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Vani Jayaram's songs

Topic started by avvaiyar (@ 203.116.61.132) on Wed Jan 27 02:29:28 EST 1999.
All times in EST +10:30 for IST.

I'm a new visitor to this website. I couldn't see anyone discussing about Vani Jayaram's songs.
Let me start this one.(It had been there previously pls. forgive me!)

"Ezhu swarangalukkul ethanai paadal..
Ithaya surangathul ethanai kelvi...
Vaazhum manitharukkul ethanai salanam.."

Wow! Beautiful voice!

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VaniJayaram.com - A site that has lots of info and songs of VJ.

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Responses:

• Old responses
  
• From: Kaumudi (@ 136.142.153.250) on: Tue May 20 16:05:34 EDT 2003
  
  Saravanan
  I just read your article. You have a way of writing this stuff that leaves us craving for more. Thanks a lot for that lovely article. And, Ilage Ilage and Nuvvadigindi enadaina were super hit songs those days. In fact when VJ came to Hyderabad to give a 3-hour concert in last Dec-Jan period, one of her first songs was "Nuvvadigindi".
  
  Naaz
  You simply echoed my thoughts that I posted about a page ago regarding how people are staying away from participating, most importantly the regular posters.
  
  Also, I request all those in-the-hiding-VJ-fans to post your queries for the VJ follow-up interview. This is supposed to be a little celebration for all the fans and it obviously needs a lot of support in order to happen and then succeed. I didn't want to come out like this with a public announcement, but looks like we could use one. Naaz has given us a deadline which is still a month or so away from now. Let's make use of this opportunity to talk to VJ through Naaz.
  
  
• From: sriram (@ 163.181.250.2) on: Tue May 20 16:06:42 EDT 2003
  
  Saravanan: hope you take the absence of response as a sign that we are terribly running short of adjectives & praises here! thanks for your effort.
  
  what happened to posters like susi, priya, yvs mani, Neel, G. Ragavan to mention a few out of the many that used to contribute to this thread??
  
  
• From: pooh (@ 24.233.48.112) on: Tue May 20 18:44:41 EDT 2003
  
  Saravanan-I look forward to your postings. Sure appreciate your writings
  
  
• From: vengayam (@ 203.200.84.67) on: Tue May 20 22:24:34 EDT 2003
  
  while VJ is not my personal no 1, this & song of the day threads are a must read for me. so would a vast majority of people visiting this site. so saravanan,naaz,kaumudi do play on. we are listening!
  
  
• From: Saravanan (@ 213.42.2.6) on: Wed May 21 05:24:10 EDT 2003
  
  Thanks, all!
  
  Naaz, you know that I could have never come so far without encouragement from many of you.
  Writing the chronology gives me too immense enjoyment. Thank you, once again!
  
  It will add meaning to the exercise if we can have a fruitful discussion/appreciation of various aspects of the songs covered each time. It will be great if that happens.
  
  Like Kaumudi, I am also disappointed that not many have come up with questions for the interview. I hope we'll get many more questions soon.
  
  
• From: Naaz (@ 24.87.30.219) on: Wed May 21 10:31:10 EDT 2003
  
  Saravanan -
  
  Reading your chronology gives me hope - and great pleasure - that good, thoughtful and invigorating writing/analyses are still possible in newtfmpage. You have raised the bar a notch, and my only desire is that even if the rest of us can't get to that summit, we could at least try to scale the heights within our reach. TRY being the operative word :-)
  
  Mythila -
  Of course, we are all in awe of Saravanan's grasp of details and his ageless memory. The problem with a blank page (somewhat integral to the "blank" concept) is that it remains blank - and silence can be interpreted in many ways (don't let anyone tell you that "silence" is apolitical, it is not) and its a fine line between "indifference" and "inertia." A page with a few lines leaves no doubt - complimentary, critical, or tangential. And there is much to glean and glow in S's write-ups.
  Not that one has to go overboard with this sentiment, but articulation is an antidote to apathy. "Adding meaning" - in our own way - is what it's about.
  
  Kaumudi -
  Thank you for the reminder of the follow-on interview. As I said, I am game, but I am holding out for better participation and interest. Let's hope your announcement reaches far and wide - and opens the floodgates of inspired questions.
  
  On topic:
  The "humming" bit in both the songs in IO (duet and solo) is an aspect of IRs repetoire which has all but vanished. The "Ra ra ra ra ra raaaaaaa" was, in the early days of his career, a touchstone of many a composition: Sugam Sugame, Miniminikku Kannil Oru Minnal, Poonthendrale Nalla Neram Kalam Serum...had these moments. I am sure there must be others to add to this list.
  
  IO was a rite of passage for so many of that generation. The buzz around the RK and KH rivalry, the ample physicality of Sripriya, the tsunami called IR rising and wowing, and the craze that was "Ennadi Meenatchi" - no intercollegiate music fest was complete without somebody warbling this solo, all rage and repression, heartache and heartbreak. Later this appetite found a new cuisine in "Vasam Illa Mararidhu" and "Pozhudodhu Kozhi Koovuravela."
  How many Pachaiappa College dreams were built, broken and reclaimed once again by these songs!
  
  I have some critical thought regarding the Sridhar phenomenon. But let me not mess with a good thing :-)
  
  
• From: Brat (@ 168.122.15.93) on: Wed May 21 22:29:36 EDT 2003
  
  Saravanan!
  Thank you for enlightening & opening the doors to the wonderful world of VJ to me....
  Thank you for all the wonderful notes on those great movies....
  Like many of the ordinary present generation music lovers (I was 14 when Roja was released!!)..I am a huge fan of IR's 80s hits(for us, all of IRs great songs were/are 80s hits!!) ..& the singers I associated with those hits were SPB-SJ.Thank you for correcting those thoughts..
  This thread has been & I'm sure will be, an eye-opener for me on the great singer that VJ was (is??)....
  Thank you..thank you....thank you again.
  A question....did IR give VJ only 8 songs in all?? or was it in 1978 alone??
  
  
• From: Saravanan (@ 213.42.2.6) on: Wed May 21 23:37:39 EDT 2003
  
  Brat- You are welcome! : )
  
  No- 8 was the 1978 count alone. IR had given VJ 3 songs in 1977, and 8 in 1978 and many more in the following years.
  
  Yes, VJ still is a great singer!
  
  
• From: Naaz (@ 24.87.30.219) on: Thu May 22 10:14:15 EDT 2003
  
  I know that I am requesting a rare song, and not a tamizh one, but given how many here have great collections of music, I am hoping somebody somewhere might just have a MP3 version, or might know a site where I can listen to this classic Manna Dey / Vani Jairam duet:
  
  Mitwa Mitwa More Man Mitwa
  Aajaa Re Aajaa Re Aajaa Re
  
  (Film: Parinay. MD: Jaidev)
  
  Make my day, week, month...please :-)
  
  
• From: Subbu (@ 203.200.198.9) on: Fri May 23 02:40:37 EDT 2003
  
  Brat, it was very unfortunate that there was a wide spread canvassing as though SPB+SJ's songs alone created history in IR-music-world. It is true that this pair had sung more songs under IR, but it is also a fact there were classic gems rendered by many other singers.
  
  Very sad that the talents of VJ was not effectively used by IR. It got submerged in the so called wave of IR+SJ combo. Just listen to a devotional song “Bakthi ennum padigaL eri govinda”, sung by VJ… you will get tears. Such a bhavam in the form of devotion in her rendering. Though she is not my No.1 favorite singer, I would say that VJ has had her place in Film Music. No doubt!
  
  Lucky those young artists like Chitra, Sujatha, Swarnalatha, Harini etc (of course we too) and their rise, by the time the monopoly of IR with the said pair had come to dusk in early 90’s.
  
  Friends, this is only my personal view !!
  
  
• From: Naaz (@ 24.87.30.219) on: Fri May 23 10:17:59 EDT 2003
  
  Subbu -
  Thank you for your post. Good to see you in this thread...and keep visiting :-)
  
  While the IR-SPB-SJ juggernaut was relentless and resilient (and brought us many a good song) the songs which went to other singers, few and far between admittedly, also made their mark in the mind's eye. If one takes the case of VJ, even though she sang fewer songs for IR (SPS,Jency,Chitra have had many many more) these songs were not short on artistry and awe:
  Let me just list a few random solos:
  En Ullil Engo
  Kaatrinile Varum Geetham
  Azhagiya Kalai Nilave (this is a stand-out among stand-outs)
  Manjal Arraikkum Bodhu
  Urugudhey Idhayame Arugile Vaa Vaa
  Kavidhai Kelungal
  Idhu Rosapoovu
  Naane Naana
  En Kalyana Vaibogham
  Thanimaiyil Yaar Ival
  Niththam Niththam Nellu Soru
  
  
  All the above songs were sung with great commitment, understanding and mastery.
  
  Talking of devotionals: Please listen to Malaigal Ezhin Madiyil Thavazhum Alarmel Azhaga and Yamuna Aatrin Karaiyil Govardhanaththin Sarivinil...
  In fact, all the songs from Sri Krishna Ganam (available on the website) are exquisite gifts of voice and piety.
  
  Have you heard the PS/VJ devotional album Meeravin Geethangal? Both the singers give us their best in this unique effort. Give it a listen, if you haven't already.
  
  
• From: Naaz (@ 24.87.30.219) on: Fri May 23 11:11:39 EDT 2003
  
  Digression:
  I've been looking for the FULL transliteration and definitive translation of MSS's Suprabatham. Could somebody please help me out with a link/info on this devotional? I need it for a project and I thank you in advance for your help.
  
  
• From: raj (@ 12.30.122.10) on: Fri May 23 11:43:22 EDT 2003
  
  NAAz do u have the link to the Meeravin Geethangal
  
  
• From: Naaz (@ 24.87.30.219) on: Fri May 23 11:56:22 EDT 2003
  
  raj -
  
  There is no link to Meeravin Geethangal. I do have the original tape (in more or less intact condition) and would be happy to make you a copy. If you are in North America, I'll mail it to you in the next little while (3-4days.) Do let me know if this suits you.
  
  email: Naaz99@yahoo.com
  
  
• From: Kaumudi (@ 136.142.153.250) on: Fri May 23 17:02:57 EDT 2003
  
  Naaz
  Here is a link that should help you. It has transliteration and translation. It also has the sanskrit version (link available on the top of the page)if you find it necessary or useful. The link is: http://www.cvhts.org/Publications/suprabhatam_seshan.htm
  
  
• From: Naaz (@ 24.87.30.219) on: Fri May 23 18:10:46 EDT 2003
  
  Kaumudi -
  
  I am indebted to you for this favour. Thank you very much, it is a great help.
  
  
• From: Naaz (@ 24.87.30.219) on: Sat May 24 09:07:28 EDT 2003
  
  Vijay - (If you're reading this and I hope you are)
  
  I thought I'd pick up on the UR-VJ distinction in this thread, as it at least pertains to one of the singers. If I may:
  
  The issue of who "owns" a song is a difficult one to answer. Lyric, from where "song" orginiates - "words sung to tune" points to the poet. But the tune is what introduces mass memorability, hence the composer has her/his own compulsions to make it so - and thereby, own it. The singer/s is/are the bridge between these two shores of ownership, and if they're bombed (in thier realisation of the lyricist/composer expectations) then no matter how profound or inspired the verses, and no matter how moving the arrangement musically, the "song" is only half-successful. And for all that, it may as well have been confined to the prison of the page.
  Singers do bring their own signatures and trademarks to their rendition, and over time there develops a sense of familiarity, a tonal bond between the masses and the voice. Hence, though the singer is last on the rung in the hierarchical recording studio, in the public's mind s/he emerges first for two reasons: There are more who aspire to be singers than poets/composers and, secondly, their voices are the ones that are behind the stars on the screen. The identification is often dual on the listener's part. And while talent may have its place in this configuation, ultimately, it is longevity and constant repetition - of voice and tune - which makes for memorability. We all (most of us then) struggle with the words even around here in the "lyric" threads, but seem confident (more than less) in our assertions regarding singer and MD.
  We all know how many monopolies have been built on the very idea of radio encores.
  
  If hits are a measurment of a singer's success, and if this is in turn a demonstration of the singer's ability (in these days of media buying one can never be too sure about merit) then, artificial or glass-shattering, lets glance over a random solo list of VJ and UR hits, the quality of their rendition and their appeal, I would leave to the listener's ear:
  
  1. Malligai En Mannan Mayangum 2. Sugam Aayiram En Ninaivile 3. Malligai Mullai Poopandhal 4. Manamagale Un Manavarai Kolam 5. Pongum Kadalosai 6. Naane Nana 7. En Kalyana Vaibogham 8. Ezhuswarangalukkul 9. Neerada Neram Nalla Neram 10. Kungumakkolangal Kodhai Kondada 11. Nadhamennum Kovilile 12. Chandirapirai Parththaen 13. Mannulagil Indru Devan Vandhu 14. Malairani Mundhanai Sariya Sariya 15. Muthu Muthu Thaerottam 15. Meghame Meghame 16. Sugamana Ragangale 17. Nadinaen Nambinaen 18. Veru Idam Thedi Povalo 19. Enullil Engo 20. Nee Kaettaal....
  
  That should make of for a good "qualitative" sample for certified "hits."
  
  UR had fewer solos, but they had their own presence:
  Anandha Ragam, Manjal Veyil, Thagam Edukkura Neram, Palliaraikkul Maligaiyai Alli Iraikka,...
  
  There is a small, but crucial observation one can make here: URs solos were few and her duets were popular. One could easily argue that her voice did not possess astounding range and, as such, did better when she had a male voice as foil. URs songs were identifiable, but her signature=ownership percentage was usually in flux.
  
  Now, if one were to place these random songs besides the solos of those who came after, and enjoyed/are enjoying a longer and better innings, and evaluate all aspects of the "music" - then it might "teach" us some valid lessons.
  
  Thanks for the hearing. (overlook the typos pls.)
  
  
• From: vijay (@ 68.51.215.28) on: Sat May 24 10:57:27 EDT 2003
  
  Naaz, from your examples it is quite clear which singer has demonstrated her ability over a wider range of songs. Adding value to a song with expressive singing seems to be a lost art these days. SPB, SJ, VJ etc. all in their hey days added quite a bit of value to the songs they rendered. I mentioned "Yezhu swarangalukkul" in the SOTD thread just to prove a point that UR hasnt tackled the semi-classical genre at all. But the thing is even in a much lighter song like "Muthu Muthu therottam" the expression that VJ gives at all the right places in the songs is commendable. I have never experienced that with UR. In "Sriranga ranga" song in Mahanadhi the sharp contrast between SPB's voice and URs nasal
  tone is a little too much to bear. It puzzles me as to why IR chose to promote some track singers throughout his career.
  
  
  I dont have any special attachment or liking or dislike towards any of these two singers(I am probably not as big a VJ fan as some of you here in this thread are although I understand the sympathy towards someone who was made the underdog throughout her career in spite of possessing talent) and as such I can assure you that I am being relatively bias-free when I am comparing them.
  
  

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