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Book Review
TAMIL
Composer extraordinaire
LALITHAA KRISHNAN
PAPANASAM SIVAN: Veeyesvee; Vikatan Pirasuram, 757, Anna Salai, Chennai-600002. Rs. 50.
PAPANASAM SIVAN was one of the most prolific composers of the 20th century with a vast body of compositions in Tamil, and many in Sanskrit and Manipravalam to his credit. He was hailed as “Tamil Tyagayya” as his simple elegant lyrics encapsulated the philosophy of life in a nutshell. Neither connoisseur nor layman could remain unmoved by the depth of meaning and intensity of emotion embedded in his oeuvres linked by the thread of devotion and absolute surrender to the divine will. Sivan’s invaluable contribution to the Bhajan tradition was born of this lifelong inward quest and his self-forgetful renditions moved listeners to tears. The author dwells upon his versatility as a composer extraordinaire, performing artist and a Harikatha exponent. A keen sense of identification with Sivan’s works is evident as they are explored in the context of “sahitya bhava”, sources of inspiration, association with great artists and a successful stint in film music. The author traces Sivan’s move from his native Polagam to Trivandrum, his proficiency in Sanskrit studies and pilgrimage to various temples. The narrative interspersed with key incidents illustrates nostalgic details of a fast disappearing way of life and a social fabric held together by binding motifs such as temple festivals that nurtured devotional and classical music.
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