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Mahakavi Subramanya Bharatiyar was born in the year 1882.
He was passionately involved in the freedom movement. He worked
as a schoolteacher and as a journal editor at various times of his
life. He died very young, but he left a legacy that is truly invaluable.
11th September 2001, was his death anniversary.
 The
Music World showroom at Spencer Plaza saw the launch
of a series of music albums by Sony Music on the revolutionary
poet. The normally crowded shop was even more crowded with the battery
of press people literally jostling to find a place.
The album was officially launched by singers Sowmya and
Nithyashree. Going by the response it wasapparent that Bharatiyar's
songs are still extremely popular.
Presented by Sony music, in association with Dinamalar,
the album saw a coming together of top musicians in the field of
Carnatic music. The series is made up of five audio cassettes, priced
at Rs 45/- each and five Compact Discs priced at Rs 295/- each.
Two of the volumes feature T N Seshagopalan, one brings together
D K Pattamal and Nityashree Mahadevan. The other two musicians
featuring in the series are Sowmya and Rajkumar Bharati (the
grandson of Bharatiyar).
 Speaking
on the occasion, Sowmya said that the Mahakavi was a great inspiration
to her right from the time she started learning music. Referring
to herself as a feminist she said, I was greatly moved by his songs
pertaining to the freedom of women such as ‘Viduthalay’(freedom).
Bharatiyar challenged and motivated women to fight for their rights.
She said it is very rare to find a ‘kutcheri’(concert)
by a top artiste, which does not include a Bhartiyar song. Such
is his popularity. His compositions she said are known for their
simplicity and patriotic spirit.
Nityashree Mahadevan said, it was a great experience recording
for the album. Especially, as she sang with her grandmother D K
Pattamal. She continued saying that the concert she gave along with
her grandmother at the Music Academy in 1993, which had only Bhartaiyar
compositions is one that she will never forget. She said ‘After
so many years only now, we are realizing his importance and paying
tribute to his works.’ Replying to a question as to whether
his compositions have any relevance today, she shot back saying
his songs are known for their value and spirit and will never fade
away.
| Author : Janaki Subramaniam |
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