Remembering Michael Jackson - Beat It!

Michael Jackson was one of a kind. He was probably the truest trendsetter setting the world by storm through his trail blazing dance moves and electrifying music. He was an enigma pretty hard to dissect but whatever the outcome of his art was gobbled up by fans all over the globe. He had the knack of keeping his audience on tenterhooks and that carried through across his lifetime.

I still remember the day when the news of his passing away broke out on that ill fateful day on 25th June 2009. I had left home early for an audit to a company called Honeywell in Anna Nagar when I chanced upon the newspaper at the reception to read about the heart breaking news of the icons demise.

Everyone growing up in the 80s and 90s would have definitely not missed MJ in some way or other as he had such an unmistakable impact. World music was still pretty much in its nascent stages in the Indian market but the uniqueness in his sounds reverberated across the universe capturing hearts aplenty.

A small dedication of a good ol peppy MJ song from yesteryear 'Beat It'. Remembering the iconic legend on his remembrance day. MJ was an uncharted maverick and a pioneer of his times. There'll probably never ever be someone as mind zapping as a Michael Jackson going forward in history ever again.

Soft Love - Ennai Thaalatta Varuvaalo

When the movie Kadhalukku Mariyadhai hit the silver screens almost 3 decades back, it came as a refreshing change and was lapped up big time by the on goers. It set the box office on fire registering zinging collections well in excess of 30x of the value of investment.

The movie starred current Chief Minister of the state Vijay and his pair was the elegant Shalini who had made the shift from a child artist by playing her first major role as a senior artist. Vijay's image as a soft chocolate boy lover elevated his charm and managed to win hearts not just with his lady love in the film but also the audience in general who saw him as an upcoming love hero having given a string of hits in the romantic genre.

The songs carved out for this movie were magnificent with one number especially being the stand out in the form of Ennai Thaalatta Varuvalo. It's a song composed using the Madhyamam 'Ma' as the base note and gives such a soft soulful love feel even when listened to it today.

Attempted a small portion of this vintage lilting composition beginning from the Charanam and traversing back to the Pallavi. The melting lyrics were written by Palani Bharathi and rendered by the duo of Hariharan & Bhavadharini with music set to tune by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja. The movie title translates as 'Respect for Love' and this song truly pays homage to it in every little way.

Hey Jude - The Beatles

The Beatles were simply the toast of the nation back in the 60s. The hype was for real and Beatlemania witnessed crowds swooning in large numbers across the globe with the hysteria generated simply unprecedented. They remain a much loved band even today though it's been around a half century of years since they stopped collaborating together.

This date 18th June happens to be the Birthday of legendary songwriter Paul McCartney who turns 84. He along with John Lennon formed the fulcrum of the Beatles band forging a partnership producing classics standing across eternity. The 2 other members George Harrison and Ringo Starr gave the much needed fillip to transform the Beatles into being one of the greatest rock bands in history.

In commemoration of World Music Day on 21st June and in celebration of McCartney who rose from the Merseyside county of Liverpool, sharing a minor instrumental cover of the song 'Hey Jude'. Paul McCartney initially coined the number as "Hey Jules" as a comforting melody written in ode to the son of Lennon who was undergoing pain on account of his parents separation. Later the word 'Jule' was changed to 'Jude' as it sounded better and made more sense to the overall song structuring.

The Beatles will forever remain both Liverpool and the Universes pride for their churning of sheer incomparable quality of music that they conjured which continues to have a lasting impact even today.

Medley of Bharathiraaja-Ilaiyaraaja Combo

Bharathiraaja has helmed many a movie in various genres but one of the single most hallmark features of most of his films happens to be the music. The diversity, versatility and creativity that stems from the compositions of his cinema are simply a masterstroke of magnitude and magnificence.

Tamil Cinema has seen very many Director - Composer Duos team up to produce scintillating soundtracks in plenitude and one of the most esteemed pairing of excellence happens to be the combination of childhood friends Bharathiraaja and Ilaiyaraaja. They both started their careers in parallel and the movie cum music created by the duo in tandem from the late 70s to the mid 80s especially stands testimony to unquestionable brilliance.

Though Ilaiyaraaja has delivered plenty of spectacular compositions for many directors, the one's created for Bharatiraaja's can easily be considered to be top of the heap both in quantity and quality as well as even the divergence in genres. At one end of the spectrum you would see a classic folk tail piece and at the other end a whirlwind fast paced duet and in between interwoven with songs having a vintage western classical stamp as well as devotional golden carnatic sound scape.

As a small token of gratitude to the master craftsman, I attempted playing couple of lines of some of my favourite numbers from this awesome two some partnership which has produced such sterling classics from the times gone by. It was a sudden impromptu attempt that germinated as I was trying to recall some of the amazing tunes from the director's cut.

The songs from the movies include:

1) 16 Vayathinile - Senthoora Poove

2) Kizhakke Pogum Raiyil - Poovarasampoo

3) Sigappu Rojakkal - Indha Minminikku

4) Niram Maratha Pookal - Mudhal Mudhalaga

5) Nizhalgal - Madai Thirandhu

6) Alaigal Oyvathillai - Kadhal Oviyam

7) Tik Tik Tik - Idhu Oru Nila Kaalam

8) Kadhal Oviyam - Sangeetha Jadhi Mullai

9) Mann Vasanai - Pothi Vacha

10) Mudhal Mariyadhai - Rasave Unnai Nambi

Apart from these 10 movies, their association has also seen them working on few other films such as Puthiya Vaarpugal, Vaalibame Vaa Vaa, Puthumai Penn, Oru Kaidhiyin Dairy, Kadalora Kavithaigal, En Uyir Thozhan, Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu and Nadodi Thendral.

This is just a micro mini sample of 10 songs from their alliance. One would easily be able to dish out over a three digit number of compositions from their allegiance that truly stands the test of time.

Muthumani Maalai - Indigenous folk with a twist

This song can be characterized as an indigenous composition uplifted by western classical elements but not one iota does it lose out on it's nativity. I have always been a big admirer of Raaja's folk based numbers. This is one genre that he has particularly redefined and literally made it his own by giving it a colour like no other. It sounds aghast intertwining touches of classicality to rustic earthy sounds but the output generated is simply a class apart.

This is another Sindhu Bhairavi laced number of the Maestro. The beauty of this stunner is the treatment of the swaras and the beautiful manner in which the alternate swaras of Rishabam and Madhyamam are brought upon to the mix.

The flow of the song is really adorable and gives such a feel good breezy effect when rendering it a listen. SPB and P Susheela elevate it a much further notch through their soul stirring singing. This is from the 1992 Pongal release Chinna Gounder which ran to housefull shows back in the day.

I loved playing this tune as its strewn with jewels aplenty and the bejeweled manner in which it's crafted. It may be a Naatu Pura Paattu by nativity but the song perse is all class personified having such a lustrous texture interlaced to it along with the subtle gamakas embedded that makes it an evergreen verdant green composition.

Scorcher of a Sindhu Bhairavi - Oru Naalum

When one digs at Maestro Ilaiyaraaja's oeuvre, it won't be a surprise to find that majority of his compositions would largely be set to tune in the ragam Sindhu Bhairavi. Even otherwise, that trademark resemblance (சாயல்) would be very evident. Probably it's a no brainer that this Ragam should definitely be one of his top most favourites. Incidentally he also composed for a movie titled by the same raga name of 'Sindhu Bhairavi' in the year 1985 which to date is considered one of the finest classical based soundtracks ever in the annals of Tamil Cinema.

A standout feature of this Raga is that it is very flexible and tends to take in a lot of twists & turns. The curves and jumps across notes adds a sublime touch to it. Of course it's also based on the ability of the composer since if not used properly it can end up distorting the composition to a major degree and can stain the raga. Maestro however is a master craftsman and plays with it splendidly thus also ensuring to not dilute the austerity. It is also a raga which tends to touch upon almost all the 12 notes of a scale including the 2 Ri's Ga's Ma's Da's Ni's along with the foundation notes Sa and Pa.

One of my favourite Sindhu Bhairavi compositions of Maestro happens to be the 1993 release 'Ejaman' that had the song Oru Naalum sung resplendently by the evergreen pair of SP Balasubramaniam and S Janaki. It's an absolute pearler of a Sindhu Bhairavi where the notes traverse across octaves and the phrases intertwined unmistakably give the essence of this wonderful raga. The riffs & runs authorify and stamp this Raga in all it's embellishment. A small stab at playing portions of this scorcher of a Sindhu Bhairavi.

Poove Sempoove - Mellifluous Waltz

I wonder what incentive Raaja had to come up with a song as mesmerising as Poove Sempoove for the movie Solla Thudikuthu Manasu. The apt adjective to describe this number would be 'Mellifluous' as it's incredibly sweet possessing a flowery smooth flow and full of soul. It's so pleasing for the aural senses and simply creams you over.

What I especially adore about this wonder is the Waltz beat which keeps going 12 12 12 perfectly synchronising a 3/4 time signature played on melodic minor scale in Gowri Manohari ragam. There are so many triumphant transitions that simply shake you over and it might be quite a mystery to know they all appear as part of the same song though when individually heard may connote something totally different.

For the love of the Waltz beat in this vintage composition, just tried something slightly off beat by playing it like in a guitar mode by strumming along as the melody keeps mellowing. I just hope it drifted along fairly well and was not way off the mark.

Pranava Manthiram - Vaikasi Visakam

Lord Murugan is believed to have manifested from the Third Eye of Lord Shiva & Parvathi in the solar month of Vaikasi with the Nakshatra of Vishakha visible in the skies and when the full moon (Pournima) was in operation. He is connected especially to the number 6 since he was incarnated as 6 divine sparks to destroy the three demon brothers Soorapadman, Singamuhan & Tarakan thus bringing balance and restoring parity to motherland. The 6 faces of the Lord represent mastery over Anger, Attachment, Desire, Ego, Greed and Jealousy. Thus prayers offered to the Lord help sharpen the mind and control the senses. There are also 6 famous abodes dedicated to Lord Arumugam at Thiruparankundram, Tiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai, Tiruttani and Pazhamudircholai. Adding further, the sacred mantra of Sage Agasthya 'Sa Ra Va Na Ba Va' also comprises of six syllables known for curing illnesses and granting positive health.

Other than Vishakha or Visagam which is considered to be his birth star ruled by Indragni ('Indra+Agni') he is strongly affiliated to Krithika (Karthigai) star ruled by the God of Fire 'Agni' and also Pushya (Poosam) star ruled by the God of Wisdom 'Guru'. The Krithika star also has reference because it is believed that the Lord as an infant was nurtured by the 6 Krithika Maidens thus also garnering him the moniker of 'Kartikeya'. Skanda is also connected to the star of Uttara Phalguni (Uthiram) as that was the Nakshatra which was in occurence during his divine marriage to 'Deivanai', the daughter of the Chief of Gods 'Indra'.

The Navagraha Mars is also associated with Deva Senapathi and so is the Vara of Tuesday (Chevva Kizhamai) which is specifically ruled by the planet Mars. Mars is known for the significations of Victory & War and hence appeasing Lord Kumara helps in overcoming and winning your battles both inwardly and outwardly. For those afflicted with Mars Dosha, seeking refuge to Subramanya can act as a great counter relieving measure. The symbol 'Vel' or spear is used as his primary divine weapon to conquer and emerge victorious in tandem with also denoting wisdom and being wise.

As alluded earlier about #6, the sixth Tithi of both the waxing & waning phase viz 'Shasti' is connected to Lord Shanmuga. Also the Karana 'Vishti' linked with the animal cock is ruled by Saravana. The other animal connected largely to the Lord is the Peacock which he rides known as 'Paravani' symbolising destruction of pride & ego. The Yoga of 'Siddha' formed in association of the combined degree longitude of the Sun & Moon is also ruled by Velava.

On this divine birthday of the 'Lord of Everything' on Vaigasi Visagam, playing a small portion of a lullaby 'Pranava Manthiram' associated with Lord Guhan denoting the softer side of our all encompassing almighty Tamil Kadavul. May his name be ever chanted and get resonated with pride. Let the belief be steadfast and ever faithful.

Celebrating 50 years of Music and Maestro

This day 14th May 2026 marks 50 years since the introduction of Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja in the annals of mainstream music. It was on this special date etched in time on 14th May 1976 that witnessed the official arrival of Maestro to the world of music and what a remarkable journey it has been spanning a milestone of 5 glorious decades.

To take a medium like music and create such an everlasting impact lasting half a century is simply mind boggling. Years, generations, centuries and eras may pass but I'm sure the music will live on for eternity. Grateful for all the wonderful musical creations and enriching our lives in ways more than we can ever imagine.

For any kind of situation, mood, feeling, emotion or theme an Ilaiyaraaja number always comes in handy. I don't believe in hero worship but I worship music and Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja is truly one of its greatest custodians. A genuine byword when it comes to music and extremely blessed to have been a recipient of all the majestic music unleashed from his eximious oeuvre. Celebrating 50 years of the man, the Maestro and the magic of music on this historic landmark golden jubilee day.

Mother's Day Special - Amma Endru & Chinna Thaayaval

Love exists in multiple varied forms but when interwoven with the feature of purity, nothing really beats the Love that is associated between a mother and child.  We celebrate Love stories of different kinds be it Romeo & Juliet, Laila & Majnu or even the likes of Radha & Krishna, Rama & Seetha but there are hardly any tales eulogizing the love that percolates between a Mother and child. 

There need not be one particular day to celebrate as Mothers Day since they are in effect the backbone of our very existence. This is a relationship that transcends beyond the layers of Love and especially the term sacrifice can never be better defined than what a Mother does for her child.

On this Mother's Day, I am paying a humble homage to 2 compositions that visually depicts and decorate the role of a Mother in all it's splendour. Both these songs have touched the inner most of the soul and have left an indelible impression from within. Incidentally both these two songs feature Superstar Rajinikanth and coincidentally came about just months apart from each other with Thalapathi releasing on 5th Nov 1991 (Deepavali) followed by Mannan on 14th Jan 1992 (Pongal). The similarities don't end there as both these 2 lilting lullabies glorifying the mother were penned by Poet Vaalee and set to tune by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja.

A Mother's Day may come up just one day in a year but they deserve to be celebrated every day of the year. A Mother's Love is simply the greatest there can ever be. Dedicating a small portion of these 2 emotional tearjerkers to God's ultimate creation - "The Mother".