மலர்ந்தும் மலராதவை # 23

Saravanan Natarajan writes:

மலர்ந்தும் மலராதவை # 23

கண்கள் தேடுது ஒளி எங்கே?

While the annals of Tamil Film Music flaunt with pride the glittering works of the great masters and gush with accolades in honour of their richly deserved successes, there are in the same chronicles, certain seldom turned pages- pages that sing a sadder song- a hushed wail of neglect, a whimper of despair, an unshed tear for all the lost opportunities, an unuttered reproach at being consigned to oblivion, a hastily written epitaph for a career that ceased unsung and unwept …

Hidden among these listless pages is the name of Mahimaidoss Louis Srikanth.

* * * * * *

Though I was in awe of his works, and had over the years collected songs from all his 6 albums, I confess I did not know anything about the antecedents of MLS until a few days back.

Good friend Kumaraswamy Sundar and I used to discuss about the songs and Doordarshan music programs of MLS. Sundar even enquired with the late ‘Film News’ Anandan about the current whereabouts of MLS. Anandan said that MLS seemed to have gone to Singapore or Malaysia, though he was not certain about it. I wrote about MLS and his songs in dhool.com at the time.

Few years back, Sundar wrote a heartwarming account of how he happened to meet the elusive MLS. He was late one morning to work and nearing Panangal Park when he saw a man resembling MLS, along with a woman, waiting to cross the road. Sundar slowed down his vehicle and accosted him. Imagine Sundar’s excitement when the man nodded affirmingly to Sundar’s query if he was indeed M.L. Srikanth! Sundar spoke to him hurriedly about how we were his ardent fans and how his songs were often discussed and admired. MLS expressed his happiness and they exchanged phone numbers even as MLS’s wife stood by amazed, listening to this conversation on a busy thoroughfare. A few days later, Sundar called up MLS and chatted with him over the phone and promised to meet him soon.

Sundar and I promised ourselves that we would visit MLS for a long, leisurely tete a tete the next time I was in Chennai. However, as it happens, we are yet to redeem that particular pledge. Why, I couldn’t not even meet with Sundar during my last few visits to Chennai as in recent times he works out of Pondicherry for most of the week.

Last weekend, when I dug out my CD with the ‘பூந்தென்றல் காற்றாக’ song, I noticed that it also had the haunting MLS solo ‘கண்கள் தேடுது ஒளி எங்கே.’ I could not help listening to it and was filled with a sudden desire to feature it as part of the current ‘மலர்ந்தும் மலராதவை’ series. However, I still did not know much about MLS…. I spent time searching for any information on the net, but apart from coming across my old, inadequate note, could not find anything significant. It was then that I called Sundar and got from him the phone number of MLS.

I called MLS the same day. His voice is even now the same as it rang in his songs decades ago. He seemed pleasantly surprised that someone would call him from Dubai just to know more about him. However, he graciously obliged me and told me briefly about his life and times, and answered my few questions patiently and to the best of his memory. He could not remember some of his songs and was deeply moved when I mentioned them, one by one.

* * * * * *

MLS was born in 1945 in Madras to Mahimaidoss and Teresa. His house reverberated with music all day long. His grandfather who had converted to Christianity was an acclaimed musician in his time. His father, originally named Balraj and later baptized as Mahimaidoss was also a talented musician who composed music for many movies of the silent era. He later worked along with others such as T.R. Papa in S.V. Venkataraman’s ensemble in movies such as Meera.

MLS learned music from his father from an early age. His father passed away when he was just 11 years old. However, MLS continued learning music and as a teenager started singing in music shows. He thereafter formed his own troupe and became a popular name in light music circles.

* * * * * *

Impressed with his performances, R.B. Samy, who was embarking upon producing an offbeat movie called ‘தாலாட்டு’ (Thaayaar Fims) in 1967, invited the 22-year old MLS to compose the music. And thus M.L. Srikanth made a fetching debut as a music composer in the movie that was released only in 1969. Rajapandiyan and Vijayasri played the lead roles in the stark movie that depicted the blossoming relationship between an unsightly man and a sightless girl. The movie was directed by famed cinematographer Vipin Das.

The caressing lullaby ‘மல்லிகைப்பூப் போட்டு’, written by Mayavanathan and sung by TMS and Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi is an adequate authentication of the talents of MLS. And that it could become hugely popular in a decade that was monopolized by MSV and KVM lends added credit to MLS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGis1r5R2nc

‘வரும் போது’ (Seergazhi Govindarajan), ‘யம்மா யம்மா’ (L.R. Eswari), and ‘விளக்கில்லாமல் கணக்கெழுதி’ (TMS), all written by Thirupathoor Rasu (Kalidasan of later years) are songs that a debutant composer can be proud of. MLS sang a song as well, the haunting 'புண் பட்ட பறவைக்கும்’. When I mentioned the last song to MLS, he was delighted that it was remembered!

The movie was a commercial failure; MLS feels that it was a well-made movie; had it been marketed well, things might have been different. Vipin Das was so impressed with MLS that he invited him to compose the music for ‘Prati Dhwani’, the Malayalam movie that he directed in 1971. The lovely S. Janaki solo 'Anuraga paraagangal' ruled the airwaves for a while.

* * * * * *

Tamil cinema chose to ignore the talented young man. It was at this time that T.R. Papa, who had been a close friend of MLS’ father, helped him by getting him a berth in All India Radio’s music programs. This helped MLS to get a regular, though modest income.

It was at a cultural festival at CMC Vellore where singing along with A.L. Raghavan and SPB, that MLS caught the attention of MSV. And when he was introduced to MSV as the son of the late Mahimaidoss, MSV patted him affectionately as MSV recalled the old days when Mahimaidoss was a respected musician in the studios where the teenager MSV was working as an attendant.

MSV was engaged to give a light music concert at the wedding reception of Director Bhimsingh’s son and Director (Krishnan) Panju’s daughter. MLS got an opportunity to sing the popular TMS number 'மாதவி பொன்மயிலால்’. His scintillating performance of rendering the lines along with the Jathis (these were recorded separately for the movie) elicited a standing applause from the august audience. Director Panju appealed publicly for MLS to be given opportunities in Cinema.

This led to MSV inviting MLS to render the enticing humming that serenades Susheela in 'காதல் காதல்' (உத்தரவின்றி உள்ளே வா).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLDrhWpj8bw

Director Sridhar was so besotted with the humming so much that he said to MSV that a person who brought so much value into a mere humming could be definitely trusted with rendering the lyrics as well. It was thus MLS became the 4th voice that makes merry with the boisterous SPB, Janaki and Easwari in ‘குளிரடிக்குதே கிட்ட வா' (திக்கு தெரியாத காட்டில்).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjRe94vVypg

* * * * * *

Despite crafting a set of worthy songs in his debutant album, it was only after a long wait of 7 years that another movie bearing Srikanth’s songs was released, and this was ‘நினைப்பது நிறைவேறும் ’ (1976/ Thirumoothi Arts). Directed by S.T. Dhandapani, the movie had Vijayakumar and Rajkokila essaying the lead roles. The producer of the movie Udumalai A.S. Mani wrote lyrics for the songs set to tune by Srikanth. The gorgeous Srikanth-Vani duet ‘நினைப்பது நிறைவேறும்’ was a runway hit. I recall the song finding frequent airtime even in the 80s. A beautiful composition with Natabhairavi flourishes and some lovely musical arrangements with the Sitar and Trumpet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFPJiZ_CHNc&feature=youtu.be

MLS gave me some interesting background to the song. The movie was adapted from a stage play and had another title initially. It was MLS who suggested that the name be changed to ‘நினைப்பது நிறைவேறும்’ as the song had been written and he thought that it would catchy if the title of the movie was same as the opening line of the song. Further, the producer Mani apparently wanted the lines to be set to another tune. However, to MLS the tune suggested sounded similar to a song from a Devar movie. He quietly set the song to his own tune and once the recording was completed (‘9-12 call-sheet’, he recalled), he played it to Mani. Mani was very impressed and as they were going in his car for lunch, he was even humming the tune. It was then that MLS sang the tune originally suggested by Mani. The producer was startled as he was so taken in by MLS’s tune that he had not even realized that his suggestion had been ignored!

My favourite from the album, is however the dainty Vani solo ‘என்னென்று சொல்வேனடி’. When I said this to MLS, he was amazed for it was his favourite number from the album as well! The song is for a girl in unabashed raptures on her own beauty, preening with pride on the spell that she may cast on her beholders. MLS sets it to an unpredictable and interesting tune with breezy interludes. Vani tempts and taunts, even she sashays over the twists and turns like a graceful ballerina!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg6z4hFqjr0&feature=youtu.be

‘அசைக்க முடியாது’ (TMS), ' கரும்போ கரும்பு’ and ‘நான் ஒரு சின்னப்பொண்ணு’ (both by L.R. Easwari) were the other songs in the album. The amateurishly made movie sank as it deserved to, but the trace of the title song endures until this day….

The same year, MLS made a mark in Malayalam cinema with his compositions for Buabu Nanthankode's ‘Maanasa Veena’ starring Madhu, Vincent and Jayabharathi. The songs such as ‘Thulasivivaaha naalila’ (S. Janaki), ‘Nilave ninte punchiri’ and ‘Mayayam maarichan’ (both by Yesudas), ‘Santhaana gopalam’ (L.R. Eswari), ‘Swapnam tharunnathum’ (P. Susheela) and ‘Urakkam mizhikalil’ (MLS & P. Susheela) found instant appeal.

* * * * * *

Besides these 4 movies, between 1977-1978, Srikanth composed music for 4 Tamil movies that were never released.

Let us take the little-known movie ‘கீதாவின் ரோஜா’ first. I found a highly ravaged EP record of the movie in the recording center in 7 Wells. I could make out that there were songs sung by Jayachandran, S. Janaki, Malaysia Vasudevan, MLS & B.S. Sasirekha. However, only one song of the 4 could be salvaged, the scratches on the record being too numerous and deep to even attempt recording the others.

The lone song that I could get recorded is a beautiful MLS- Sasirekha duet 'மாலையிட்ட ராஜன்’. MLS exclaimed in joy when I mentioned this song to him, though he could not remember any of the other songs. He recalled that ‘மாலையிட்ட ராஜன்’ was among Sasirekha’s early songs and he had to coach her patiently before she got the nuances right. What an enchanting tune it is! The interlude with the lovely humming bits ending with the Sitar leading to the dreamy, caressing Charanam…even the Charanams differ enticingly from each other…..This song surely deserved a kinder destiny; to think that it has been lying uncared for in my collection all these years….I cannot blame myself adequately for this apathy…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jv8cuvmTJk&feature=youtu.be

* * * * * *

‘கல்யாண வளையோசை’ (J.B.S. & Jothikumar Fims) is another such unreleased movie laden with Srikanth’s bounty. I found the EMI record of the movie in 'Stereo House', one of my favourite haunts in T. Nagar, Chennai. The jacket of the EMI record had the images of Jaiganesh and Kumari Padmini, and gave the date of manufacture as 1977. The movie had 4 songs, all written by Sulur Kalaipiththan. The first is ‘ஆறுபடை வேல்முருகா’ sung by a little-known singer Pollachi Veluswami. The second is a duet ‘கட்டிய கோட்டை’ by TMS & P. Susheela.

The third is the MLS solo ‘எங்கு பார்த்தாலும் இயற்கை காட்சி’, a blithe, breezy composition that was made popular by Radio Ceylon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LNhEf8KmV8&feature=youtu.be

The most popular song from the album, however, is the MLS- Janaki duet ‘வள்ளுவன் குறளில் சொல்லெடுத்தேன்’. The dreamy opening giving way to a distinct Tabla beat, the dexterous handling of sitar in the first interlude and trumpet in the second interlude, a gracefully flowing tune, good singing all go to make this song a delight…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trWOJseqpDs&feature=youtu.be

That this song from an unreleased movie became so was hugely popular in its time tells volumes of the infinite talents of MLS.

* * * * * *

The third unreleased movie that MLS worked for is ‘தன்வினை தன்னை சுடும்’. MLS mentioned to me that this movie was started by a Malaysian producer who could not complete it. I found this EMI record in a music center in Virudunagar. It had 3 songs, and all of them were written by an obscure Thanjai Ananthapadmanabhan. Let is listen first to the MLS solo ‘தன்வினை தன்னை சுடும்’. MLS weaves the lines of pithy, profound canons into a captivating melody. The arrangements, as always, are a joy to listen…. hark at the allure of the accordion in this one…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5V9ngd_W78&feature=youtu.be

When I mentioned this song to MLS and exclaimed that it was a shame that it did not become popular, MLS responded with a sardonic snigger that struck my heart with despair… And a line from the same song goes ‘புண்பட்ட உள்ளத்தின் புன்சிரிப்பும் கொல்லுமடா....’

The next song in the album is the catchy MLS- P. Susheela duet ‘அழகாக நீயாடு’. What a euphonic song! And how sweet the ageless nightingale sounds!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEuh55hgtOI&feature=youtu.be

The third song in the movie is the P. Susheela solo ‘I love you’. Unfortunately, I did not get the song recorded. Not because the record was damaged, but because there was no space left in my TDK cassette and I could not afford to buy another one just then! As an articled clerk in the 90s, nearly all my meager stipend went in hunting for and getting recorded rare and elusive songs, and at times I had to let go off some prize catches just because I could not afford the cost of getting them recorded! Aah… the regret!

* * * * * *

The 4th unreleased movie that MLS bequeathed his treasures to is ‘பேசு மனமே பேசு’. True, the movie did not ever light the screen, yet the romantic MLS- Renuka duet ‘கண்ணே உந்தன் இதழே’ lit many a listener’s heart with wondrous joy in the late 70s. I found this song in a CD 'Best Duet Hits' that I bought from a roadside stall in Little India, Singapore.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyVO1RqwFMk&feature=youtu.be

A solo by Renuka ‘இரவு நேரம் ஓடி வந்தேன்’ was also recorded for this movie. When I asked MLS if this ebullient Renuka was the mother of Anuradha Sriram, he replied that this was a different Renuka. He said that this Renuka was introduced to him as a 11-year girl who was interested in singing. He trained her and she became a regular singer in his troupe. This Renuka went on to sing the famous ‘Surangani’ for Ilaiyaraja (அவர் எனக்கே சொந்தம்).

* * * * * *

MLS seems to have worked with numerous singers in his albums- Right from Seergazhi Govindarajan, TMS and Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi to Malaysia Vasudevan and Renuka, his albums have been enriched by a variety of voices. For the duets that he has sung in his albums, he has hand-picked his co-singers with remarkable sagacity, for each of the duets is outstanding for many factors- including the choice of the perfect co-singer- P. Susheela, S. Janaki, Vani Jairam, B.S. Sasirekha and Renuka….

In a decade that was still dominated by the towering Kannadasan and Vaali, one would offer MLS a salute for his going out of way to work with little-known lyricists…. Of course Udumalai Mani was the producer of ‘நினைப்பது நிறைவேறும்’ and must have insisted on writing his own lyrics. However, save Mayavanathan, the other lyricists who were engaged to work with MLS- Thirupathoor Rasu, Thanjai Anantapadmanabhan, Sulur Kalaipithan were all little-known, though the lines they penned bespoke their talents.

I commiserated with MLS about the ill-fate shared by all the movies he worked on, and expressed my dismay that he could not get any further opportunities. MLS sighed and replied that he was hesitant to go knocking the doors of film-makers and request them for work, and that was perhaps his undoing.

I asked him as to why he did not get any further singing opportunities for other composers. He replied ruefully that it was but natural that while the all composers were always courteous to him, they kept him at a distance; they might have perceived him as a threat as he was a composer himself. Aah…the fears, jealousies, machinations and intrigue that revel in every nerve and sinew of the tinsel town!

MLS continued presenting music programs in Doordarshan and AIR, besides live concerts. In the early 80s, he presented a series of light music concerts in Singapore and Malaysia which were well-received.

When even these opportunities started dwindling, MLS branched into film export. While at Malaysia, he had befriended Mr. Thomas of Colombia Films and thereafter commenced legally acquiring the copyrights of Tamil movies and transferring them to Colombia Films. He says that over the years he would have transferred the copyrights of more than 2000 Tamil movies to Colombia Films. I asked him about him leaving aside his music pursuits and branching off into a completely different line. He replied ‘ஏதாவது செய்யணுமில்ல தம்பி....சும்மா இருக்க முடியுமா?’

He is now 72 years old and leads a tranquil life in his residence in Broadway, Chennai. He has 3 sons and 3 daughters; all are well-settled. He said he is planning to resume conducting light music shows and is working on assembling a troupe.

* * * * * *

MLS seemed moved and pleased to receive a call from an unknown fan, and conversed with old-world courtesy and charm. As the conversation progressed and I mentioned one song after another, his tone reflected his incredulous joy and he suffixed each response of his with terms of endearment.

I informed him that I may be writing about him because there seems to be so little information on him. I also asked him for a photograph of his as I could not find any in the net. He agreed to send me one. ‘நல்ல படமா எடுத்து இன்னைக்கே அனுப்பறேன்’ he promised. And true to his word, I received his picture in my WhatsApp later in the day. He even followed it up by calling me immediately and enquiring if I had received it.

As I was ending the conversation, I recalled that he had said that one of his daughters was living in Dubai, and I invited him to come home if he was planning any visit to Dubai in the near future. He replied, ‘நீங்க அம்மா-அப்பாவ பார்க்க மெட்ராஸ் வருவீங்க இல்ல...நானும் இங்கதான் இருக்கேன்....'

I know this is a very long write-up….Forgive me friends, I seem to have let myself go... I wanted this account of MLS and his works to be recorded here….I promised MLS that I would send him a link to this article, along with the responses and comments… ‘I await eagerly!’ was his enthusiastic response. I entreat you all to spare some minutes listening to the songs that I have uploaded and post your comments on MLS. Let us fill the humble man's heart with the long due happiness of recognition and appreciation that he so rightly deserves.

I leave you with this most favourite MLS solo, a song very close to my heart: ‘கண்கள் தேடுது ஒளி எங்கே’ from ‘பேசு மனமே பேசு’…another precious seed sown in yet another patch of barren land… every listen of this marvel has always been a deeply moving experience for me…. A tremulous, emotional MLS seems to be singing from his heart, perhaps the lines resonated with his own life…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKm1qGl4VtY&feature=youtu.be

I cannot help my eyes moisten for the self-effacing musician who crafted such a masterpiece…We cherish his songs to this day, despite most of the movies never making it to the marquee, now isn’t that timeless testimony to the genius of M.L. Srikanth? The gifted singer and composer has been grievously wronged, not by any act of commission, but by the far unkinder act of omission. How could we let him languish in obscurity? How could we let him squander his unquestioned talents?

I seek solace, as is my wont, from Marcus Aurelius- ‘Anything in any way beautiful derives its beauty from itself and asks nothing beyond itself. Praise is no part of it, for nothing is made worse or better by praise…’

Discussion at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1018417744856618/permalink/1897923496906034/