is always Sweet 16. He has given playback for almost all generation of actors. From the debut "Aayiram nilave vaa..." for M.G.R, "Iyarkai enum ilaya kani..." for Gemini Ganesan, followed by Shivaji Ganesan, Muthuraman, Shivakumar, Kamalhaasan, Rajnikanth, Prabhu, Karthik, Mohan, Ajith, Vijay, etc.  till "Yaaro... yarukkul ingu yaaro.. " from Chennai-28, his music journey still continues.  His voice is apt for Kamal, Rajni, Mohan and Arjun. He has won almost all accolades in his career but he is always calm and composed. He always respects his senior singers. He considers Mohd.Rafi as his mentor and KJJ as his elder brother. He tells that though he can sing any kind of songs, he cannot do a Carnatic kutcheri (Concert) like Daas anna (KJJ) especiallly by sitting on the fllor continuously.

 He's so diplomatic when comes to judgement. His music show "Ennodu Paattu Padungal" is the best example for this. He advices the participants without hurting. 

He named his children Pallavi and Charan. The stanzas of a song. They did not become so famous like him. his daughter is a mediocre singer who sang "Hai Rabba..." for ARR in Jeans. His son 

SP Charan made a sensational debut in Alaipayuthe's "Kadhal sadugudu..." but did not have  the talent like him though he has a good voice. But in recent times, he has improved and I could feel the young SPB in him in songs like "Om shanthi..." fromVaaranam Aayiram and "Kadaloram oru veedu...." from Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puravum. (Like Vijay Yesudass improved himself in recent times and i could feel a young KJJ in him)

I pray God, that I would sing in Ennodu Paattu Padungal with the legend and I would get a soothing voice like him in my next Birth. Let's wish SPB for a Long life and to more and more wonderful songs and to break his own Guiness Record. 

Happy B'day to the Legends

       

        Today the Music legend  Maestro Ilayaraja shares his B'day with Legendary Director Mani Ratnam. Both are my Demi-Gods in their respective fields.  The Maestro turns 66 today and the Perfectionist turns 53. Both the Talented Geminis have given us outstanding Music n Movies respectively alone and together. 

    Both shared a good rapport and gave us Hits like Mouna Ragam, Nayagan, Agni Nakshathiram, Geetanjali (Idhayathai Thirudadhe), Anjali and Dhalapathy. Though Pagal Nilavu and Idhaya Kovil are mediocre movies (not of Mani Ratnam standards), they have awesome Music. 

As per my knowledge, this duo introduced the concept of Theme Music in films. Mani's debut film Pallavi Anupallavi in Kannada has an Awesome Theme Music and one of the songs is now used as the Ringtone of Idea Cellular Service. The Theme Music of Mouna Ragam drives me crazy (My all time favourite). It has been my Mobile ringtone for several years. Unfortunately both parted their ways but fortunately Mani introduced ARR, the Oscar-winner. This clearly showa that Mani has a good taste of Music and needless to say that his films are Musical Hits. 

Today I changed my caller tune to "Mandram vandha Thendralukku...", the master-piece movie of the duo, as a dedication to them. 

Long live IR & MR

Happy B'day to Me!!!

   Today I turned 26. It was just another day. I consider Birthdays as the most Special day of a person. I never forget to wish on one's Bithday.  New Year, Diwali, Christmas, etc are celebrated my all. Only B'days are so special that only the persons who was born celebrate.

But the day was not so special for me since I'm away from my Home and close friends. I wore a Spykar Shirt (Purple and white checked) and a Dockers pants (Ash color), went to office and received some fake wishes. Most of the ppl around me wished just for Treat. But I didnt give to anyone due to month-end. 

Last year B'day was one of my most memorable B'days. Not because that i turned 25 (Silver B'day) but I was in my home with all my 1st cousins, uncles, aunts, chithappa, chithi, periyamma, periyappa, thatha and all. I love to be with my friends and relatives. I just love my cousins since I'm the eldest among them. Today I miss them all...

Many of my friends wished me. I got some unexpected calls, but few expected persons like Balanagesh, Clarence, Neroshan, Shanmugam, Shanthi, Sahithi, Sathish Ramasamy, Isamma didnt call me up. Sathyaraj didnt call and wish me but had sent a scrap like a professional colleague.  Till the end my room mates Muru and Karthi didnt wish me. 

But I'll never fail to wish on any of their B'days. 

Thats me!!!

- 01.06.2009

Happy B'day Simran

Today Simran celebrates her 33rd B'day. Simran had been my Dream Girl when I entered my Teen. Nerukku Ner and VIP were released that time. Simran was a new name to Tamil though it's every second girl's name in Punjab. I was even caught by my Maths sir for having her cuttings in my Notebook. Though I didnt like her acting skills then, I was crazy about her figure. Manam virumbudhe unnai was my most fav song when I was in 9th.


to be contd

Happy B'day Aamir Khan

Today Aamir turns 44. He's one of the very few perfectionists of Indian Film Industry.

Shreya - My Sweet Heart

Shreya Ghoshal - The one name that makes me Crazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzyyyyyyyyyyyy. I'm just addicted to her voice and herself. Shreya turned 25 on 12th March. Unfortunately I cudn't write a blog due to my hectic work. Belated Happy B'day Shreya!!!

Shreya is one singer who's a blend of Beauty and Talent. I tell my mom that she's my

IDEAL MATCH. She looks better than most of the Actresses. She was well apreciated by the great Lata mangeshkar for th Sweetness of her voice. She was selected by Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the voice of Paro in Devdas after she won the Reality show Sa Re Ga Ma, in Zee TV that was hosted by Sonu Nigam.




She was just 16 when she sang for Aishwarya in Devdas. She got National Award for Best female Playback singer for the song "Bairi Piya..." from Devdas. She also shared the Filmfare award with Kavitha Krishnamurthy for the song "Dola re.." from the same movie. But my favourite song of her from the movies is "Silsila ye chahat ka....". Soon Shreya became popular and started giving more hit songs like "jaadu hai Nasha..." and "Chalo tumko lekar..." from Jism; "Agar tum mil jao..." from Zeher; "Bepanah pyar..." from Krishna Cottage; etc and she got her 2nd National Award in 2006 for the song "Apne Aansoo Peene Ke Liye..." from the SRK starrer Paheli.

I became a fan of hers immediately after listening to her 1st song in Tamil "Chellamaai Chellam" from the movie Album (In 2002). It was really a refreshing voice in Tamil Films which got bored with the voice of Sadhana Sargam. Though her Tamil pronunciation was not good earlier, it was soooo sweet to listen. But very soon she has improved her Tamil diction and her pronunciation of zh/ழ, which is unique for Tamil is the best among the North Indian singers. Even the legendary SPB has appreciated her for her flawless Tamil. Udit Narayan still sings in poor Tamil. Madhushri is hopeless for Tamil. She was critically acclaimed for her rural Tamil slang in the song 'Iayyayo' in the multi-award winning film Paruthiveeran.

Though Karthik Raja introduced her in Tamil, it's Ilayaraja who got used the most of her Talent. She was a key singer in Raja's "Netru Indru Naalai" that was telecast in Jaya TV. Esp, her rendition of "Kaatril endhan Geetham.." from Johnny is still in my mind. She sang ..."kaanaadha onrai thodudhe.." instead of "... kaanadha onrai thedudhe..". But in the end, when she corrected that and sang correctly, the hall was full of applause.

It's "Munbe vaa..." from Sillunu Oru Kadhal that made me fanatic of her voice. It's been an Anthem for most of the youth. She has sung it sweetly and romantically. She got a Filmfare-Tamil for that song in 2006 which she deserved. I was just on cloud nine when she recieved it and sang a few lines.




2007 was one of the Best years for Shreya. She gave more hits in Hindi. She became one of the judges of the Music Reality show "Star Voice of India - Chote Ustaad" that made me crazzzyyyy abt her. She remembered her days as a participant of the show Sa re ga ma. I became a regular viewer of the show only because of Shreya and other two participants Anwesha and Aishwarya.



Ilayaraja came with Cheeni Kum in Hindi in which he remastered his evergreen hits of 80s Mandram Vandha Thendralukku, Vizhiyile Mani vizhiyil, Kuzhaloodhum Kannanukku which are respective equivalents of Cheeni Kum hai, Jaane do na and Baatein hawa. Then came "Yeh Ishq..." from Jab We Met with her ice-cooled voice which hit the chartbusters. Sanjay Leela Bhansali again used her for Saawariya, that was a Musical hit. Her voice added more beauty to the song "Main agar kahoon.." from Om Shanti Om though she rendered just 31 seconds in the whole song.Her classical proficiency was proved in "Mere Dholna.." from Bhool Bhulaiya with her flawless sargams. Only Anwesha could sing the song spledidly afer Shreya. But she was awarded the Filmfare for "Barso re...". I was disappointed as I exp she would get for Cheeni Kum's Jaane do na which is a mesmerising and had been my Hello Tune for a long time and again from 12th March 2009. Again Shreya-ARR combo worked out. She herself expected for "Yeh Ishq" but she stated that her fans like her voice for Ash.




She didnt give much hits in 2008. But her dream was fulfilled by singing for her and my fav Kajol in U Me Aur Hum. "Teri ore.." from Sing is King didnt make an impact on me. Tu hi meri dost hai rom Yuvraaj is ok and Thujhme rab dikhta hai from RNBDJ was good. Where as her voice in "Kaise mujhe tum mil gayi..." from Ghajini is so touching and disturbed me a lot. Have to write a separate blog for that. Eventhough her part is for 92 seconds, it's far better than her "Teri Ore..." for which she got the Filmfare 2008.



Shreya hit Hatrick by winning a Filmfare in Tamil and 2 in Hindi consecutively from 2006 to 2008. Congratulations Shreya!!!
Hope she would hit the hatrick again (In Filmfare Hindi) for 2009 films.
Wishing her all the Best as a Crazzziest Fan!!!!

Here comes my most fave of her in 2008:

Happy B'day Jo Jo Jyothika

Today Jyothika turns 29.

Happy B'day Kajol

One of my most favourite actresses Kajol turns 34 today. I am addicted to Kajol's magnetic eyes since Minsara Kanavu in 1997. She's the real Minsara Kanni. Though I was not attracted towards her acting prowess then. The film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai made me a die-hard fan of the Bong Beauty.

Happy B'day K.B.

Today is my most fav director K.Balachander's B'day. He is 78 yrs young. He is the real Star Maker who created stars like Kamalhassan, Rajnikanth, Sridevi, Jayapradha. Most of the actors like Jayasudha, Sujatha, Saritha, Madhavi, Geetha, Prakash Raj, Naser, S.Ve.Shekar, Dileep, Vivek, Ramesh Aravind, SPB as an actor were introduced by none other than KB.

KB is one person who has influenced or inspired me a lot. My orkut n blogger profile says "I'm a Cocktail of K.B's film characters.." I dont know how I became such an ardent fan of KB and his creations. Mom is a big fan of KB. She only introduced his films to me. I was in 7th or 8th std I guess. I started to understand abt movies. The first KB film that shocked me was "Aval Oru Thodarkadhai". I was attracted by the "Kavitha" character. She is a stubborn, adamant, arrogant to see but soft at heart, egotistic girl. The climax is such a stunning climax. Long ago I read Director Vasanth's interview in a Tamil Weekly that he was stunned by the climax of "Aval Oru Thodarkadhai" and returned home by walk. He forgot his cycle in the Cinema Theater itself.
Though it's a story of Writer Maharishi, the screenplay and dialogues made it a Landmark film. It was dubbed in Malayalam and remade in Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and Bengali. This is one Tamil film which was taken in most of the regional languages.

Then I started watching movies like Apoorva Ragangal, Iru Kodugal, Edhir Neechal, Avargal, Arangetram, Sollathan Ninaikkiren, Thamarai Nenjam, Moondru Mudichu, Sindhu Bhairavi, Manadhil Urudhi Vendum, Punnagai Mannan, Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal, Unnal Mudiyum Thambi, Agni Satchi, Kalyana Agadhigal, etc. again and again (Courtesy: Sun Movies which was ther in 1996-1997). I would have watched Azhagan more than 100 times. It's one of my most fav films which I wud take alongwith me if I'm left in no man's land. Once my Maami's father asked me abt the film I liked at that time and was surprised when I said Thamarai Nenjam. I was in my 7th Std vacation then. The first KB film I watched in a theater was Kalki (In 1996). Before that I watched and liked his teleserials Kaiyalavu Manasu, Kadhal Pagadai, Premi, Jannal, etc. I liked "Kalki" very much though not liked by many. I started to say
"Naan senjadhu write illa; aana naan senjadhu thappilla".

I think my mom would have watched a lot of KB films when I was in her womb. This made me love his films and created a Desire for Direction. I have heard many ppl saying KB as a pervert due to some of the scenes in his movies. Esp the scenes in which women are exploited. But he's the director who took more Women-oriented subjects and never depended on heroes. He's the real revolutionist of Tamil Cinema. After Director Sridhar, KB showed a different view of Tamil Cinema.

My mom was surprised that I like KB movies at my tender age of 12. She often told then that she was not allowed to watch many of his movies before her marriage as they were considered only for Adults. The things I like in KB movies are the screenplay, dialogues which are simple yet sharp, the importance to each and every character of his movies. Be it a living character or non-living character, we canno forget those small roles. For instance, "Irumal thatha" of Edhir Neechal, Rajni's father in Thillu Mullu, Kokila' husband in Kalki, etc. do not exist in the respective movies but they have created an impact. The non-living characters like the doll (Junior) in Avargal, Cash box and red car in Vaaname Ellai, Telephone in Azhagan are also important characters of the films.

I came to know abt the Sahana raga from his films only. He has a passion for this raga i think. He has used it in many of his films. So I created a Dream Girl and named her Sahana.

It's not an ordinary achievement to direct 100 films. That too 95% are Quality films.
Though I dont like Parthale Paravasam, the much-hyped 100th film of KB, Poi, Ninaithale Inikkum, I never ignore them. He's the pioneer in everything. He's the first director who made ppl watch movies for a director instead of stars like MGR n Shivaji Ganesan. During my teen-age I used watch KB films which made me separated from my other friends who considered I have abnormal taste. But now I have some good friends who love KB and his films and that too younger than me. So now I feel that I'm not abnormal.

A Tribute to R.D.Buman

Today is the 69th Birth Anniversary of the legendary music Director R.D.Burman

Happy B'day Padmashri Madhuri Dixit

Madhuri Dixit - fondly the "Dhak-dhak" girl of Bollywood turns 41 today. She had been ruling the Bollywood in 90s. I have become a fan of her ever since she danced for the famous "Ek Do Teen.." from Tezaab. I liked the song and her Dance when it was played in "CHITRAHAAR". I was 4-5 years old then. Those days the cable channels were not there, so I haven't watched much of her flicks. I didnt know abt her acting skills. But I am fan of her Graceful Dance. She was the toughest competition for My All time fav Sridevi who was also reigning at that time.



Later I was addicted to her "Didi tera Devar..", "Maayini Maayan",
"Hum Aapke Hain Kaun", I was bowled over by her Gorgeous beauty in the song "Pehla pehla pyar hai...". "Choli ke peeche kya hai.." was considered a taboo then. After Minsara Kanavu, I was addicted to Kajol and forgot Madhuri. So I didnt like her much in "Dil To Paagal Hai" but the songs are evergreen. Though she was a bit fat in that movie her dance was flawless. Again I was taken aback by her mindblowing dance in "Key sara sara..." from PUKAR with the Dance Maestro Prabh Deva.
She excelled as Chandramukhi of "Devdas". "Madhuri ne maar daala.."

She made an apt comeback with "Aaja nachle" in 2007 at the age of 40. She looked awesome in the movie. No one could say that she is 40+. Stil she carries her Warm Smile and Gracefullness.



This year she was awarded the prestigious Padmashri award. I dont know why she was awarded. Cos even Manorama got a Padmashri after she made a record in the Guiness. Watever, Madhuri is Madhuri. All r stil mad abt Madhuri.
Happy B'day Padmashri Madhuri Dixit Nene!!!

A TRIBUTE TO SATYAJIT RAY

Satyajit Ray, the only Indian Director to receive an Oscar for his Lifetime Acievement.

HAPPY B'DAY AJITH

This is one of his Special Birthdays for Ajith as he is celebrating with his daughter Anoushka.

He is one hero who has his head on his shoulders. After having seen huge success as well as a string of continuous failures and being out of work for a complete year Ajith has sprung back into action after his last film ‘Billa’ proved a blockbuster hit. He is now doing ‘Aegan’ with dance choreographer Raju Sundaram, who turns director with this film.

Ajith who commands 8 crore rupees in today’s film market sometimes spellbinds his friends and people around him with his simplicity. Here we have a few instances for you which showcase the other side of Ajith Kumar.
In a field where greatness is measured by the number of hits or popularity, Ajith is one hero who has maintained a huge fan following even after giving continuous flops at one point of time. The reason, his humane nature has always outshined his failures. Though Ajith is very low profile about his family and personal life, his good deeds have never escaped the press.
Ajith truly possesses the quality that turns a foe into a friend.
A few years back a reporter of a weekly magazine used to publish unconfirmed reports on Ajith. Once he had to meet this actor for a public event and had to leave early. When he was questioned by the actor if he had something important to do, the journo said he wanted to meet his cardiologist as he was to undergo an operation in a couple of months’ time. To the astonishment of the reporter the actor took care of the surgery charges as well as all the medical expense till six months after the operation.
And guess what this journalist does now..? If there is any article in any magazine ill-mouthing Ajith he calls them up and fights for his star.

It was a time when Ajith was renovating his house in Neelangarai. He had just come there after an outdoor shoot and as he was entering the house he stopped the mason who was laying marble stones in the front yard. Ajith asked him to wait till he is back. The puzzled mason was wondering if Ajith was not happy with the color of the marble that was being laid. In a short while Ajith appeared at the door in a bermuda and tees and joined the mason in laying stones for his portico.
There is none to beat Ajith in taking people by surprise. Ajith was once traveling with his friend in his car. When the vehicle neared Kannadasan’s statue in T Nagar, the car let out a sputter and came to a halt. The fuel tank was empty. The only way to get to a petrol bunk was to push the car to the petrol bunk. When his friend decided that he would push the car to the bunk with Ajith inside, the actor’s mind was on something else. Ajith compelled his friend to sit inside the car and pushed the car to the nearest petrol bunk.
At a time when most of his contemporaries would love to hangout with friends in a 5 star hotel, this man prefers to spend time at his residence while he is off work.

In Short Ajith = Hardwork + Helping Nature + Simplicity

Wish u a Very Happy B'day Ajith.

PS:

Please allow Shalini atleast in ur movies. Tamil people miss her a lot...

Happy B'day Ajith

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUDHA RAGHUNATHAN

Sudha Raghunathan is the one whom I can say my Guru of Carnatic Music. She’s my Drona and I’m her Ekalavya. (But I won’t give her my thumb as Fees). Though I could not learn Music from her directly, I learned from her by listening to her Cassettes and CDs. First my mother became her fan and started listening to her songs. That time I was not aware of pure form of Carnatic Music as I just entered my teenage. But I had an affinity towards the Classical songs in the films like Sindhu Bhairavi, Unnal Mudiyum Thambi (Courtesy KB). Later I got an interest to identify ragas of a few Film songs (Courtesy Mohan Vaidhya).

It all started with the famous Bharathiyar song “Chinnanchiru Kiliye Kannamma…” sung by Sudha and it created a magic in me. Especially when she sings the line “Kannathil Muthamittaal…” I felt like someone pecks on my cheek literally. I kept listening to it and sang the song in a Music competition in my 10th Std. But still I managed to get only a 2nd prize in the Brahmin-dominated school. The same song got me the First Prize in my 11th Std. I was happier not to win 1st Prize, but to defeat a Brahmin boy who was my rival in Sanskrit too.

When I was in 2nd year B.E, I heard Sudha singing the famous song of Oothukkadu Venkata Subbiyer, “Asaindhadum mayil onru…” I was just mesmerized by the way the song was composed and flawlessly sung by Sudha. From that moment I had become a die-hard fan of Carnatic Music and of course SR. Eventhough I have listened to the same song sung by various artistes, still SR is the Best. Her Album titled “ALAIPAYUTHE KANNA” contains the songs of Oothukkadu is my most favourite Album till date. If anyone wants to learn Carnatic music, they can start with those songs which help have control over breath while singing. One can also improve his/her Tamil pronunciation by practising those songs. Especially the lines:

"KaRutha kuzhalodu niRutha mayil siRagirukki amaitha thirathile
Gaana mayilaadum neela kuyil paadum neela nadhiyodum vanathile

Kuzhal mudhal ezhilasai kuzhaiya varumisayil kuzhalodu miLiriLan karathile

Kadhirum madhiyum ena nayana vizhigaL iru naLinamaanda salanathile..."

Later I started collecting most of her Albums and recommend others to listen to it.
In my opinion, Bombay Jayashri sings with a very low pitch, whereas Nithyasree sings at extremely high pitch. Sudha can sing in both low pitch and high pitch. She can sing any kind of raga very well, whether it’s a soft Sahana or a hard Thodi. But for my uncles Bombay Jayashri is the best in this generation. My granny says after MS it's BJ. But for me SR is the Best.

I got a chance to attend 3 of her concerts when I was in Coimbatore. Her concerts are very popular among people due to her Song selection. She normally sings popular songs like Kurai onrum illai, Shanti Nilava Vendum, Katrinile varum geetham, etc. Most of the people esp women attend her concerts to see her attire. She is famous for her silk saris and jewels esp rings. This made her the Brand Ambassador of Pothys.

Though her contemporaries Bombay Jayashri and Nithyasree are popular among common audiences because of her Film songs, Sudha has her unique place in the Hearts of Music Lovers in spite of a few renditions of film songs. Her songs in “Ivan” are of her kind but the song “Kadhal periyadha kaamam periyadha…”from the movie Satham Podaadhey is the biggest blunder Sudha has ever made as MLV did in “Ayyasamy Aaojisamy…”. When Ilayaraja made her singing Carnatic songs in films, A.R. Rahman too was keen to make her sing in “Yelelo”, Yuvan tried to spoil her image by the song. This is the only song of Sudha which I hate to the core.
Though I haven’t yet watched the film and song, I liked her voice suited to Late Soundarya in Ivan and also to the legend Shabana Azmi in the crossover move “Morning Raga” where Shabana’s lip sync is perfect for the “Thaye Yashodha...” fusion song.

My favourite songs of Sudha:
Asaindhadum Mayil onru in Simmendhra Madhyamam
Chinnanchiru Kiliye - Ragamalika
Kurai Onrum Illai – Ragamalika
Enna Thanavm seidhanai - Kapi
Alaipayuthe Kanna - Kanada
Paal Vadiyum Mugam – Natta Kurinji
Thaye Yashoda – Thodi (Especially the fusion one in Morning Raga)
Kuzhaloodhi manamellam – Kamboji
Aadaadhu Asangadhu - Madhyamavati
Vandhanamu ragu nandhana - Sahana
Sarvam Bramha mayam – Darbari Kanada
Bramham Okate - Bowli
Bho Sambho – Revathi
Velliyangiri vaasa – Shubhapantuvarali
Ododi vandhen kanna – Dharmavati
Kanda naal mudhalaai - Madhuvanti
Natanam Aadinar – Vasantha
Nannu Brova Lalitha - Lalita
Devi Neeye Thunai - Keeravani
Anadamrita Karshini – Amritavarshini
Ranjani Niranjani - Ranjani
Thunban nergayil – Desh
Shanti Nilava Vendum - Tilang
Maa Ramanan - Hindolam
Basant Bahar Thillana
Hindolam Thillana
Guruvaayoorappane Appan – Reeti Gowlai
Aasai mugam marandhu poche – Jonpuri
Karunai Deivame – Sindhu Bhairavi
Mangambudhi Hanumanta – Dharmavati
Marugelara and Neeraja sama neela Krishna – Jayantashri
Mayilayin naayakiye – Sri Ranjani
Sachaamara rama vaani – Hamsanandi
Kaa vaa vaa – Varali
Aadamodi galade - Charukesi
Manavyaala kinchara – Nalinakanti
Sriman Narayana –Bowli
Pirava Varam Thaarum – Latangi
Enai Enna Seidhaai veinkuzhale – Simmendhra Madhyamam (Movie: Ivan)
Aanmaavin Raagam – Title Song of Sahana
And the list goes on endlesly….



Once the great Music Critic Late Mr. Subbudu had mentioned that if he had to be in a No man’s land, he would take Bhagavad Gita, his Vethalai Petty and Casettes of Sudha Raghunathan’s songs along with him. Sudha was overwhelmed by this statement of Subbudu and told that it’s like the most prestigious Award for her.

She participates in the “THIYAGARAJA ARADHANA” every year at Thiruvaiyaaru as well as Cleveland; but I have not found any of her albums for Pancharatna Kritis. I would like her to release the album of “Pancharatna Kritis” soon.

I would like to dedicate this blog to my “Maanaseeka Guru” on her Birthday and wish her to keep singing like M.S. Subbulakshmi with her God-gifted voice. I also wish she would get the Bharat Ratna Award like the great MS.

Now listening to “Vandhanamu Raghu nandana…” Thiyagarajar Kriti composed in Sahana raga from her Album VANDHANAMU

Happy B'day Hrithik Roshan

Today Hrithik celebrates his 34th B'day...

Hrithik is my most favourite Bollywood hero in recent times. He's the one of the most paid actors. He is famous Atheletic and Chiselled Body with Great Looks (Often compared to Greek God). He made his debut in 2000 Hit Movie "Kaho Naa.. Pyar Hai". That time I was in my 1st year. "Ek pal ka jeena..." song was so famous that time. He became the Heart-throb of my then CRUSH. So I was jealous of him.
He got Double Filmfare Awards in 2000 (As Best Male Debut and also Best Actor)

I like his Coke Ads, specially the one in which he dances and takes the Coke Bottle with his legs. Vivek also has done a 'Comedy Dance' like that in 12B. After that I liked him in "Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham" K3G but still SRK was my fav...

I became his Fanatic after watching the movie "Krrish" in Kolkata. I admired his Dance in in the movie specially in the "Dil na diya..." song. It was mind blowing. I was taken aback by seeing the performance of the Father Hrithik in the movie. Then only I came to know that it's a sequel to his previous moive "Koi Mil Gaya". So immediately i bought and the VCD of KMG and watched. His performance was awesome as a mentally retarded guy. Soon I realised he doesn't depend on his dance only but has some stuff in him. Bcos of that only he got again a Double Filmfare in 2003 (For the categories Best Actor and Best Actor Critics Award)

Then came "Dhoom-2". Since it's also a sequel to the Super-Hit "Dhoom", it also had great expectations. I watched it with Amit (who's also an admirer of HR), Manish and Mithun.
It was a Total Package. Literally it's a Visual Treat for Hrithik lovers. As Aishwarya sings in the movie he has made me "Crazy kiya re..." Mind blowing dance for "Dil laga na.." Though many people told that Dhoom-1 is the best, i like "Dhoom-2" for HR, his dance and his chemistry with Aishwarya Rai, who had a Smooch Scene though Abhishek Bachchan was also in the movie but not as a pair to Ash. He got his 5th Filmfare, 3rd time for the Best Actor category...
(One more reason I like him coz he is also a #1 person like me. )

After Dhoom-2, I have become crazy about Hrithik and started using most of the products he endorses. I bought Sony Ericsson mobile. I told my parents to buy an Acer Laptop for my brother. I started drinking Bournvita (I was a Complan Boy). I like "Hide and Seek" biscuits even before he endorses it. But I dont drink Coke (Not only Coke but any carbonated Drinks. Still I prefer Pepsi to Coke if Sprite or 7-up is unavailable) I went many times to John Players show-room but haven't bought one yet. Also I haven't tried the other brand- "Macroman" inner-wears. He he...

Recently I saw "Lakshya" as it has fetched Prabhu Deva, the National Award for Best Choreography for the song "Main Aisa Kyun Hoon...". It really deserved. Superb break dance.
Though the movie is not so good, Hrithik had done justice to his job. I like the Beautiful and romantic song "Agar min kahoon mjuhe tumse mohabbat hai to kya kahogi?..."

I am eagerly waiting for his new Movie "Jodha Akbar" by Ashutosh Gowariker, he maker of "Lagaan" with co-star Ash, this time as Aishwarya Bachchan. It was supposed to be released on 25th Jan 2008. But it has been postponed to Feb 15th.. So sad...

Let's Expect more from him... Long Live Hrithik...