Paying Tribute to RafiSaab

Mohammed Rafi, that name will never be erased from the music world. He's a true genius personified. Rafi's association with Naushad helped the former establish himself as one of the most prominent playback singers in Bollywood. Songs from Baiju Bawra (1952) like "O duniya ke rakhwale" and "Man tarpat Hari darshan ko aaj" furthered Rafi's credentials. Naushad, began favoring Rafi as the male voice in almost every song composed by him. Rafi would sing a total of 149 songs (81 of them solo) for Naushad. 

One of my favourites by Rafi saab, which was not featured in any movies, is this song 'Jis Khwaab ke raat ..'. The tune is really haunting and has got an emotional touch. The original track is much slower. I have used the track of malaylam song (which Naushadji composed in 1989 and became superhit duet of that time sung by Yesudas and PSusheela). 

Presenting this song to the memory of Rafisaab who lives and will always live in our hearts and soul. 

D K Pattammal passes away

Another carnatic music doyen passes away. Heard the news in the evening. She passed away on July 16th Thursday noon.

Hailed as one of the “women trinity” – M.S. Subbulakshmi and M.L. Vasanthakumari were the other two — of Carnatic music, Smt. Pattammal carved a niche for herself, which was marked by an uncompromising adherence to tradition, deep engagement with technical nuances and emphasis on bhava and rakthi.

In the unique timbre of her voice and unmistakably clear diction, compositions of Subramanya Bharati and Papanasam Sivan reached the masses. She had the honour of performing at the foundation-laying ceremony of the Bharati Memorial at Ettayapuram.

Smt. Pattammal’s background that was steeped in orthodoxy, but her contributions were progressive — from being one of the earliest women to give vocal recitals on a concert platform, to becoming one of the first women artists to handle the ‘Ragam-Thanam-Pallavi,’ traditionally considered a male bastion.

Smt. Pattammal was also one of the earliest Carnatic musicians to sing in films, beginning with ‘Thyaga Bhoomi’ and later, for others, including ‘Naam Iruvar.’ As someone who popularised patriotic songs, she was invited by the All India Radio to sing on the eve of Independence. She was a recipient of several awards including the ‘Padma Vibhushan’ and the ‘Sangeeta Kalanidhi,’ which she received from The Music Academy in 1970.

Srutimma's Trophies

On July 12th Sunday 2009, BPS Cultural Fiesta winners were awarded the prizes. Sruti got first prize in Classical and Light music. Also she was awarded as Best performer among Junior Boys and Girls. 

 

Lal 's excellent Performance in BHRAMARAM

Was waiting for the movie release as this was blessy's 5th installment and after Tanmaatra, blessy-mohanlal film. Went to Gulf cinema on Sat evening with deepa and sruti with much expectation and it was well maintained. 

Bhramaram is a genre breaking movie. A new kind of thriller genre to malayalam cinema. Shot on eight locations within 54 days, most of the story takes place between Coimbatore and Munnar.Blessy the director  has successfully managed to build in the necessary tension and suspense around the lead character, which pushes the movie till the interval. And the second half is a real splendour with one of the best performances from the versatile star in Lal. He, with the help of fabulous frames and interesting dialogues, propel the movie toward the climax, which is a real stunner. 

Historic Match

What a match it's ! Its a great fight between gladiators. Gladiator Russel crowe was also there to watch the fight. If someone missed yesterday's wimbledon final, sorry guys you've missed the match of the century, for the HIstoric Last set.

Noopura - Annual Day Celebration of CEC-Doha

Rushed to Doha cinema by 5:15 pm after picking deepa and sruti from the makeup camp of CEC. by 6 pm sharp the programme started. Sruti was performing today in 3 items of bharatanatyam.

It's a colorful evening of Classical Dance, Music and Martial arts presented by students of Children Education Centre Doha. Started with Rangapooja to the tune of Vaishnavajanatho which morphed later to mahaganapathim in nattai and leading to grandfinale of vishnusahasranamam verses 'shuklambaradaram' and saanthaakaram. It's hearttouching to view all the dancers in rhythmic synchronization and in the end they formed a beautiful lotus. It's followed by several items in bharatanatyam. later martial art karate was demonstrated followed by keyboard recitals by some students. Carnatic music students performed Swathitirunal's version of Ramayanam in raagamalika set to roopaka taalam. The programe ended with dance drama 'Maanishaada' which was innovative in its presentation aptly using the projection systems for creating the background of forest. few highlights below is not clear as I was shooting with my nokia E90 communicator. later will get some beautiful coverage when official video is released.

   Newspaper report published in Gulf Times about this programme.