Charulatha Mani

MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar  was the first superstar of South Indian Cinema with an incredible fan following. He was perhaps the first actor of the region to achieve such popularity with a fistful of films, and was the most sought after personality between 1934 and 1944. His films usually ran for months and ‘Haridas' (16 October 1944) , set a stunning record by running uninterrupted for 114 weeks at Broadway Cinema, Madras. It even witnessed three Deepavali festivals of 1944, 1945 and 1946! Directed by Sundar Rao Nadkarni, it also starred TR Rajakumari and NC Vasanthakokilam . With music by Papanasam Sivan and G Ramanathan , the score is replete with raga-based melodies. Raga-based songs of 'Haridas': The song that probably tops every playlist in  Charukesi   ragam would be ‘ Manmadha Leelaiyai '. This song was one of the earliest appearances of Charukesi on the silver screen, and till today, remains one of the best. In the sonorous voice of M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavatar an

Isai Payanam is inspired by great musicians. Dr Charulatha Mani discusses classical film hits of yesteryear singer-superstar TR Mahalingam and shares interesting links between classical music and film songs - a nostalgic journey that also urges us to think about music differently! Thenkarai Ramakrishna Mahalingam (16 June 1924 – 21 April 1978) was one of those national treasures whose vocal prowess was amazing without qualification - across genres, eras, and geography. Any operatic tenor would have been envious of his seamless voice production and robust projection, combined with great squillo/ring, while at the same time being able to sing floridly, delicately with mezza voce and legato for softer lyrics. It is just mind-boggling listening to his pure akaram, brighas, being equally at ease singing heavy Carnatic, Hindustani-flavoured, folksy, or popular contemporary-styled film songs in Sri Valli (both versions), Naam Iruvar, Maalayitta Mangai, Thiruvilaiyadal, Agathiyar and many mor

A musical dedication by Dr Charulatha Mani on the birthday of actor Mohan Rao, popularly known as "Kokila Mohan", after his debut in the 1977 Kannada film "Kokila", and later as "Mic Mohan", thanks to the numerous times he portrayed microphone-wielding singers on-screen. Film Songs mentioned in the video (composer: Ilaiyaraja): Ilaya nila - Payanangal mudivadilai This was the first Indian film to have "larger-than-life cut-outs" of the composer (Ilaiyaraja). The song is picturised on Mohan, Poornima Jayaram, S.Ve.Sekhar, and Rajini (whose expressive eyes, the director R.Sundarrajan, believed, were enough to carry the story!) Nilavu thoongum neram - Kunguma chimizh S. P. Balasubrahmanyam , S. Janaki Starting off with a Mohanam-like feel, moves to the major scale with the introduction of the madhyama note. Paadu nilaave - Udaya geetham S. P. Balasubrahmanyam Based on  Vaasanthi  ragam. For more on Vaasanthi ragam: Vaa vennila - Mella thirandadhu ka

A musical dedication by Dr Charulatha Mani on the birth anniversary of the virtuoso singer Manna Dey ( Prabodh Chandra Dey,  May 1, 1919 − October 24, 2013) . His classical music training and versatile voice set him apart as one of the most celebrated singers in Hindi and Bengali films. Film Songs mentioned in the video: "Tum bin jeewan kaisa jeewan" ( Bawarchi , 1972)   "Pucho Na Kaise Maine Rain" from   Meri Surat Teri Aankhen   (1963) "Sur Na Saje" from  Basant Bahar   (1956) "Kaun Aya Mere Mann" from   Dekh Kabira Roya   (1957) "Jhanak Jhanak Tore Baje Payalia" from  Mere Huzoor   (1965)  "Laga chunari mein daag" from Dil Hi To Hai (1963) "Maanasamaine Varoo" from Chemmeen (1966) "Ketaki Gulab Juhi" from "Basant Bahar" (1956) "Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen" from   Waqt   (1965)

A musical dedication by Dr Charulatha Mani on the 85th birthday (23 April) of the legendary singer S Janaki Amma. We are blessed to have listened to her music all these years and wish her long life and good health! Film Songs mentioned in the video: 'Singara velane deva' from 'Konjum Salangai' : SM Subbiah Naidu's  pièce de résistance in Abheri is sung with the nadaswara accompaniment of Karukkurichi Arunachalam. The line “senthuril ninraadum deva” reminds us of the nadaswara vidvan's typical phrasings.   ' Annakkili Unnai Theduthe' from the film ' Annakkili '. Director: Kalaimani, Music: Ilaiyaraa 'Senthoora Poove ' from ' 16 Vayathinile ', composed by Ilayaraaja. ' Chinna Thayaval ' from ' Thalapathi ', music by Ilaiyaraja, based on Kapi ragam . In classical music, Kapi kritis that are very popular include ‘Intha Sowkhya’, ‘Ramapahi’, and ‘Meevalla’ of Thyagaraja, ‘Janakiramana’ of Jeeyar, and ‘Enna Thavam’

The fabulous song Periyone en Rahmane from Aadujeevitham is unpacked by Dr Charulatha Mani here - want to know what ragams appear in that song? Tune in! Related videos: