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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: bala (@ 203.199.204.166) on: Mon Oct 25 02:07:26 EDT 2004
  
  Dear friends,
  
  Let us remember Vani jayaram for her golden voice while female playback singers are discussed.
  
  few songs from my memory
  
  yen ullil yengo yaegum idham...(Rosappu ravikkai kaari)
  Naane naanaa yarodhanaa...(azhage unnai aaradhikkiraen)
  nee kaetal naan maataen yendra...(and) orae naal unai naan...(yilamai unjaladugiradhu)
  malligai yen mannan mayangum...(dheerga sumangali)
  Yezhu swarangallukul...(aboorva raagangal)
  maegamae megamae ...(paalaivana cholai)
  
  
• From: menon (@ 213.42.2.25) on: Mon Oct 25 03:41:37 EDT 2004
  
  Dear friends,In an interview s.p.b told that he sang his first song with p.susheela.hearing p.susheela and mohd.Rafi is something like feeling devine breeze to him.According to k.j.y p.susheela can give perfection to songs than any other singers.Accoding to Jayachandran p.susheela means his singing goddess,according to sujatha p.susheela's voice is the sweetest that she everheard,In bhavatharini's words p.susheela is her manaseeka Guru,according to Mano p.susheela means perfection,accoding to A.R.Rahman he likes p.susheela's voice than any other singer's.All thease sayings are from News papers like THE HINDU,Indian Express,Malayala Manorama and from channela like Sun T.v,Raj T.v,Asianet and K,T.V
  
  
• From: Ravi (@ 192.147.57.6) on: Mon Oct 25 05:56:48 EDT 2004
  
  Wow Menon! that was an interesting post and true too! Yes, I have heard from KJY, Jeyachandran, Bhavatharani & Sujatha that they are greatly inspired by PS or PS is their favourite singer.
  
  An important point to be considered is that when PS was at her peak, there was no track. So a great rendition necessarily meant that it was original and *not* that the song was recorded in bits and pieces (much to the singer's ease) and pasted together later.
  
  K, you were very true in highlighting Susheela's divinity in voice. But I beg to differ that singing a club song does not make you voice less divine - infact it exhibits one's "versatility". So, its not that PS could not sing such songs- its just shows that such songs (like "Nethu raathiri") were not produced during the old days.
  
  "Oru pattil ore oru chinna idathil PS nam manadhai kOLLai kondu viduvaar" - very true Mr.K.
  This is absolutely true!! and her songs are ample proof for this.
  
  
• From: kumarr (@ 213.42.2.11) on: Mon Oct 25 16:29:04 EDT 2004
  
  PS's voice is flat and for Female Playback Singers, their voices should be like honey-flowing; "Sattru Kuzhaya Vendum"
  
  That is lacking in PS as well as KSC. VJ, to some extent is ok. But SJ more than all does possess a sweet voice.
  
  SJ is the best Humming-Bird/ Nightingale TFM has ever produced.
  
  SJ need not sing at all; Her Humming itself will do wonders and had done wonders.
  
  Illayaraja knows her this ability and right from "Annakili", he had tapped her this potential on many occasions.
  
  Few songs, which got enriched by her humming, I will list below
  
  1. Annakila Unnai Thedudhae (Her Dramatic Opening of the song)
  
  2. Vellai Puraa Ondru Aengudhu Kayil Varamale (Great opening)
  
  3. Penn Maane Sangeetham Paadava
  
  4. "Paadava Un Paadalai" from Naan Paadum Paadal, her one of the best and known for her capability to deliver the situation in the song.
  
  5. Vaanile Thenila Aadudhae Paadudhae (Humming in the middle)
  
  6. Vaa Vennilaa Unnai Thaane Vaanam Thedudhae (Before the start of each of the two charanams)
  
  7. Adi Aaathadi- Can we ever forget the humming after the First Charanam.
  
  8. Yae Paadal Ondru - Observe the opening of the song.
  
  9. "Paadu Nilaave Thaen Kavidhai Poo Maname"
  
  10. "Rojavai Thaalattum Thendral Pon Megam"
  
  11. "Pon Vaanam Panneer Thoovudhu Inneram" (She has done Many Sagasangal in this song;)
  
  12. "Indha Miniminikku Kannil Oru Minnal Vandhadhu"
  
  13. Sengamalan Sirikkudhu Sangamatha Ninaikudhu
  
  14. Vaa Vaa Anbe Poojai Undu
  
  15. Devan Thantha Veenai Adhil Devi Seidha Gaanam
  
  16. Oru Raagam Padalodu Kaadhil Kaettadho
  
  17 Endha Poovilum Vaasam Undu
  
  18. Devan Koil Deepam Ondru (Again from Naan Paadum Paadal)
  
  19. Vizhiyile Mani Vizhiyil Mouna Mozhi Pesum Annam.
  
  20. Ottagadhai Kattiko
  
  21 Kaadhal Kadidham Theettavae Megam Ellam Kaagidham.
  
  22. Chinna Jiru Kiliye Sithira Poo Vizhiye (Her opening the song with "Aarir raariro" ultimate)
  
  23. "Kaalayum Neeye; Maalayum Neeye" with AMR from Then Nilavu
  
  24. Chinna Jiriya Vanna Paravai Ennathai Cholludhama" (Starting as well as ending a treat and feast)
  
  25. Paadadha Paatellam Paada Vandhaal
  
  26. Anbaale Thediya En Arivu Chelvam Thangam
  
  27. Raasave Unnai Vidamattaen from the film "Aranmani Kili"
  
  28. Kallellam Maanikka Kal Aagumaa; Kalayellam Kangal Sollum Kalai Aagumaa.
  
  29. Thennangeetru Onjalile; Thendralil Neendhidum Solayile
  
  30. Endhan Paarvayin Kelvikku Padhil Enna Solladi Raadha... Raadhaaa (Observe the Opening Raaja... Raadha) - wonderful number from Sumai Thaangi
  
  31. Maambazhathu Vandu is another great (Her singing o o oooo Maambazhathu Vandu Vaasa Malar Chendu is incredible same as she does oh ho Endha Daaling Nee Vaarai Endhan Daarling)
  
  32. "Mounamaana Neram; Ila Manadhil Enna Baaram" (From "Salangai Oli")
  
  Like that the list is endless. Atleast 40 to 50 % of her songs are with her sweet hummings.
  
  These hummings totally tranform us into some eternal world and make us forget ourselves.
  
  "Mei Marakka Cheivana".
  
  One and only SJ does possess that magic - magic vand.
  
  Of the songs listed above, three songs need special mention
  
  1. Indha Minminikku Kannil Oru (She breaks into a lovable laughter at the end)
  
  2. Sengamalam Sirikudhu (Again at the end she comes out with a Sirippu Sidharal)
  
  3. Vizhiyile Mani Vizhiyil Mouna Mozhi Pesum (In this song we have SPB singing and SJ humming in the background and also SJ singing and SPB humming in the background- Unique)
  
  Also "Kaalayum Neeye Maalayum Neeye" too is like the above too. AMR is singing while SJ's nice,melodious humming is going on in the background. Fantastic.
  
  Indha Maadhiri Improvisation, Sangathigala Serkarathu/Podarathu, SJ is one and the only. She is a Maestro, veteran and doyen in that.
  
  Andru Mudhal Indru Varai, Paadinaar Engira Distinction SJ oruthia mattumae Serum.
  
  She is "Melody Queen", "Humming Bird" and "Nightingale".
  
  When PS was there, there was a need for LRE. But SJ had totally eliminated the need for a LRE-Type singer in her period.
  
  She is an all-rounder and can sing any song for any situation.
  
  Others can be branded as good in singing only a particular category of songs.
  
  She is the singer for all occasions and moods.
  
  She alone can provide variety. She is an All-Rounder. "Sakala Kalaa Valli"
  
  
  
• From: Ravi (@ 192.147.57.6) on: Tue Oct 26 05:24:41 EDT 2004
  
  kumarr, I really respect and appreciate your analysis and being a true fan of SJ. But I beg to differ in many ways. PS voice is flat?? I understand your inclination towards SJ's voice but I am really surprised by this comment. Either you are too fantasized by SJ's voice or have limited your listening to SJ's songs.
  
  You could guess who the heroine was just by listening to PS's voice - remember, that was when there were very few singers unlike today when each singer is attributed to an actress.
  
  The 'konjal' for Saroja Devi as in "Kodi asaindhadhum", "Love birds", "Chittu kuruvi". The gaiety for Savithri as in "Yaar yaar", "Mayangugiraal oru maadhu".
  
  Lata Mangeshkar comments on hearing "Athaan, ennathaan" - "Even I couldnt have sung this song with such life and expression".
  
  For fast numbers, there are many like "Vaadi amma vaadi", "Aduthaathu ambujatha paarthaelaa" (she fanatastically brings out the crying in the end).
  
  Well, I could just go on and on - each song of hers is a masterpiece - flawless and perfectly rendered.
  
  Kumarr, I suggest you listen to many of her songs in late 50s and early 60s without any bias and then judge for yourself if her voice is flat.
  
  
• From: kumarr (@ 213.42.2.28) on: Tue Oct 26 16:53:32 EDT 2004
  
  Ravi, nice to see your active participation.
  
  By seeing me, quoting a lot of SJ songs, it looks like, you have a suspicion that I do listen to SJ songs only and not to songs sung by persons other than SJ.
  
  If at all you have any suspicion, it is not true.
  
  I am a regular listener of "Elangai Vaanoli Kozhumbu Sarvadesa Varthaga Oliparappu" right from my school days.
  
  You might know about the selection of songs aired by "Elangai Vaanoli"
  
  Even good songs, quality songs which cannot be heard in our "Tiruchy" Vaanoli or "Chennai" Vaanoli, can be heard in "Elangai Vaanoli"
  
  Such is their selection. And about old songs, they are leaders in airing old songs, mostly melodies.
  
  I have heard many old songs.
  
  It is not that I do not like PS or do not listen to PS songs.
  
  But SJ impresses me more than PS. That is it.
  
  I have not seen anybody quoting PS's "Pakkathu Veetu Paruva Machaan, Paarvayilae Padam Pudichaan..." or
  
  "Kaatru Vandhaal Thalai Saayum Naanal" or
  
  "Thookanaa Kuruvi Koodu" or
  
  "Ettadukku Maaligayil Aettri Vaitha En Thalaivan" or
  
  "Valarndha Kalai Marandhu Vitaal Kelada Kannaa" or
  
  "Theru_koothu" (Vandhu Nindru Sabaikku Vandhanam Thandhenayya) or
  
  "Yaarai Thaan Nambuvadho Pedhai Nenjam" or
  
  "Kaatru Veliyidai Kannammaa ..." or
  
  "Naan Malarodu Thaniyaaga Aen Indru Nindren; En Maharani Unai Kaana Ododi Vandhaen" or
  
  "Anbulla Mannavane Aasayil Ore Kadidham"
  
  "Ulagam Engum Orae Mozhi; Ullam Pesum Kaadhal Mozhi"
  
  "Aagaya Pandhalile Poonoonjal Aaduthamma" from "Ponnoonjal"
  
  "Kaalamidhu Kaalamidhu Kannurangu Magale; Kaalamidhai Thavara Vitaal Thookkamillai Magale" from "Chithi"
  
  "Amaidhiyaana Nadhiyinile Odum Odam..."
  
  "Iravum Nilavum Valarattume; Nam Inimai Ninaivugal Thodarattume" from "Karnan"
  
  "Gnayiru Enbadhu Kannaaga; Thingal Enbadhu Pennaaga Sevvai Kovai Pazhamaaga; Serndhae Amaindhadhu Azhagaaga " (Good Humming)
  
  "Nalam Dhaanaa Nalam Dhaana..."
  
  "Malargal Nanaidhana Paniyaale; Manadhum Kulirndhadhu Nilavaale"
  
  "Ninaikka Therindha Maname Unakku..."
  
  "Unnai Naan Sandhidhaen Nee Aayirathil Oruvan"
  
  "Unnai Kaanaadha Kannum Kannalla; Unnai Ennaadhal Nenjum Nenjalla..."
  
  "Kadavul Oru Naal Manidhannai Kaana Thaniye Vandhaanaam"
  
  "Thangathile Oru Kurai Irundhaalum Tharathinil Kuraivadhundo..."
  
  "Punnagai Mannan Poo Vizhi Kannan Rukmani Kaaga"
  
  "Enna Ninaithu Ennai Azhaithaayo..."
  
  "Muthaana Muthallavo Mudhirndhu Vandha Muthallavo..."
  
  "Sonnadhu Nee Dhaanaa... Sol Sol En Uyriae !"
  
  Ippadi Innum Niraya Sollalaam
  
  Naan Our Isai Piriyar. So, Evalavo PS songs and other old songs, have I heard.
  
  "Thaazhayaam Poo Mudichchu Thadam Paathu Nadai Nadandhu Vaazha Ilai Pola Vandha Ponnamma..."
  
  What a song by TMS and P. Leela.
  
  But PS cannot do justice to all categories of songs. Her domination is limited only to a particular domain.
  
  Take "Thedinaen Vandhadhu Naadinaen Thanthadhu". It is a bad number by PS.
  
  Particularly, while rendering, "Pen Endraal Dheiva Maaligai Thirandhu Kollaadho o ho o ho ho....!" she sounds noisy.
  
  There is a film by name "Velli Vizhaa", music for which is by V. Kumar.
  
  In what is an experiment, as claimed by V. Kumar, he gave
  
  "Kaadhodu Dhaan Naan Paaduvaen" to LRE, who normally sings fast-paced songs and
  
  "Naan Satham Podu Dhaan Paaduvaen...Illi Nodu Illi Nodu Dhoraippa...Naan Iruppadhu Adutha Arayappa" to PS, who normally sings more melodies.
  
  The song, "Kaadhodu Dhaan Naan Paaduvaen" proved to be a hit and LRE emerging as a winner in that film, while "Naan Satham Podu Dhaan Paaduven..." failed and sobikkala.
  
  The only fast song of PS, which I like is "Indru Vandha Indha Mayakkam Ennai Engengo Kondu Pogudhamma...".
  
  PS is not suited to fast-paced songs, eventhough she might have done a few. She is not a winner in all categories.
  
  Even, VJ has sung, "Vaa Vaa Pakkam Vaa..." in "Thangamagan" That does not mean that she is better than SJ in delivering fast, jumpy songs. The fact is that SJ is the prodigy.
  
  Likewise, Chitra sang "Othayila Ninnadhenna Aen Mannavane Mannavanae ..." and also "Maarugo Maarugo Maarugayi" from "Sathi Leelavathi".
  
  That is nowhere when compared to the modulations that SJ had done with her voice. Examples are many.
  
  For Urvasi, right from "Mundhaanai Mudichu", SJ had sung great songs.
  
  "Andhi Varum Neram"
  "Naan Pudikkum Maapilla Dhaan"
  "Chinnan Jiru Kiliye Sithira Poo Vizhiye"
  "Siriya Paravai Siragai Virikka Thudikiradhae"
  "Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Naanum"
  "Metti Metti Velli Metti, Velli Metti Potta Kutti"
  "Karava Maadu Moonu Kaala Maadu Onnu"
  
  and also in
  
  "Panju Mittaai Sela Katti; Pattu Vanna Ravikkai Pottu..." also has Oorvasi apart from Kushboo, I suppose.
  
  Of the above, three need special mention
  
  1. "Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Naanum..." (Brahminical Flavour/Touch)
  
  2. The unfortunate "Metti Metti Velli Metti Velli Metti Potta Kuti" in the music of "Thenisai Thendral", where S. Janaki sings for Oorvasi, who is a "Thikku Vai" Penn. Ultimate song from "Pullakutti Kaaran", a Parthiban-Starrer and
  
  3. The great "Karava Maadu Moonu Kaala Maadu Onnu"
  
  I will write about the Oorvasi-Charanam
  
  SPB : Naan Vunna Nenachu Aenginaen... Mull Mela Paduthu Thoonginaen..."
  
  SJ : Aaanaalum Ashadu... Aaanaalum Ashadu Neenga Dhaan Vaangonaa Madiyil Thoongathaan..."
  
  Note, it is not "Asadu", but "Ashadu". The way she pronounces is ultimate.
  
  The "Brahminical" Flavour, which she gives to this Charanam, especially when she sings for Oorvasi, who is an "Iyer-Aathu-Ponnu", is something extra-ordinary.
  
  Her singing for "Rohini", I suppose, in the Madras Language in the same song, Third Charanam is another bonus.
  
  Anyway you look, she is the greatest; she is the tallest; she is the most versatile artist in TFM.
  
  "Kurala Vechukuttu Arpudhangal, Adhisayangal Mattrum Saagasangal Nigazhthi Kaatiyaa Ore Isai Arasi, Isai Devathai Janaki Mattum Dhaan"
  
  She impresses quite a lot.
  
  
• From: K (@ 69.132.94.11) on: Tue Oct 26 22:04:43 EDT 2004
  
  kumarr, ungalukku vera vela illainnu ninaikkiren :-))
  
  

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