Remembering the Legend - Malaysia Vasudevan

As the Film Industry bemoans the sad demise of the great Malaysia Vasudevan(MV),its time to look back and go on a nostalgic trip paying homage to this wonderful man,his wide repertoire of songs and his diction over the Tamizh language.I have handpicked a few songs from his massive ouevre which are my personal favourites of MV and also which truly showcases his versatility.

Like the Trinity of Carnatic Music - Thiyagarajar,Dikshitar and Shyama Shastri and the woman trinity of Carnatic Music - MS Subbhalakshmi,D K Pattamal and ML Vasanthakumari,I firmly beleive MV rightfully earns his place in the trinity of Male Playback singing,the others obviously being SP Balasubramanian(SPB) and K J Yesudas(KJY).Though MV never really had the quantum of hits that his illustrious counterparts had,what defined MV was his uniqueness and enigmatic voice.Apart from the songs sung by SPB and KJY for Maestro Ilaiyaraja,there was another special category of songs which undoubtedly no one could do justice but the great MV.Songs characterized by resonance,mystiqueness,enigmaticness etc and MV perfectly enhanced the artistry of these numbers through his melifluous voice.

Now coming to my personal 10 favourite songs.

1) Song:Indha Minminikku
Film:Sigappu Rojakkal (1978)
MV and S Janaki(SJ) really freak out in this number.MV adding the perfect foil to SJ's humming/singing/laughing:),the chiaroscura is beautiful to witness and at the same time individually nonchalantly roaring through the entire song with his razor sharp vocals.Can anyone imagine this song was composed just 33 years ago?:).Well that truly explains the stuff of legends.

2) Song:Oru Thangarathathil
Film:Dharma Yudham (1979)
Here MV croons for the Superstar.Just when you hear the prelude,you can guess its a melodious number and Malaysia accentuates ir further with his soulful timbre laden voice.The old world charm and the profoundness is deeply visible.

3) Song:Kalangal Malai Kalangal
Film:Idhayathil Oru Idam (1980)
An outstanding composition unfortunately not heard by many.MV at his fervent best,the shrill in his voice especially in the pronounciation of 'Kal' is so captivating.The dulcet tone of SJ and the magnificient interludes,not to forget the unbelievable prelude which reaches a crescendo truly make this a stunner of a song.

4) Song:Alli Thanda Bhoomy
Film:Nandu (1981)
No two words about this one,its an absolute gem.A song which evokes a feeling of transporting you to another world.You can just press the Repeat button and go to your dream world.Based in Pahadi Raag,the song reaches undizzying heights after the Pallavi with the alternation of the 2 Ma's Suddha Madhyam and Prati Madhyam and especially when Malaysia sings 'ilamai ninaivai isaikkum therukkal' where the Prati Madhyam tenderly kisses the Suddha Madhyam literally gives goosebumps.

5) Song:Kodai Kala Katre
Film:Panneer Pushpangal (1981)
Well obviously! This is the song which epitomises Malaysia,the 1st song which comes to most people's mind when you think of MV.The nous with which he songs this song is so reposeful and calmness personified.The whole melange of MV'S easeness,the choral parts,the hypnotising Prelude,scale changes,soothing effect etc etc is undeniably sheer magic.

6) Song:Endrendrum Anandhame
Film:Kadal Meengal (1981)
MV well literally grooves,swings,rocks,zings,dances in this one.The Maestro plays around with Accoustics and Rhythms.Malaysia plays around with his voice.The result the listeners are treated to a sheer blissful experience.

7) Song:Poove Ilaya Poove
Film:Kozhi Koovuthu (1982)
Ilaya Malaysia at the forefront.A Raja song in Shankarabharanam,you can be rest assured that the song will be high on melodic content and obviously he doesn't disappoint.The Sangfroidness and control with which Malaysia goes about his job is amazing.It is wow to hear him sing Ennakku Thaane where he just gives that extra kick to his voice.

8) Song:Aasai Nooruvagai
Film:Adutha Vaarisu (1983)
Another rocking super song this time for the Superstar.Foot tapping is too small a word to describe this Dance Number.The trio of Superstar,Maestro and Malaysia virtually structure an edifice.:)

9) Song:Poonkathu Thirumbumma
Film:Mudhal Mariyadhai (1985)
If you are including Kamal and Rajini songs,how could you leave the thespian Sivaji out?:) This gargantuan song won Malaysia accolades of encomiums and rightfully so.He clearly displays why this song in the folk and rustic genre is an arcane act to follow.

10) Song:Ennamma Kannu
Film:Mr Bharat (1986)
A fun song to end it.Malaysia juxtaposing with SPB in a duet and you are treated with full on entertainment.Its like a walk in the park for the 2 veterans but the efficacy with which they dish out this number is infectitious. The breezy bass entwines around the vocals and joins in the fun.A mere delight.

It was indeed a joy ride choosing the songs. A heady mix of unknown and popular songs but each one embossed steeply with richness and brilliance! Malaysia Sir, hoping your subtle and tender voice will be heard for generations and generations to come!

World Cup Razzmatazz!

Finally the biggest cricketing event has dawned upon us,the ICC Cricket World Cup. After the acrimonious and most disappointing world cup last time at the Carribean, this one promises to be anything but that and the expectations are soaring at an all time high. This also is believed to be the most open World Cup since 1996.

One of the biggest disappointments for me personally in this edition is the format.It has returned to its old format of 1996 where there'll be quarter finals.The problem being one can take it extremely easy in Round 1 and thereafter win 3 matches and you are crowned world Champions.I would have ideally preferred only 3 teams qualifying from both groups and play a super six with each team playing the other 3 teams of the opposing group and then semifinals and then finals.It would have been competitive right from Day 1,now teams can afford to take it easy though momentum plays a big role.

So who are the favourites ??? The bookmakers,analysts and the people favour India.I do not discount their confidence one bit.India does look favourites,the only weakness being their fast bowling department more so accentuated due to Zaheer's fitness.They may be put to test in high octane clashes especially if they have to chase in a high pressure knockout situation.

The other joint favourites Sri Lanka have a small chink in their armour,there's a small hole in the lower middle order and I'm wondering how they'll cope up if the top order perishes soon in a must win encounter.

South Africa look a well balanced side but their habit of choking especially in world cups will haunt them and they'll do everything to put rest to the Chokers tag.They are not playing at home and so wont be daunted by home pressure and it is probably their best chance to win a 1st world cup title.

Australia are for once not going in as favourites despite being the defending champions but never underestimate the wounded tigers.They have a good pace quartet and they really thrive on tough situations and especially since its going to be 3 wins to the cup from the quarters stage,you would be a brave man to right away their chances.

Pakistan are the dark horses and probably the most dangerous team in this years mega event.You never know some unknown unheard of youngster may just unleash his potential at the biggest stage.The biggest strength of Pakistan is their mercurial touch, sometimes its their biggest weakness also.The fact that they are not expected to do well might just bring out the best in them.

Frankly speaking,i expect only 1 of the above mentioned teams to be crowned the Champions when the world cup gets to its finale on 2nd Apr 2011.England i don't think muster enough to go all the way and expect them to fall in some pit way during the course of the event.The Windies are another team which can cause a flutter but they just lack the firepower to go all the way through.The Co-hosts Bangla Boys are expected to do pretty well and rightly so.It wont be surprising for me if they do make it to the last 8 but beyond that there is a Question Mark.The Kiwis had a pathetic record in 2010 and i expect that to continue.They are in shambles at the moment and barring one or two upsets i just don't see the potential in them to go all the way.

So whose it going to be ?? Will Ricky Ponting's magnificent run as Aussie World Cup Winning Captain come to an end ?? Will Pakistan under the mercurial leadership of Afridi show their magic ?? Will Graeme Smith have the perfect swansong as ODI Captain and also get rid of the Choker's tag which has been plaguing them for years?? Will Sanga for SL go one better than his mate Mahela in 2007.?? Will MS Dhoni and his team fulfil the desires and dreams of 1 Billion Indian Cricket Fans??
All the Q&A will be answered come, the 2nd of Apr 2011 at Wankhede Stadium,Mumbai.
As an avid cricket fan,expecting the World Cup to be enthralling, entertaining, emotional, enriching and edge of the seat!