The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : An icon

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 18, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

An icon

Sir, — M.S. Subbulakshmi is an icon — an epitome of serenity, devotion, sincerity and humility. Her golden voice enchanted and enthralled millions. Her simplicity and supreme bhakti were something to be emulated by all.

L. Sundari,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — Those of us who had the fortune of hearing M.S. recall how thousands of devout listeners remained suspended in wordless ecstasy as her music brought tears to our eyes.

R. Narayanaswamy,
Secunderabad

* * *

Sir, — Among the countless songs sung by the legendary M.S., a few are eternal, haunting and delectable. Amba nee irangaayanil pugazh eadu and needu charana are two such favourites. Aao preetam sundara nirupama from the film, Meera, endeared her to many north Indians too. Whenever M.S. visited Delhi, she found the time to sing in the chamber concerts organised by our ladies music circle. No admiration and praise for her can be adequate.

Alladi Sarada Balasubramanian,
Hyderabad

* * *

Sir, — M.S.' voice continues to console us. The essence of Adi Sankara's Bhaja Govindam dawned on us only after M.S. passed on to the ethereal world. She has joined the select band of celestials.

K. Parasuraman,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — Before one of her performances at the Shanmugananda Hall, Mumbai, M.S. came to know that Chembai Vaidyanatha Bagavathar was in town. She wanted him to grace the function. Accordingly word was sent to him.

Chembai walked into the hall around 4 p.m. M.S., who was singing a raga, stood up with folded hands and sang: karuna chaya enthu thamasam Krishna (why the delay in showering kindness on me, Lord Krishna?) This was also the song Chembai usually concluded his concerts with.

The elder musician in his inimitable way responded, saying bale bale. The audience gave a thundering ovation to the two great musicians.

K.S.A. Narayan,
Coimbatore, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — This happened at one of the ITC Sangeet Sammelans held in Chennai, for which M.S. was the chief guest. Waiting for the door leading to the VIP row to open, the crowd jostled and pushed its way in to find a vantage seat on a first-come-first-served basis.

I found M.S. and her husband, T. Sadavisam, waiting patiently among the crowd. I pointed out the ironical situation to one of the persons waiting and we all made way for them. M.S.' stoic acceptance of the situation left me amazed.

Geetha Iyengar,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — The tribute that has come from the brush of the noted painter, M.F. Husain (Dec. 16) to M.S. is unique in more than one way. Accolades from music lovers are but natural but Husain saab has set an example in showing how an artist of renown should be respected, regarded and appreciated by another.

K.S. Rajeswari,
Hyderabad

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Opinion

News Update

Stories in this Section

WELCOME DD DIRECT

A REAL CABINET AT LAST

Fuel for TAPS

Bush as U.N. peacemaker

We enjoy strong internal democracy: CPI(M) leader

Speaker's offer

Re-engaging religion

An icon