Galatta Cinema Article

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Cinema Plus - 29 January 2010

http://beta.thehindu.com/arts/music/article96093.ece

My B'day

Today, the 20th of Jan is the day I appeared as a shrivelled up new-born in this world. I love my parents, who have given me such a lovely life, I love my husband Karthik, and my kids, and on my birthday I only feel sadder that I have one year less to live with these wonderful people. It feels like the clock is ticking and we have to make the most of the time at hand. I hate birthdays because it reminds me of how old we are all growing. It is a sweet warning bell..But what the heck! Everyone grows old, so I guess it's fine. Good fun...

Pongal O Pongal

It was a lovely Pongal day and I ate lots of it. Then ran a lot on my elliptical...

Appeared on SUN Tv "Pattikada Pattanama" and Jaya TV "Galatta Kutcheri" with Mano sir on 15th Jan.

I performed at the Thiruvaiyaru Tamil Isai Festival on the 15th. The concert was between 11:30 pm and 1 am (yes you read it right!), and the audience were sitting and listening to music well into the night. Earlier I visited the Panchanatheswarar Temple and Dharmasamvardhini temple. This was the place where Dikshitar composed the Madhyamavati piece Dharmasamvardhini, and Syama Sastri composed the Varali piece Karunajoodavamma. In Thyagaraja's Muripemu Galige also there in a reference to Panchanatheeswara temple in the charanam. Very large premises, and nice darshan. Also prayed at the Aatkondeswarar sannidhi.

A nice change from the city lights!

Most Popular Entertainer of the Year Award

I received the "Most Popular Entertainer of the Year" award from the Vijay TV Super Singer Awards on 10th Jan. I received the award from Nityashree akka, and Srinivasji, myself, and Krishna Iyer performed our winning song "En Uchi Mandaila" from Vettaikkaran after collecting the bouquet and trophy. I thank God for this award and promise to work harder for music in the coming years also...

"Isai Kurisil" Award from KMS Kalaiulagam, New Delhi

On Jan. 9th I was at the capital, New Delhi...freezing as it was, I had the good fortune of landing within hours of the concert armed with a mere shawl and muffler. Mr Motilal Vohra was the chief guest for the evening, and several other dignitaries were supposed to attend the "Isai Kurisil" Award ceremony at the Delhi Tamil Sangam Audi, Dharam Marg. The concert was billed as "Charulatha Mani" - Live in Concert. It was a light music show Delhi Tamils were eagerly looking forward to. I was excited and delivered the goods. Smt Barkha Singh, MLA honoured me with the title, and the concert was a resounding success.

Light Music Concert at Colombo, Jan 3rd

It was a fine day at Colombo, on Jan 3rd, and the stage was set for a massive show at the Kadiresan Auditorium, Colombo. Presented by Vetri TV, this show included singers Srimathumitha, Mukesh, Jayadev, and myself. It was a grand show with a large youthful crowd. "Enn Ucchi Mandaila" was as usual received with thunderous applause and screams. I cannot forget my happiness while singing "Kanne Kalaimane" from Moondrampirai. The next day we shopped like crazy in Colombo and rushed to catch the flight. A hectic visit, and memorable evening.