TR Mahalingam Centenary Isai Payanam
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