Thirty years and going strong
Uma and A. V. Ramanan... a successful pair on and off stage.
SHE'S A perfect foil to her garrulous husband whose complete ease on stage has been the winning stroke of many a Musiano show. While Uma Ramanan strikes an almost statuesque pose with the mike even as she mesmerises listeners with her mellifluousness, husband A. V. Ramanan is always at his agile best, moving around the proscenium, checking the mike, the tenor and the tone of the voices and instruments, swaying to the beats and singing too. The scenario has been the same ever since this singing pair set up their music troupe, Musiano in 1973. "I first called it Sugam Sangeeth, but not many were game for it. Then I decided that it would be a name that would be distinct, and so different that it cannot be aped," begins Ramanan. Thus was born `Musiano' with an Italian slant.
"We insist on calling it popular music because Ramanan feels film music is never light," says Uma. The next Musiano show at the Music Academy on January 17, featuring Uma's film hits, will commemorate Musiano's 30 years of successful existence.
Much diligence and industry has gone into the making of the formidable Musiano troupe. From the days of hiring instruments for their shows and halls for rehearsals, to having their own music instruments and acoustic gadgets and a rehearsal hall in their home itself, the two have come together a long way. The odds have been greater than the evens. But the rewards and renown have compensated to a certain extent. "Initially it took me two whole years to train my musicians to adapt themselves to film music, and set up my orchestra. The musicians were more tuned to Western music, Presley and the like, then."
So what happens if musicians, after such rigorous practice sessions, just leave the troupe? "It happens. Till today it's been happening. It's sad when without qualms they leave us high and dry on the evening of a show. But we've learnt to live with such hurdles," smiles Uma. It was during one such programme at Hotel Palmgrove, when the entire troupe was anxiously waiting for the keyboardist to arrive, which he never did eventually, did their son Vignesh who had accompanied them (he was a mere 11-year old then) told Uma and Ramanan that he would be the keyboardist that day. "Till that moment we did not even know that he knew any music, leave alone play the keyboard for an entire evening. He handled the instrument with the ease of a veteran and saved us," says the proud mother — a sentiment Ramanan echoes.
Music and dance were a part of Uma's childhood. For eight years, she trained under Pazhani Vijayalakshmi in music. As for dance, her guru was Padma Subramanyam.
Gifted with such a voice she ought to have made it really big ... When Ilaiyaraja could recognise her potential, why didn't the others follows suit, is a veritable puzzle. Uma has recorded more than 100 numbers for the maestro alone. "I have sung for Vidyasagar and Mani Sharma ... I can never ask anyone for opportunities. That could be one reason," Uma smiles.
"But I did it for her ... and I am still doing it. Not just because she's my wife but because such an excellent mike-friendly voice needs to be better utilised." Ramanan showers encomiums on the wife. You agree.
A melodious singer like Uma ought to be heard more often ... Are our composers listening?
The conversation becomes a nostalgic trip for the couple, as Ramanan recalls their first meeting at the very house they live in now. "Uma had just completed her PG, when I heard about her talent through a relative of mine. I was looking for a voice for the troupe I had planned to set up ... a voice that would be comfortable in the eight languages we sing in. Uma filled the bill beautifully... "
In fact, the adeptness of the duo at rendering numbers in various languages with the native flavour intact is a major strong point of Musiano.
Her husband's meticulousness, sincerity and punctuality ("Never has Musiano been the cause for the delayed start of a show") are factors for the troupe's success, Uma believes.
Charity has been on Musiano's agenda for long.
The show next week too is a Charity Musical Nite — a fundraiser in aid of The YWCA of Madras's Community College, for empowerment of underprivileged girls.
MALATHI RANGARAJAN
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