V Shanmuganathan
IN the Tamil Film Industry M.S. Viswanathan and Ramamurthy are called Kings of Light Music. They jointly worked together as music directors for more than 700 films and 6000 film songs. Their wonderful music contributions for the past five decades is well known in the Tamil, Malayalam and Telegu film industry.
Their achievements range from introducing fresher melodies with changing trends, style and modern orchestration approaches. M.S. Viswanathan has given his voice to more than 500 film songs. It must be mentioned that both T.M.Soundararajan and P.B.Srinivas owe their success mainly to the music of these giants.
Because of their continuous practice and excellence, M.S.Viswanathan can create music with 300 instruments or restrict his canvas to just three. M.S. Viswanathan is proficient in harmonium, piano and keyboard. Ramamurthy’s skill on the violin is equally commendable. Both of them teamed up with the well known Tamil poet and lyricist Kanndasan. Their names became legendary in the field of music in the Tamil Film Industry.
Recently, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha said it was regrettable that the “melody kings” were not rewarded the country’s top honour for music. She had recommended their names to the central government for the Padma Awards last year. But the centre, which has adverse views against the state government, did not pay heed to that. The Central Govt is prejudiced against the non-Congress Governments because of that they are not able to identify and appreciate the real talents. When there were no televisions, computers or tape recorders, it is amazing how they managed to achieve such great fame. Many of the numbers they composed are eternal.
She did not stop simply by blaming the centre for denying awards to Tamil film veterans. She presented them the title “Thirai isai chakravarthy” (The monarch of film music world” in a fitting manner.
Few days back, chief minister felicitated them and heaped praises on the composer duo, who ruled the Tamil film world with their evergreen tunes for decades. Chief Minister herself took the initiative, to honour them by arranging a grand function. The audience were treated to a grand live rendition by an orchestra of M.S.Viswanathan and Ramamurthy’s old hits. Apart from the CM who was seen enjoying the music, a big band of artists, players, musicians, singers, dancers of the film industry were present to celebrate and honour the veterans life time achievement. The list of artists included Rajnikanth, Kamal Haasan, K. Balachander, Ilayaraja, Bharatiraja, A.V.M. Saravanan, Vijeyantimala, Sarojadevi and many more celebrities.
The Chief Minister selected around 57 songs from the priceless repository of the composer duo, to be sung at the show titled ‘Ninaithaalae Inikkum’ (Even if you remember it is sweet and melodious).
The Chief Minister of Tamilnadu Ms.J. Jayalalitha presented the awards and mementos and delivered the special address. Giving an account of how she was associated with the music for many decades and quoted many glorious moments from the life of these musicians. She became emotional while speaking about their contribution.” Just like one grows with their parents and relatives, starting from my childhood. I grew up with the music of these veterans. Their music has become part of my very being. The period of Viswanathan and Ramamurthy would be regarded as ‘the golden age of film music. The denial of national awards for these veterans really pains me there will be a time when the government at the centre would listen to my words and I will ensure that these veterans are honoured with Padma awards,” Jayalalitha said amidst thunderous applause
The CM presented a purse containing 60 gold coins to the two composers, to commemorate their six decades in cinema, and a Ford Fiesta car. What touched an emotional chord in the crowd and in the galaxy on stage-AVM Saravanan, Rajnikanth, Kamal Haasan, K. Balachander and Ilaiyaraja – was that almost all the singers of the past were called up on stage and presented medals. “At present I’m pleased to honour these two veterans with the title, “Thirai Irai chakravarthy’. She concluded her speech with a pledge. “Again I assure you that there will come a day when I will be in a position to ensure that the Padma Awards, which have been eluding these greats are theirs.” The conviction in her tone left hope and confidence among the people. Definitely the time for the melody kings getting Padma awards is not far away.
