A decade of Tennis Grandslams Dominated by 3 Champions

From the time Federer won his 1st grand slam at Wimbledon in 2003 to Rafael Nadal currently winning the 2013 Roland Garros , there have been 40 grand slams out of which Federer has won 17 , Nadal 12 and Djokovic 6. That accounts to 35 out of a total 40.
The remaining 5 were won by Roddick , Gaudio , Safin , Del Potro and Murray who have all won one each.

Its staggering and impossible to think that almost 90% of the slams over a decade were captured by just these 3 men.
Interestingly between them , if not for Nadal , Federer would have had a lot more French opens to his kitty and if not for Djokovic , Nadal would have had atleast 15 slams by now.

There have been many great rivalries in the past but really doubt this kind of complete domination in the men's game by just 3 players over a period of time in any era.
Salute and hail 3 greatest tennis players of our generation - Roger Federer , Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic !!

Kohli , coincidence and under pressure innings

Somehow have been drawing a coincidence theory involving Kohli in most of the innings he has played under pressure. Wondering is it really too much of a coincidence ?? , should such amazing batsmanship deserve heartbreak each time ??

1) Ind v SL VB Series 2012
India need to overhaul a target of 320 in less than 40 overs to stay alive in the tournament. Kohli plays the innings of a lifetime by making 133 off a mere 70 odd deliveries to get India the win within the required overs only to see SL beat Aus in the next match enabling India's exit from the tournament.

2) Ind v Pak Asia Cup 2012
India need to win a must win match against archrivals Pakistan. The Pakis bat first and amass a huge total of 329. In comes Kohli and he plays perhaps the most memorable innings ever seen in an Indo Pak encounter by making 183 to get the win for India. What happens next SL lose to Bangladesh which makes India knocked out of the tournament.

3) Ind v Pak T20 World Cup 2012
India again in a must win encounter against Pakis. Kohli rises up to the occassion yet again by scoring an unbeataben 78 to take India across the line. What happens next Aus lose badly to Pakistan and Indias chances of qualifying to the semis take a beating.

4) RCB v CSK IPL 2013
RCB under the cosh and must beat top placed CSK to guarantee themselves any chance to make it to the playoffs. A bit of rain adds fuel to the fire and the game is reduced to an T8 8 over a side encounter. Out comes RCB and Kohli the star yet again shows his mettle under pressure to notch up an undefeated 50 which helps his side beat CSK. What happens next SRH defeat KKR and its Bye Bye Bangalore from the IPL.

Wondering what really is the conclusion and moral of the story ??

Penn - A memorable Tamil Serial

Penn is an old tamil serial (1991) evoking very strong childhood memories.Each of the episodes directed by Suhasini Maniratnam is a gem in its own unique way.
The lilting title music by Ilaiyaraaja and the image of the cute little child takes you back on a journey back to the glorious early 90's. The brilliant performances , dialogues laced with a pinch of Tam Bram touch and the breathtaking background music makes you connect instantly with the characters and storyline.
Those days those days only !!

Links for watching Penn and reviving the glorious era

Penn (1991) - Episode 1 - Hemavukku Kalyanam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96dip9Hv4wU

Penn (1991) - Episode 2 - Appa Appadithan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az8tXNkwzkk

Penn (1991) - Episode 3 - Appa Irukken
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3AreE_cav0

Penn (1991) - Episode 4 - Mrs Ranganath
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8RlWsOJwR4

Penn (1991) - Episode 5 - Kutti Anand
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs66UaLXVfs

Penn (1991) - Episode 6 - Love Story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeTNxd3mKjM

Penn (1991) - Episode 7 - Raji Mathiri Ponnu (Part 1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwoLDJx_LDU

Penn (1991) - Episode 7 - Raji Mathiri Ponnu (Part 2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhU60wX1sUI

Penn (1991) - Episode 8 - Vaarthai Thavari Vittai (Part 1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak02-rYbUDI

Penn (1991) - Episode 8 - Vaarthai Thavari Vittai (Part 2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxwlyBsZrzE

Kohli and his Bloopers

Despite Kohli continuously trying to make himself a laughing stock :P ,his bloopers need to be appreciated because it has led to some legendary and never seen before IPL cricketing moments :D

Moonjila kari poosifying moment #1
- Coming on to bowl the penultimate over with CSK requiring a herculean 40 plus in 2 overs only to make Albie Morkel a hero by hitting him for 30 in an over and enabling CSK to crossover the line. (IPL 2012)

Moonjila kari poosifying moment #2
- RCB being on the threshold of qualifying for the playoffs and he plays a ridiculous shot with just few runs needed resulting in an inconsequential victory for bottom placed Hyderabad but more importantly allowing CSK to get to the playoffs this despite the team cooling their heels in the hotel room. (IPL 2012)

Moonjila kari poosifying moment #3
- The ecstasy of a victory and the despair of a defeat both happening at the same time within seconds all wonderfully captured in Kohli's face after RP Singhs infamous lass ball no ball vs CSK. (IPL 2013)

Moonjila kari poosifying moment #4
A match which RCB looked like winning in a canter turning completely anticlimax with him dropping an absolute siiter paving the way for David Miller to produce perhaps the most astonishing , unbeleivable and destructive century of all time in T20 history leading to an improbable victory for Kings XI. (IPL 2013)

P.S - I am a big fan of Kohli the cricketer. This post is just on a lighter side about some of his bloopers in the IPL.

Ragamalika 500 - Musical Non Pareil !!

It was a perfect tribute to golden tamizh film music of the bygone era. An unforgettable and spectacular musical evening of a lifetime honouring the greatest of the greatest of music composers from G Ramanatha Iyer to Ilaiyaraaja.

Mere words cannot explaing the feeling of being present there and witnessing the musicians perform gem after gem with such precision and aplomb.

The show began in an auspicious manner with Bharat Sundar rendering a medley of devotional based numbers such as Muthai Tharu (Arunagirinadhar) , Vadivelum Mayilum Thunai - Ambikapathi and couple of other songs.

And then the 1st song got underway and it was the chartbusting Yaaradi Nee Mohini. It just lifted the spirits of everyone and ignited signs that we are all going to witness and be a part of an unforgettable musical event of another level.

Just have a look at some of the songs and names mentioned below and you can visualise how awestruck, awesomatic and mindblowing it would have been for all who witnessed this musical spectacle.

- Yaaradi Nee Mohini - Uthama Puthiran - G Ramanathan
- Nenjil Kudiyirukkum - Irumbu Thirai - S Venkatraman

Andhra Medley Section :
- Aaha Aaha Inba Nilavinile - Mayabazaar - Ghantasala
- Ariya Paruvamada - Misiamma - S. Rajeswara Rao
- Kanninum - Nageswara Rao
- Amuthai Poliyum Nilave - Thangamalai Ragasiyam - Lingappa
- Andha Sivagaami Maganidam - Pattanathil Bhootham - Govardhanam
- Kanna Karumai Nira Kanna - Naanum Oru Penn - Sudharshanam
- Chinnan Chiru Kiliye - Manamagal - C R Subbaraman
- Singara Velane Deva - Konjum Salanga - Subbaiyah Naidu

MS Viswanathan - TK Ramamurthy Section :
- Mayakkum Maalai pozhude - Gulebagavali
- Kangal Enge - Karnan
- Mazhai Kodukkum - Karnan (Special mention as to how such tough songs are sung only in Ragamalika)

KV Mahadevan Tribute :
- Paatum Naane - Thiruvilayadal

PB Srinivas Special (Performed brilliantly by singer Karthick) :
- Mouname Paarvaiyal - Kodi Malar
- Thulli Thirintha Pen Ondru - Kathiruntha Kangal
- Paadatha Paatellam - Veerathirumugan
- Anubavam Pudhumai - Kadhalikka Neramillai
- Chinna Chinna Kannanukku - Vazhkkai Padagu
- Manidhan Enbavan - Sumaithangi

Kannadasan Special :
- Aarodum Mannil - Pazhani

Classy Classicals (Performed out of the world by Haricharan as said by SPB himself) :
- Manmadha Leelai - Haridas - M K T Bhagavathar
- Isai Tamizh - Thiruvilayadal - T R Mahalingam
- Amudhum Thenum - Thai Piranthal Vazhi Pirakkum - Seergazhi Govindarajan
- Erikaraiyin Mele - Muthalai - T M Soundararajan
- Oru Naal Podhuma - Thiruvilayadal

V Kumar Tribute :
- Unnidam Mayangikiren - Then Sindhudhe Vaanam

Dakshinamurthy Swamigal Tribute :
- Nanda Nee En Nila - Nanda En Nila

Ilaiyaraaja Section:
- Mouna Ragam BGM
- Oru Iniya Manadhu - Jhonny
- Azhage Azhagu - Raaja Paarvai
- Aayiram Thamara - Alaigal Oyvathillai (specially for SPB)
- Hey Paadal Ondru - Priya
- Thedum Kann Paarvai - Mella Thirandhadhu Kanavu - MSV & IR (Repeat of the astonishing goosebumpy violin interlude by orchestra team)
- Paruvame - Nenjathai Killathe (Goosebumby moment when SPB joins at the end and sings along with Janani Kamakshi)
- Vaanam Kezhe - Thoongathe Thambi Thoongathe
- Isaiarasi - Thaai Mookambigai

SPB Special Tribute (By the man himself , the legend) :
- Nilave Ennidam Nerungathe - Ramu - For PB Srinivas
- Aayiram Nilave Vaa - Adimai Penn - For MGR
- Then Sindhudhe Vaanam - Ponnukku thanga manasu - For GK Venkatesh
- Enakku Oru Kadhali - Mutthana Muthallavo (Combined performance by SPB and Bharat Sundar)
- Vaa Vennila - Mella Thiranthathu Kathavu (Backed by humming from Subhashree Thanikachalam)
- Enna Satham - Punnagai Mannan - For K Balachander
- Mandram Vandhu - Mouna Ragam - For Mani Ratnam
- Kadhalin Deepam Ondru - For Rajinikanth
- Unnai Nenechen - Aboorva Sagotharargal - For Kamal & Vaali
- Vanam Konda Vennilave - Sigaram - For SPB

All the singers deserve a huge round of applause for rendering all these gems with such dedication and elan ..
A gazillion adjectives will not suffice or justify the work done by the orchestra team comprising of Keys , Guitar , Flute , Strings and Percussion. Listening to the music unleashed was like being in another world. It was unparallelled bliss.

Very happy to have seen some of the senior musicians like VS Narasimhan Sir , Sada Sir , Napolean Sir , Prabhakar Sir and Veena Parthasarathy Sir being honoured. They are the soul and life givers to many of the extraordinary compositions.

Nice to see MSV sir lighting the lamp and inaugurating the event.
And what can one say about the legend SP Balasubramaniam. How much ever encomiums we shower on this great personality will not be enough. Such a humility and humbleness personified gentleman. He made the show so lively and gripping through his humour and narrations of interesting background incidents.

Vijay Adhiraj did a good anchoring job and was witty and engaging.
Kodaana Kodi Nandri to Subhasree Thanikachalam for conceptualising the show , handpicking such marvellous gems and treating the audience to a musical whirlwind. Greatly appreciate your rasanai in choosing such varied gems from different eras and paying tribute to so many extraordinary musical geniuses. A Rasika could definitely have not asked for more.
Karthiks speech on Subhasree Madam totally summed it up and clearly underlined the efforts and pain taken in grooming and shaping the careers of so many aspiring young talents. Bask in the glory Madam and you deserve every bit of it. This show stands a true testimony for this.

As a rasika , feel proud and privileged to have attended this monumental musical event on the 5th of May 2013. So many everlasting moments to cherish which will last a lifetime.

Hats off Team Ragamalika !!
Let the Karagosham keep flowing !!

Blown by the Wind - Thendral Varum Ennai Anaikkum

Certain songs have a power or magic embedded which makes them so special.
Enakku ariyama have been humming this number since yesterday.
There is so much of warmth and sweetness all over , the rendition and feel brought out by the singers is like a red velvet cheesecake melting in your mouth. Paaaahhhhhhh what an intoxicating feel and on top of that you have those scintillating piano run ins , sitar reverberation , the placement of the strings , beauty of the bass and flute takeover which gives such an unabiding happiness.
Music like this give so much of joy that you automatically tend to have a smile on your face.

Mohan , Maestro and Melody - What an evergreen combination.
A big salute to Raaja & team and SPB and S Janaki _/\_
80s 80s dhaaaaan !!

Thendral Varum Ennai Anaikkum - Paaru Paaru Pattanam Paaru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBO4VAhtYdE

East meets West !!

A melody in Indian style showcasing the Mohanam ragam very beautifully via Flute + Tabla first followed by a friendly banter between the Tabla + Jalatarangam with Tabla again for company.
The mood gets all dark suddenly with the strings in the background expressing the tense situation prevailing and then from nowhere you have a WCM (Western Classical Music) treat with violins in full fury unleashing its brilliance indulging in a mix of call and response and counterpoint music.
So many varied emotions all communicated and captured via music.
East meets West !!

Portion of My Dear Kuttichathaan BGM Score
https://soundcloud.com/pon-janahan/isai-gnani-ilaiyaraaja-kodai

My Dear Kuttichathaan Full BGM Score
https://soundcloud.com/nagsnathan/re-recording-my-dear

Music truly indebted to Maestro Ilaiyaraaja !!

2 Parallel melodies alternate between each other , the piano flows freely and traverses across octaves whereas the notes of the flute stick closely to each other communicating an emotion of a different scenario.
This is counterpoint music at its best , 2 totally unrelated melodies going their own way but when blended reach proportions of enormity.
As a music lover , you really dont know which to concentrate more as they both are so hypnotising and powerful in their own ways.
The spellbinding experience just doesnt end there as you observe a minor variation at 00:36 which oozes soul all over and to boost an arpegio style play between 0:50 to 0:53 which gives more added colour to this spectacle.
Wait , theres more treat to the ears. The contrapuntal melody gets over at 01:11 and then you are unleashed to a Mouna Ragam style musical style mayhem.
Listen to it closely , the way its structured , the complications and patterns woven around it elevates it much further than the Mouna Ragam theme.
2 & a quarter minutes of sheer musical monstrosity and bliss combined !!
Music is truly indebted to Maestro Ilaiyaraaja !!

Vanna Vanna Pookal Title Score Music
https://soundcloud.com/kameshratnam/vannavannapookal-title-bgm-ir

Vanna Vanna Pookal Full BGM Score
https://soundcloud.com/navinmozart/illayaraja-vannavannapookal

Mindblowing is an Understatement

An absolutely breathtaking title score of the 70s which makes you go wonderstruck.
So many varied emotions are communicated via music in this 3 minute piece.
There are counter music portions criss crossing one another but not for a moment it looks jarring and instead only elevates it to another pedestal.
I do not know much about the movie , but imagine just this piece would have got the viewers hooked for the movie to unfold and created so much of excitement.

Mindblowing is an an understatement.
Pattakathi Bhairaban Title score
https://soundcloud.com/kameshratnam/pattakathibairavan-titles

A scorcher of a WCM composition by Maestro!

This song has been fascinating me for quite some time.Wondering how that unison was achieved in the first interlude with the violin counterpoints, on top of that you have a flute also. And what about that guitar flanging in the second interlude. To add to all this, you have chorus adding harmony in the prelude plus bass backing, an interesting rhythm pattern, guitar counterpoint with keys in the second interlude and for nativity flavour you have an Indian classical touch in the combination of Mridangam + Flute.

Its astonishing to think all this packaging has been done in a mere 4 and half minute song and best thing it all sounds so amazing. To achieve this co-ordination, the musicians must have been an extraordinary talented bunch. Imagining how the mood must have been in the studio after this song was recorded. And to think this number was recorded over 30 yrs ago seems even more astounding.
I don't think an orchestra would be able to reproduce this number even today with all the technology available. Vintage 80's music of the highest order. You just feel spell bounded by the sound achieved and output produced.

Briefly summarizing in points on all the awesomeness happening :
1) The tumbling sound of the vessels which is musically rhythmical.
2) The guitar strumming the notes Ga Ma with the Tu Ru Ru humming in the side by the one and only S Janaki to be joined by the Bass moving Sa Pa Sa downward across octaves.
3) Gangai Amaran opening up and boy has he ever sounded so romantic. (Gangai Illa Mangai chorus adding the perfect harmony)
4) The first interlude with the triple counterpoint between violins , violins (I think) and flute is just more than enough for a lifetime.
5) The Guitar vamping and the Guitar counterpoint with the keys in the 2nd interlude , didn’t I just say the 1st interlude was more than enough - but he doesn’t listen he always gives more than you want. An additional Indian classical touch for you too in the combination of flute and Mridangam.
6) The mild shift from major scale to chromatic scale when Gangai sings Pudhu Raaga Jaadhikalum.

This man's music gives us so much happiness which can never be expressed in words but can only be experienced. Ecstasy in Abundance - A big salute to Maestro and team !!

Pongum Aagaya - Aagaya Gangai