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Melody Queen of South Indian Film MUsic - Is it Janaki or Susheela or Vani or Chitra?

Topic started by Pranav (@ 202.142.68.94) on Thu Feb 13 22:51:42 EST 2003.
All times in EST +10:30 for IST.

Who can be conferred as the Melody Queen of South Indian FIlm Music .
Is it S.Janaki or P.Susheela or Chitra or Vani Jayram..?
I think Janaki is the best of all and she should be conferred as the Melody Queen of South Indian Music

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Responses:

• Old responses
  
• From: Kaumudi (@ 136.142.153.250) on: Sat Mar 1 11:01:11 EST 2003
  
  I support isaiosai's claim. During the early 70s to the early 80s, many films with NTR and ANR acting young (with untolerable makeups and wigs and dance movements etc) and with young heroines like Jayaprada and Sridevi had forgettable songs. Many many of those mass-oriented songs are now probably, as mentioned, forgotten. And a majority of them had PS in them. This is, again, because she was in the top during that time and was offered the majority of songs.
  
  So, it is not like the producers made crappy movies and decided to give the so-called "clean" numbers to PS. The movies were so-so and the songs were no different in lyrical value. (Thank god, those who can't understand them) But I don't blame PS for singing those kind of songs. Playback singing was her job and she was just doing her job. She could have said no at that moment to those songs, but then it is easier for us to sit here and decide on such things rather than actually doing them because many other factors coming into play at that moment. Now PS doesn't even sing those "peppy" numbers anymore when she gives stage performances. She was in Pittsburgh a few months back and all the numbers she sang were either old ones and the "clean" newer ones. So, I am sure it was not in her interest singing those songs.
  
  SPB and SJ and even KSC did the same thing. They sang all the numbers that came their way and did full justice to them. In doing so, they have sung both good and not-so-good ones. But again, that was their job!
  
  AV, thanks for mentioning those bhajans. I may add that she had innumberable bhakthi songs in Telugu and all the south indian languages which are so wonderful in both lyrical content and music. She brought out casettes on Thyagaraja keethanas. She composed music for many private bhakthi music albums. How many people know that? People need to listen more of her music before making some nasty and false comments (cf. Historian!)
  
  Again, I don't say that IR cleaned up the mess in TelFM completely, but the lyrical value and quality of music had improved quite a bit with IR teaming up with KViswanath, Vamsi to mention a couple. Some really lovely numbers came about. The trend is still quite alright.
  
  Conclusion: All the singers who sang in movies starting from early 70s to present have all sung "those" songs and no one can be excluded. There is purity-personified here. It is all part of their job.
  
  One question, however, is never answered IMO. How come PS is remembered for her soulful melodies and SJ for her "peppy aka those" songs? That is just so unfair and ignorant towards this wonderful, warmth-filled lady (SJ), IMHO.
  
  
• From: Kaumudi (@ 136.142.153.250) on: Sat Mar 1 11:08:58 EST 2003
  
  "There is purity-personified here" should read as "There is NO purity-personified here".
  
  Meerakrishna
  I didn't take any offence with what you have said. I know it is the prevailing impression amongst non-Andhras. But coming it from you sort of triggered me to write what I wrote. Anyway, no apologies needed.
  
  Also, you asked me the movie name for those two compositions of BMK. But I will need more details than just a word. Can you write the first line of each song, then may be I can help you. Or I wonder is isaiosai knows anything about these?
  
  
• From: raj (@ 61.11.76.7) on: Sun Mar 2 00:02:06 EST 2003
  
  But Most Of Obscene Songs in All the 4 languages were by SJ
  
  May b it Suited her...
  
  The Range & as some one said Seduction .. That Was Good ..
  
  But Those are really Passing clouds..
  
  But Will Any one Forget,
  
  1. Aalaya maniyin OOsaiyai..
  2. Olave jeevana
  3. Jummandhi Naadham
  4. Periyare etc (4 lanugage Songs)
  
  May b Janaki Had sung More in KFM
  But Read the Interview of Vijayabhaskar... in SCreen
  where in a Qn was Put up
  "Y do u use PS for most of the Songs:"
  he replied her voice suits mostly all Situations so i use & even VJ i use ...
  
  & Mainly this Thread is not To Fight..
  It's abt The Southindian Film Music..
  where Definitely From TN,Kerala,Andhra & ofcourse Karnataka PS has A Wider Reach than SJ...
  
  
  
  Peope Who are born @ 80's & after Doesnt Know much abt old movies or even they dont show interest in old movies ... but Will b First to Comment .. Ridiculous!!
  
  
• From: kalai (@ 210.214.115.157) on: Sun Mar 2 13:10:07 EST 2003
  
  I want to write two incident to realize the market trends of two different periods. PS been to warfront with Shivaji troop , to motivate our jawans. After returning from there, her throat was infected and she couldn’t sing for some time. Director KSG who given more than 40 plus hit movies out of his 50 movies, waited for her till her voice becomes normal( it was more than two months it seems). Will it happen today?. In 1988, IR asked the producer to arrange SJ for the song “raasathi manasula, en raasa un nenappu than” for the movie “Rasave Unna nambi”. SJ was in foreign tour, and he brought chitra as an alternate. But, IR told him, “It is a heavy song, bring PS”. See these two situations, Pre’80s and post 80’s. ( I have read the later in “Devi” magazene). From this, U can find the difference and U can make out “When Singers got more recognition and respect”.
  I am always against Comapring lata with asha or PS with SJ.
  Reasons :
  1. When we look at their initial stages, PS and LM got the good songs and market since beginning. Of course, there was a brush-up time. They were well trained, and the initial stages itself they got big opportunities and lots of challenges. ( I can say, “thesulavuthe”(1954) as a reference). Was there any reference for them in the initial stages?. Did they follow anybody?. Both big no. They accepted the challenges, and created their best output under many talented MD’s and developed their own style of singing. Through out the 25 years of peak, they have got the best songs of all MDS. Their voice undergone rigorous testing and practice and molded very well when they were young. They are the references to others. When we speak about SFM, PS sets the trend of Mellisai as a singer. But, Asha and SJ didn’t get much opportunity and picked up after the long innings of PS and LM. Now and then they were singing, few great songs, many normal songs, but reached top the after ‘80s. Till then they were ready to accept all kinds of opportunity. ( SJ told this in a interview) and, of course they reached the peak, in early ‘80s. they were growing. But, Does it mean that Lata or PS lost their place after 80’s. No!. When the trend change after 80’s they haven’t come down from their place. They reached a place, a saturation point, become very selective, and got reasonably good songs to maintain their name. Till now U can see their name in the top of the title. Even in “ChinnaGoundar” movie, PS name is before SJ. ( few exceptions are there). Lata’s name is always before asha. This shows their position in Industry.
  a. In many tel. Movies her name will be on top. After that, male singers mane used to come. Example: (lava kusa).
  
  2. Mic Mohan given the max. number of silver jubilee movies in Tamil. Does it mean, we can compare him with shivaji? ( Even that time, Shivaji didn’t have great market). Anyone, accept this comparison? PS is also like that. She is beyond Comparison.
  
  3. Initially the trend was of Classical based songs and she excels in it in the movies, “Uthama puthiran, Vanagamudi” (just samples.) The movies Puthayal, vannakili are showing her ability to singing folk types. PS was part of all types of songs which industry required, during that period. Next trend changed in 60’s, which is the starting of real “mellisai” in SFM and in which PS Contributed more. Along with our classical based songs, there was Hindustani based songs, western type of songs and we could find lots of folk varieties. She was part of all types. After IR’s arrival also, she got varieties like “kettele Ange(Badrakali), Ye thendrale (nenjathai killathe), Mella Mella (vaazhkai), Nilavu neram(AOAlayam), En kanmani (chittukuruvi), Gangai Aatril(Ayiram nilave vaa), Solai Pushpangale( Ingeyum oru Gangai),Ragavane ramana(Ilami kaalangal) like many. ( list is in a dfferent thread- already a list was posted for her variety also). Till 90, I can list u at least of 25 songs of PS every year in tamil. She hasn’t lost her chair till now like Shivaji. It is for her and no one is nearer to that.
  
  4. Speaking about SJ, I always claim that she has done lots of third rated songs. But, I didn’t deny her best songs. Speak about Seducing songs, PS also has done many songs like that and every time its type changes. As a professional singer, nothing wrong singing that kind of songs. In 50’s it is “Unnai kann theduthe” or “Unnazhagai kanniyargal” type of songs without much virasam. Every decade there used to be some kind of songs like this and even at later’80s PS done a song “Malliga poo kattilile”. But, there are lots of difference between seduction and vulgarity. The sound, which SJ produced in “nila kaayuthe” is absolutely vulgar. I am writing against that kind of songs and I don’t have any regrets, because it is known truth. If you enjoy and justify those kinds of songs, why do you feel hurt?
  a. Even though double meaning was there in some amount of Old songs, the singers didn’t make it vulgar, while singing. (eg: Parthen sirithen). That is the difference.
  
  5. There is a place for SJ in south. She achieved a lot as a singer in SFM. As I written before, without much talent, no one can stay in the Industry for more than 45 years. She is a talented artist. No, doubt. But, No comparison with PS. PS is much much ahead.
  
  6. I just conclude with the statement of MGR. “One Shivaji, One kannadasan, and One Susheela”. They can’t be replaced. To realize this word, one should listen all types of songs of all seasons and all languages without any partiality.
  
  
• From: Meerakrishna (@ 148.87.1.170) on: Sun Mar 2 23:12:29 EST 2003
  
  Kaumudi, Those two Telugu songs are...
  1.Nadilaa Pravahinchede Jeevitham
  Padame Ravalinchede Jeevitham.
  2.Todu Kavalli Todu Kalavalli Todu
  Naa Vulinche Shoonyamlo Jadipinche Jannaranyalo. Two songs are too good to hear. Those songs are
  composed by Dr.M.Balamuralikrishna, and sung by SJ. If you know the details please let me know. Are you still in the same Address(Pittsburg).
  
  Do you listen her 'Meera Bhajans', the songs are really beautiful. And I have that Tyagaraja Kritis CD with me. Effortlessly sung by her.
  
  Regards
  Meera
  
  
• From: pranav (@ 202.142.68.94) on: Mon Mar 3 05:11:54 EST 2003
  
  Mr. Kalai,
  I really feel bad, why you always insist on her so called Seductive songs. It is her profession and she has done her job very effectively, so ppl still remember those songs. But you forget onething, seductive songs were more sung by L.R.Eashwari(she was branded for Club Dance songs and Seductive songs). ONly in 1980s Sj has sung those kind of songs under IR.
  
  And one thing, I have told you lots and lots of times that, S.Janaki was the Undisputed Singer in Kannada Film INdustry till 1990. From the begining of her career in KFM(1958) she was number 1 in KFM. And regarding Name in Movies, I don't how you are dared to put some worng things into this discussion. What you said is absolutely false. Pls go and see any Kannada Movie after 1960 you will see SJanaki's name first and then PS's name. I can bet you in this. I will say a few are exceptional. In Tamil cinema's also after 1980 it was S.Janaki's name which came on the top then PS name. In most of all the IRs films it was SJs name which came on top and then of SPS, PS and al other singers. This also I can bet.
  Regarding, variety of songs , I don't know why you are ready to accept that Janaki excels PS in all the ways. SJ has sung classical based songs(Sanadi Appananna, Hemavathy just samples), solos, pathos, duets, seductive songs, bhajans, devotional songs.
  Even PS has sung seductive songs(III Rated SOngs told by you) in Telugu, Kannada and even in Tamil films. But as they were not much effective (monotonous voice) MDs opted for LRE. But one thing you cannot deny even PS also has vamp/seductive/III Rated Songs to her credit. You should be ready to accept FACTS.
  You are saying PS was in Golden Era of TFM, may be but you should be ready to agree that SJ has survived in all the period under strong competition by PS( though she was No.2 singer in TFM, she was NO.1 in KFM/MFM -- NO Doubt in that). BUt, I think you are forgetting one thing, this thread is for discussing MELODY QUEEN and not about Golden Era Queen or Lyrics Queen or Highest Paid Singer in TFM or not about Highest songs recorded Singer . OK. Do you understand.
  And regarding, sounds produced in Nila Kayuthey, I don't think there is some sort of VUlgarity as claimed by you. For your kind information, it is cinema and you should remember what was the relationship b/w Kamal and Ambika was there in that movie.
  And , you said KSG director waited for her for 2 months, what is tehre in taht? If his all time favorite singer is PS , he will defintely wait for her. And one thing, it depends what kind of song, and what sort of iumportance that got in the movie. YOu said IR din't wait for SJ in one of the songs, if it had a high pitch notes or some thing special which would have done only by SJ, then defintely IR would have waited for SJ. No doubt in that.
  If LM and PS got good chances at the begining of their career, it is their LUCK thats all I can say. But still SJ and AB has got the same place what PS and LM have got. You may say "One Kannadasan, One PS, One Shivaji"; But all knows that SJ is Sj and SJ is very much talented, verstailed than PS.. Any one bet me in this??????????? NO one can replace SJ , SJ is the melodious Queen Of SiFM, so MR. A.R. Rahaman still takes SJ for the songs sung by LM or AB in HIndi. Why not PS?
  We want Quality songs ,not Quantity songs. I agree that PS voice is Good , but I cannot agree that PS voice is MElodious. I agree that all PSs songs had good lyrics, but even I will say that not all SJ songs had bad lyrics. They had the same weightage in Meaning as PS songs had.
  There is one PRoverb in ENglis" You cannot Judge a Book by its Cover, It Should have Contents in it".This applies for PS.
  You said, non availability of PS forced MDs of KFm to take SJ right. Why can't you take as this - " The Non Availability of SJ forced MDs of TFM to take PS" I think my statement is very very close to TRUTH. SJ came with a super duper Evergreen Hit Singaravelane Deva. This proves my above statement.
  S.Janaki is still ruling the hearts of Musioc Lovers. Her soulful singiing in her Bhajans, Keertanas are really Soothing. Even Now, she is a choice for MDs in KFm(Eg, Hamsaslekha - No.1 MD in KFM) and TFM(Eg: ARR, VIdyasagar). Ok FIne. These were the replies to your Statements.
  (IF I have crossed my LImits some where PLs sorrry for that)
  With Regards,
  Pranav
  
  

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