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ARR's interview in Kumudham 18/11/99

Topic started by Kamesh (@ pm-102-199.tm.net.my) on Mon Nov 15 01:42:27 EST 1999.
All times in EST +10:30 for IST.

Read below.

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Responses:

• Old responses
  
• From: vijay (@ 129.252.22.139) on: Thu Nov 18 18:01:15 EST 1999
  
  Srikanth, When there 100+ ragas, Iam not sure as to why MDs keep using Maand, Mohanam etc. Why can't they challenge themselves and take up composing using rare raagas? Also if 2 of IR's songs in a particular raaga sound somewhat similar it might be due to the sheer no. of songs that he has composed in that raaga. for example, IR has done scores of songs in mohanam, and I can't agree that all songs sound the same. example:
  1. vandathe kungumam- emotional type
  2. vel muruganukku mottai onnu- teasing type song 3. ninukori varnam - great percussion, pop song 4. kaathirundhen thaniye - great duet
  5. kanmaniye kaadhal- once again a great duet. great humming and voice mixing, made to look as if SPB sung without catching his breath.
  6. oru kanam oru ugamaaga - pathos
  
  
• From: vijay (@ 129.252.22.139) on: Thu Nov 18 18:02:28 EST 1999
  
  I did'nt see MS's post;))
  
  
• From: Srikanth (@ 216.32.18.74) on: Thu Nov 18 18:24:57 EST 1999
  
  MS and vijay, good!, for now I agree 50% with you
  Lets us take vandahe and kasturi manne -- do they sound similar in the rythme pattern and note patterns. Basically I am talking about the style in which the song goes, Rajas using a raga differently is not a normal phenominan,
  Karahara priya can some one come with a real new touch to this -- there is one song from MSV from manitharul manikkam -- Karahara priya is an absolute classical raga, but msv composed it in a very different style, same goes with Vanakam palamurai sonnen -- abogi was given a new twist.
  
  Ofcourse! raja also gave a new twist to Nalinakanthee in Enthan nejail,
  
  I feel Arr songs have these sudden unexpected twists.
  
  MS:Regarding shalaka baby -- thats is the beaty of the tune, it is mohanam -- try playing it on a keyboard you will find mohanam (sa ri ga pa dha sa!) , It is clealry visible in saranam parts.
  
  
• From: MS (@ 129.252.22.112) on: Thu Nov 18 19:21:51 EST 1999
  
  guys, sorry for this digression, but consider this as a retort to Srikanth's post and continue your discussion on the interview.
  
  Srikanth:
  
  I strongly refute your claim that shakalaka baby is in mohanam. First of all, the scale of the song itself is in minor. IMO, all the songs in mohanam fit in the major scale. In fact I have not seen ANY song in mohanam set in minor because it is IMPOSSIBLE. when set in minor it becomes shivaranjani.
  
  coming to shakalaka baby. Let me try giving you the swarams:
  
  sha|ka|la|ka| ba|by| sha|ka|la|ka| ba|by
  
  g1 |r2|g1|r2| sa|pa| g1 |r2|g1|r2| sa|pa
  
  loo|ku| vi|da| thO| |na|lai|yaa
  
  r2 |sa| r2|sa| r2 |sa|n1|sa |r2
  
  mohanaththukkum intha paatukkum eLLaLavum sambandham illai.
  
  So, please recheck.
  
  MS
  
  (and regarding the song, there is, IMO no "beauty" at all, except when we choose to be blind (deaf ?)
  - NOM :-))
  
  
• From: Moncy (@ dialup-209.244.116.4.houston1.level3.net) on: Thu Nov 18 19:58:55 EST 1999
  
  Our music have only seven ragangal. So some similarities should be in some of the songs. Our music never invented more than seven ragangal. We can invite some great people to talk about "saptha ragangal" [sanscrist word]. When we argue about their differences, we are not letting them have a chance to do their work as much fascinating than the others[songs].What we have to do is keep calm and let them do what they want ,and maybe you will change your minds to know that the other person is the best.
  
  
• From: Srikanth (@ vdslppp102.sttl.uswest.net) on: Thu Nov 18 20:56:41 EST 1999
  
  The start is a minor , but the harmony starts to float, it becomes a major, also MS did you check with saranam.,If not Please check.
  
  
• From: srikanth (@ vdslppp102.sttl.uswest.net) on: Thu Nov 18 21:00:22 EST 1999
  
  Ms,
  you might not like the song, I like it and the harmony is great, it changes a lot, it is a foottapper,
  
  
• From: Rex (@ dialup-209.246.191.242.atlanta1.level3.net) on: Thu Nov 18 23:25:21 EST 1999
  
  Srikanth:
  
  This is great stuff man. Kindly proceed with this sort of discussion. Am happy to see you guys speak sense!!
  
  
• From: Swami. (@ spider-wc051.proxy.aol.com) on: Fri Nov 19 00:35:00 EST 1999
  
  ..... but, some movies ran solely due to ARR's music. Atleast, i saw movies like en swasa kaatre, and, sangamam only because of the songs.. so, we need to give ARR that much credit.
  
  I do not agree on this Chandy. But for Kaadhalan I don't think there was any other ARR movie which ran solely for songs. You could have seen the movies u'd listed; but that doesn't mean that they were hits. Sorry for deviating guys.
  
  
  
• From: S (@ netcache32.mot.com) on: Fri Nov 19 03:21:32 EST 1999
  
  Swami :-)
  
  
• From: Srikanth (@ 216.32.18.74) on: Fri Nov 19 12:04:58 EST 1999
  
  Ms Thanks to your claim on Shaklaka baby, I tried pondering into the song yesterday night and found out few interesting facts, I know many will not agree by the following are my thoughts,
  
  One of the major things I noted
  1. No no no -- humming score : Rahman repeats the same score for the 3rd time, can anyone tell me the previous occurences of this notes! (atleast 1...)
  2. There is a raga bedam like stuff involved, moves towards some madyamavathi or Sri scales,
  3. Singer vasudra has done it well,
  4. Beat pattern is good, has some brand new sounds
  5. Pallavi has good minor harmomies, check the words shaka la baby it has a 3 part harmony that moves with the EMinor, Gmaj, Amin progression.
  6. The saranam suddenly shites to a major -- moham
  7. Vasundara's opening blues like start is good,
  8. Recording is very clear...
  9 Basically the song is very fast
  10 It is a simple score, and I liked it, can be played in any party!...makes hum the lines.,
  
  Cons:
  Unwanted spanish stuff and a sumo scream in the middle, (need to watch the movie might be the directors request.)
  Male Chorus in the second half, some what confused, there was a gap.
  The same Dolki like sound used in all the songs.
  
  Any comments.
  
  
  
• From: Srikanth (@ 216.32.18.74) on: Fri Nov 19 12:06:29 EST 1999
  
  many typos , shifts!...
  I am sorry ..
  
  
• From: MS (@ 129.252.22.112) on: Fri Nov 19 14:00:08 EST 1999
  
  Srikanth:
  
  Let us move on to New releases of ARR thread. this discussion is going too off way.
  
  Regards
  
  MS
  
  
• From: Kamesh (@ hlr-42-208.tm.net.my) on: Mon Nov 22 00:49:01 EST 1999
  
  Await for the continuation of this article in an hours time.
  
  VERY SENTIMENTAL, MOVING, and a great interview.
  
  Oh God! How am I going to do full justice to this transalation???
  
  Ok. Let me have my lunch first.
  
  Check in again folks. You are bound to be enthralled. For Sure!!!!
  
  Bye
  
  
• From: Kamesh (@ hlr-42-195.tm.net.my) on: Mon Nov 22 02:01:27 EST 1999
  
  Continuation of the interview with ARR in Kumudham dated 25/11/99.
  
  How will you feel when the song you have composed resembles an older one. For eg. Suthi Suthi Vandheega with Thara Thara Vandhara (?????) and Velli Nilavae from Jodi with Sembaruthi Poovu...
  
  ARR: I never listen to a song and compose a song which sounds them same (In other words copy) But there is something interesting. Only some Sandhams become hits in Tamil (Sandhathirku Englishil enna?) Like Chinna Chinna Aasai.. Aatrangarai Maramae in Kizakku cheemayilae also follows the same sandham. Also when you sing in Hindustani Thumri style some tunes may sound similar (Gambiramaga Sings and shows) You can show variations more than a limit in film music. If you tune a song seeing too much technicality then the song will sound too mechanical.
  
  Some songs made using the tunes of Thyagaraja krithis have become hits. When we ask the relevant MD's they say the directors want it that way. I couldnt say no. etc.. Doesnt anyone ask you "Do a song similar to this" (Idhey paattu madhiri Podunga)?
  
  Thankfully nobody has asked me like that. I wouldnt agree even if they do ask. In Alaipaayudhey we have just reproduced the song Alaipaayudhey sung in Katcheris. How can we change that. We have only altered the rhythem. It comes like a prayer (in the movie).
  
  Vidhwans say you make songs with no continuity in the name of Fusion. That is, you change the raagas between the pallavi and the charanam. and also use differant raagas for interludes. Do you do this purposely?
  
  It may seem like that for carnatic musicians. Commoners wont feel like that. When I make musical films I dont break rules. When we do commercial movies Carnatic music is itself a LUXURY there. Telephone Manipol song has a verse Neeyllai endral.. The tune for this verse is not the same as the pallavi. At first I tuned both in the same raaga. Later we changed it. When you change raagas the song sounds differant and new. All including the director liked it. Many classical musicians have appreciated this initiative of mine. But when it comes to a pukka classical movie Byravi means Byravi to me. I wont mix anything in it.
  
  Read this while I make the next Instalment.
  
  
• From: Kamesh (@ hlr-13-84.tm.net.my) on: Mon Nov 22 02:53:38 EST 1999
  
  Where did you learn Carnatic Music ?
  
  I learnt it from two Dhakshinamurthys. I learnt it from TVG for a short time. In the beginning I learnt it from my father. He was very strong in Carnatic music.
  
  All music artists have this ambition of doing a full katcheri in december season. Do you have such ideas?
  
  6 years back I wanted to do a full fledged katcheri using keyboard. (Oru veriyae vandhuchu)
  I practiced for a lot of days. I learnt ways to get the Gamakams in the Keyboard. I learnt some varnams from my guru Dhakshinamoorthy. Everything was ready and Roja came. Once you get into this that is all. This is a differant Sangadhi.
  
  SYMPHONY IDEA...
  
  No. I am not in that school. I am from a POP type school. Symphony is pure western classical. I am interested in world music. Things like songs, fusion etc..
  
  You accept movies of people close to you. You cant finish it fast because you are a perfectionist. AFter TAAL's success the crowd who try to influence you has grown - people say. How are you going to tackle this.
  
  This problem is there from the beginning - from 1992. The people who come to me feel it is 50% better now. Sometimes they come with a good script. But themovie does not run. They are left heart broken. I dont feel like saying no when they come again. But I have to leave it at that if they fail again. But one thing, who ever it is, I always give my best. I never feel this is enough for this person. (Ivarukku Idhu podhum endru ninaichadhillai)
  
  You make a lot of new comers sing. But you dont introduce new lyricists. (Why are you stuck with him?)
  
  He is in a good form. When it is so, he keeps pouring whatever you ask for. (Kaettadhellam Kottikkittae irukkar) Everything is good. Nobody can stop him. Take this room for example. There are other rooms too. But all the instruments are here and so I am sort of sentimentally set to do music in this room. Poets are also like that. He imediately grasps the tunes I make. I have worked with Vaali. Very jolly type. In hindi, I have worked with Javed Akthar, Anand Bakshi etc. But I like to work with Javed. Anand Bakshi wont get into a lift, He wont go in flights. He wont leave his house.
  
  WHenever the tamil media asks (for interviews) you say you are busy. Why do you shy away from the Tamil Media?
  
  It does not mean I am shying away. I sometimes keep things to myself. You can spell it out so easily. Ok. Assuming I accept for an interview you ask me what I am going to do next. Can I tell what is in my mind? I cant because I dont know whether it will come out well or not. It is better to remain silent than say something great and it not coming out well. Also, I might affect somebody if I talk too much. Isnt it better to remain silent. (Laughs big)
  
  In spite of Tamil media lifting you up you give (more??) interviews to western media?
  
  I never dispute the fact that Tamil (media?) lifted me up . (Tamil than ennai Thookivittadhu enbadhay marakkavillai.) How can I forget? Sometimes when I have to return from bombay the flight will be scheduled for the morning. WHen I am free I schedule some interviews in the night.
  
  More than all this, I have the feeling.. you are my people, where I am I going to go. (namma aalunga thaanae, enga poida porom) I hope our people will understand this. I want some privacy. I feel delicate when I socialise. Even if I dont talk, there is still something good or bad coming about me in the media....
  
  Do you keep track of things other than music, like current affairs..
  
  Oh. Yes. I get all the politics and sports news from the internet. Sometimes I ask my friends.
  
  Normally artist say "My wife is my biggest critic" How about you? Does your wife review your music?
  
  (Laughs shyly) I cant call her a critic. But she enjoys. (Rasippargal) Sometimes she says I should have done it differantly. She is not skillful enough to give be a critic. My mother is my critic. She reviews my music well.
  
  What is your plan about your kids?
  
  Let them come the way they want to. (Thinks) The eldest Kathija is doing her LKG. If she spots me in TV she says "Hai, APPA". She does not know that I am a music director and things like that. The next girl Rahima is one year old. Very naughty girl. Kathija is very loving to everybody.
  
  Was there any incident which made you cry, recently?
  
  Crying, and Romba Sandhosha pattadhu was all 10 years back. Now a days I dont have time to cry nor laugh. This music is everything to me. THIS IS NOT A JOB FOR ME. tHIS IS MY AANMA(Sorry I cant transalate this). I forget everything when I get into this.
  
  Do you have any silent plans?
  
  No. I am like a boat without an oar. I let life take its own course. I know only my work and God I pray a lot. If you plan something and it does ot happen you get dejected. Nadappadhu nadakkattum endru vittuvittaal?
  
  Everybody hums your latest hits. Which is the song you have been humming of late?
  
  mmmmm... I can quote many. "edho oru paattu en kaadhil kaetkum.." SAR has tuned it buetifully. (Inge neega ennadaana SARaa, ARRaa avana ivana endru adithukkondu irukkirirgal)
  
  This recognition you have got at such a young age, the fame, the epectations... Dont they scare you?
  
  Only if you take Anything, whether it is success or failure.. as your own will you have these fears. I leave everything to God. Nothing will affect me even a bit. All this fame and praise is not for me. It is for HIM. Isn't it?
  
  
  -----Transalated by Kamesh------
  
  A big sabaash to the interviewer V. Chandra sekaran. (Is he reading this?)
  
  Thank you folks.
  
  
• From: bb (@ farm1-cache2.gw.uiuc.edu) on: Mon Nov 22 03:00:22 EST 1999
  
  a good interview! thanks a lot kamesh!
  
  

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