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.

P.S:Unfortunately there is no youtube link for this song,but you can hear this masterpiece on Thiraipaadal
http://www.thiraipaadal.com/album.php?ALBID=ALBIRR00213&lang=en

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.

Without Visuals,but much better clarity,check this


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.

Without Visuals,but much better clarity,check this


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 !.