A series of programmes titled ‘MSV Isai Vizha’ is being organised by Mohan Nair, son-in-law of the legendary music composer M.S. Viswanathan.
The series will have thematic presentations of MSV’s tunes. The inaugural (event support Abbas Cultural; orchestra Udhaya Ragam UK Murali Innisai Mazhai), gave the audience a glimpse into the Kannadasan-MSV collaboration. TMS’s son Balraj sang ‘Pullanguzhal kodutha moongilgale’.
Gandhi Kannadasan spoke of how the song came about. AVM’S Saraswathi Stores wanted to make an album of songs about Krishna, for HMV. When AVM Kumaran approached Kannadasan, eight songs poured forth from the poet in quick succession.
MSV took less than a day to compose the music. One of the songs is ‘Amarajeevitham’ — Kannadasan’s first song in Sanskrit, which MSV sang. The album titled Krishna Ganam turned out to be a huge hit.
A.V. Ramanan’s light music troupe, Musiano, took ‘Pullanguzhal kodutha’ to every corner of Tamil Nadu, by making it their opening song in all concerts, said Gandhi.
MSV with Kannadasan and Sridhar during the composing session for Sumaithangi | Photo Credit:The Hindu Archives ‘Agayapandalile’ was presented by Balraj and Mathangi Ajithkumar. The background music, suggesting two people racing to meet each other, plays a major role in the appeal of the song. In the film Ponnoonjal , before the song begins, Sivaji and Usha Nandini tear through fields, to fall into each other’s arms panting.
Full marks to Mural.