The Hindu : Front Page : Untouched by fame

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 12, 2004

Front Page

Front Page

Untouched by fame

CHENNAI, DEC. 11.

The world need not learn about M.S. Subbulakshmi from me. Today her music is relished by people all over the world. National and international acclaim from informed and lay listeners, success on many venues abroad, and the recent announcement of an honorary doctorate, all testify to the special quality of her music. I began to sing many years after she did. I think it would be impertinent on my part to analyse the music of someone who has received praise from my seniors.

I am among those who have moved closely with her. I knew her from my childhood. She too knows me very well. Moreover, my mother Lalitangi and her mother Shanmukhavadivu were well acquainted with each other. They had bonds of affection. As a child, I often met M.S. with my parents.

She is today just what she was then. Despite all the fame, she retains a child's heart, a smiling face and pleasant speech. Amazingly, she remains as modest as ever. Celebrity-hood has left her untouched by conceit. Without going against her conscience, she never fails to wholeheartedly appreciate other singers even of moderate standard. M.S. is gracious, she wants others to sing well and come up in life. She and her husband are exceedingly generous. My husband and I have often talked about this with admiration.

Srimathi M.S. Subbulakshmi is extremely devout. Talking to her is to be heedless of time. She talks only about music and about other meaningful subjects. She never makes disparaging remarks about anyone. She is humble, respectful towards elders. She appreciates not only music, but the other arts as well.

I believe that her devotion to God, simplicity, unquestioning deference to her husband, reverence for seniors, her conviction that there is much to learn in the world, and her own desire to learn more — all these attributes have contributed to her illustriousness.

M.L. Vasanthakumari in 1967

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