badri raghavan (@ 206.*) on: Mon Jun 22 02:59:07 EDT 1998
i have heard about an incident involving trm. it might be apocryphal.
a famous md wanted to have a song with trm, tms, pbs, seerkazhi and s varalakshmi. at that point of time, the balance used to be achieved by distance from the mike (i hear it was only one mike), the md started to place people. initially he had pbs closest to the mike and took a test and asked trm to move behind. during the next take he asked tms to come forward and trm to go behind. the next had s varalakshmi coming to the front and trm going back further. the next test saw seerkazhi coming slightly further up at the expense of trm.
when they were ready for the take, the md and the other singers noticed that trm was stuck to the wall like a palli because he was asked to go back and back. whether true or not, this episode tells tales of his ability to reach impossible heights, sustain and even produce sangathis that one cannot even imagine. such a fine voice
Manisekaran (@ wmu-*) on: Mon Jun 22 06:03:23 EDT 1998
TR MAHALINGAM
TR Mahalingam used to act and sing in the stage dramas popularly called special dramas. During childhood days his companion was SC Krishnan and a few other youngsters. But in those days ther was no microphone facility, and amplifiers were uncommon. Therefore singers had to sing aloud to reach the full audience. This was how the early singers like TRM,SG Kittappa, SCKrishnan, MKTB and to a large extent TMS trained their voices.That may explain why these singers are able to reach high pitch. In 1933 SG Kittappa died at an early and unexpected age of 28. There was a complete vacuum after his death. Fortunately, TRM was there to console the old timers. While SGKittappa was still alive TRM used to sing in the style of SGK, and almost tin the same manner.
DEBUT INTO CINE FIELD
When TRM was a successful singer cum actor he was dragged into the celluloid world to act and sing at the same time. At the age of 14 TRM got a chance to act in the film called Nandakumar.hat was the 3rd film of AVM taken in 1937. It was a story about Krishnabhagavan. The film was originally taken on a grand manner by some northerners in Pune(Poona?) Big settings were created to shoot the film in Marati and Hindi. AVM wanted to grab the opportunity to film it in Tamil as well.He signed a contract with the northerners. The Tamil version was shot to a length of 9,000 feet. But soon he learnt that the Hindi and Marathi films were meeting continuous failure. Therefore AVM rushed to Poona to termninate his original contract. In its place he bought outright copyright to film it in Tamil. TRM was signed up to act in the role of Krishna.He made some changes and released. The film did not run well. Nevertheless the film was praised for some wonderful songs.
But the film Sri Valli lifted him.He acted as Murugan. This film was initiated during the 2nd World War. The British made a ruling that no film should exceed the length of 11,000 feet. Somehow AVM went ahead and released it. This film ran for many days and earned the support of the masses. TRM was already a "superstar" after this film. His rate went up.
AVM took Nam Iruvar followed by Vethala Ulakam in Karaikkudi. The Bharatiyar song were kept by the Surajmahal and Sons who owned a gramaphone company in Rattan Bazar in Madras. They had bought the rights at RS600. Bu AVM bought over the copyright for RS 10,000. Baharathiyar's songs and used many of his songs in Nam Iruvar. Of course later he handed over the rights to the government to make them public domain.
Nam Iruvar was released first in Madurai in 1948. It was originally a drama. The role acted by Sahasranamam went to TRM. The others who acted in the film were BR Bantulu, TR Ramachandran, VK Ramasamy and Sarangapani. The very first scene was a Bharathy song called "Aaducome Pallu Paaduvome" which portrayed Kumari Kamala(Double acting) dancing on a gigantic drum. This first scene itself earned loud applause from the audience. It was only in March that the movie was released in Madras. Neelakandan and TR Mahalingam went to Madurai to see the film. Immediately after the film the audience identified TRM who was present there, carried him high and danced around with joy. The grand success could be attributed to the immediate post independence jubiliation as well as Bharathiyar songs. To a large extent the voice, songs and the personality of TRm contributed to the sucess of the movie. At a time when people were verym much attuned to Maya Jala movies, a film of social theme, Nam Iruvar broke record.i is saidthat TRM had also sang some of theSG Kttappa's songs in Nam Iruvar. I do not know which the songs are. Any old timer there?
Pammal Sammantha Mudaliyar's story was taken as Vedala Ulakam. For Vedala Ulakam it was TA Krishnasamy who wrote dialogue while KD Santhanam wrote the songs, with Sudarsanam as the MD. The film saw the debut of the Travangoor Sisters- lalitha and Pathmini who performed dance under the training of Udaya Shanker. This film had some Bharathiyar songs as well.Sarangapani, Rajakantham and TRM acted in this film.
After these films he acted in famous move like Gnanasundari, Laila Majnu and Idaya Geetham. Therefter he became ambitious and took his own movies. They are Mohanasundaram, Chinnadurai,Macharegai, Theruppadagan an Vilyattu Bommai. The last two never got released.He then lost all his wealth and fame. It was Kannadasan's malayitta Mangai which restored his lost glory.
Interesting background to Malayitta Mangai coming soon.
Regards.
Sathiya Keerthi (@ pano*) on: Mon Jun 22 06:44:08 EDT 1998
Manisekaran:
Thanks. We look forward to more postings on TRM,
Maalaiyitta Mangai etc.
Folks:
Here is a still from 'Naam Iruvar':
http://www.avmindia.com/jpegs/nam.jpg
In that AVM site, you'll find a lot more stills -
one still from each of AVM's movies.
RV (@ avnt*) on: Mon Jun 22 14:43:30 EDT 1998
SK: Sorry, neengal kuripitta irandu paattume kettadhillai.
RV (@ avnt*) on: Mon Jun 22 14:55:34 EDT 1998
am Iruvar:
Bharatiyar, DKP? : Aduvome Palluppaduvome
??, DKP? : Karuna Moorthi Gandhi Mahatma
??, DKP? : Mahan Gandhi Mahan
Bharatiyar, TRM : Solai Malaroliyo
Bharatiyar, TRM : Vazhiya Senthamizh
Bharatiyar, TRM : Vetri Ettutthikkum Etta
Bharatiyar, TRM : Viduthalai Viduthalai
Vedhala Ulagam:
??, Sarangapani?? : : Ayyayaiyyo Solla Vetkam
Bharatiyar, TRM : Koonduk Kiliyai Pole
Bharatiyar, TRM : Odi Vilaiyadu Pappa
Bharatiyar, TRM : Senthamizh Nadennum
Bharatiyar, ?? : Theeradha Vilaiyattup Pillai
RV (@ avnt*) on: Mon Jun 22 20:11:02 EDT 1998
Manisekaran: As usual, pala theriyada vishayangali veliye kondu vandhirukkeenga. Ana paarunga, we are spoilt now! We dont expect anything else from you!
It is said that TRM wanted and expected to be the hero in Vazhakkai, the debut film of Vyjanthimala. A reasonable expectation after the success of Vedala Ulagam and Nam Iruvar. But it seems that AVM Chettiyar said that TR Ramaachandran would suit that role better and refused to give that chance to TRM. Which caused TRM to leave the AVM banner....
RV (@ avnt*) on: Mon Jun 22 20:13:48 EDT 1998
Manisekaran: WOuld you know whether SG Kittappa acted in any movies ?
Manisekaran (@ wmu-*) on: Tue Jun 23 07:28:36 EDT 1998
RV
SGK died in 1933 and had no time to act in movies.
AS not many of us know about SG Kittappa, I am taking the liberty of sharing with you whatever I have gathered about him. in the song "aattukkutti Muttai Ittu" from 16 Vayathiniley Kannadasan says "Kittappavin Paattai Ketten". but he himself has not seen nor heard the songs of Kittappa. I have not heard either. Being a rare topic, and in view of the only opportunity now at hand, I take the opportunity to do some justice to his contribution I am aware that not many of us may appreciate this old timer. But TRM was born from the talent of SGK. Therefore is it alright if I provide the info?
SG KITTAPPA
It was in 1937 that the Tamil Film industry stareted. Before that the stage dramas stole the show in several parts of India especiially Tamilnadu wher drama is part of the Muthamizh(iyal+Isai+Nattiyam). While the stage dramas were shinig before the advent of cinema, SG Kittappa was called the "isayulaga Mannan" by various quarters.
BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD
He was born in Sengottai as the 10th child to Kangathara Aiyyer. Owing to poverty the father copuld not send him to school. SGK showed interest in music, and so he joined his two other brothers- Chellappa and Suppiah who were involved in dramas. It was most fortunate that the Nadaga Thanthai Sangaradas Swamikal was teachingthose two brothers the basicmusic and the art of script writing for the dramas. SG Kittappa who was a small boy at that time sat around and listened very attentively, though the lessons were not directed to him. It was under the limelight of Sangaradas Swamikal that SGK picked up the inclination and involvemnnt in music to an astonishing level.
FIRST STAGE APPEARANCE
WHen yet a child SGK appeared on stage drama in Madurai ands showed his singing talents. As his singing talent was truly inspiring,, fans threw rupee notes and even gold rings on the stage as a token of profound appreciation. He was only five (5) years old then!
He was immediately booked for several stage dramas in several parts of Tamilnadu. At the age of 8 he went to Ceylon to act in stage dramas. The Ceylon INdian Chamber of Commerce awarded him gold medal and certificate of appreciation for his artistic talents.
JOINED KANNAIYA NADAGA COMPANY
In 1919 the famous Kannaiya Nadaga Kuzhu recruited SGK to be part of them. He served ther for 6 years. As his brother, Kasi Aiyyer was a good harmonium player, he teamed up perfectly with SG Kittappa to produce the best of songs of the standard prevalent in those days. As SGK sang and acted very well in a drama called "Kandi Raja" Justice abdul Rahim was so impressed that he awarded golden shawl and "Kuthu Vilakku" for SGK.
Both SGK and his brother Kasi Aiyyer went to Ceylon to stage dramas. There KB Sundrambaal was staging her own dramas. SGK and KBS met there for the first time. They then teamed up to perform several dramas. From there they went to Rangoon to stage dramas. From there they returned with much wealth. Upon return they continued to perform in Tamilnadu. At times KBS and SGK acted in dramas like Thookku Thookki, Nandanaar, Dasavatharam Aandaal etc staged by the Kannaiya Nadaga Company.
SGK and KBS got married.
APPRECIATION BY THE GREATEST PERSONALITIES
The north Indian sangeetha Vidvan Pandit Vishnu Thigambarar did not think high of SGK. When SGK was asked to sing a song in Begat Raga(?) SGK very fluently sang it only to shake up the Pandit. The Pandit who was scheduled to retuern by night mail stayed back to see SGK's drama, called "Krishna Vilasam". The Panni was som impressed that at the end of the drama he took off the garland from his own neck and placed it upon the neck of SGK and said"You are truly Krishna, no doubt" This Pandit had a great liking for the Tagore's(?) "Ragupathi Ragava Rajaram Patheetha Bavana Seetharam". Therefore SGK made it a point to sing this piece at the tail end of his dramas in remembrance of their historical meeting.
At a alter time another famous north Indian sangeetha Vidvan by the name of Pyari Saheb came to perform his songs in the Victoria Public Hall of Madras. SGK also went to the show. At this show the Saheb sang the song "sabathi kilasa" in Kamas raga. At night SGK staged his drama for which the Saheb turned up. In this dramna SGK sang the same song that the Saheb had sung earlier. As SGK was able to sing very well the Saheb went up the stage and offered him his own gold chain.
When SGK was performing in Wijayawada in Andhra Pradesh,the famous Andhra vidvan Kabilavai Ramanatha Saastrikal. The sastri sang the "Kori Bajanannu" keertana. In a few minutes SGK also sang the same Keertana. The sastrikal immediately embraced SGK to show his appreciation.
SGK used to learn a few keertana from the Mayuram KV Rajarama Aiyer. Once SGK was on his way to Kumbakonam to perform a stage drama. On the way SGK saw the KV Rajarama Aiyer and asked him how to sing in Suddha Seemathini Raga. The Aiyer sang for him. At night SGK sang the same raga in his drama. The Malaikkottai Govindasamy Pillai appeared on stage and awarded him a gold medal and glorified him to a superlative level. A few more vidvans were also there to appreciate SGK. Kanjipuram Nayana Pillai appeared on stage and said "Had SGK taken up singing in kachery, people like me would have become unknown figures" Likewise Dachinamoorthy pillai said the no other songs had stolen his heart as those of SGK. Mannarkudy Packirisamy Pillai also glorified him.
Thiruvaaduthurai Rajaratnam Pillai who had recognised the talents of SGK said that it was only SGK whom he considered to be in the forefront in the field of singig, and no one else. Sowdaya who was fascinated by the talents of SGK played the "pidil" in his dramas for some time.
APPRECIATION BY FOREIGN DIGNATORIES
Mr and Mrs Eechim(?) of Boston fame came to Trichy and happened to witness the kachery of Kittappa in the rasiga Ranjani Saba. The couple were very much impressed that they appreciated SGK and made sure articvles appeared in the American papers. The Mysore Mannar, Thiruvangoor Mannar, and even Governors like Lord Livingston and Lord Curzon listened to the Sngeetham and awarded gold medal.
SGK was a great devotee and a patriot. He gave a lot for the poor. He used to stage dramas to collect funds for temple and charitable causes.
Before singing SGK used to drink hot water, at almost boiling point, according to TMS. Although SGK was very fluenct in singing suram, he never really supported it. He used to explain the ragas before starting his songs. He used to sing in Tamil. His pronunciation is said to be very clear. He is the first to have pulled the rural folks towards the kachery songs.
DEATH
SGK was very famous and popular. Unfortunately, his health started to fail him. As he was acting in a drama in Thiruvaaroor, he fainted and fell collapsed on stage. Therafter he never regained his health. In 1933, at the age of 28 he died.
T.R. Mahalingam article follows later, but very soon.
Manisekaran (@ wmu-*) on: Tue Jun 23 07:33:16 EDT 1998
RV
Muthamizh is iyal+isai+ Nadagam (not nattiyam) Sorry for the typo error.
"Entahu viralkal type adikkumpozhuthu keyboard sudugindrathu"
Ramaswamy Gireesan (@ m42.*) on: Tue Jun 23 08:56:48 EDT 199
Manisekaran,
No wonder. I guess this is one of the hottest topics in the TFM-DF now :-)
G.Ramaswamy