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Rewarding rustic charm

JANANI RAJESWARI S.

An evening of music and some soul-speak by `Paravai' Muniamma

PHOTO: S. SIVA SARAVANAN

FOLK QUEEN `Paravai' Muniamma

One is a singer who has made her mark by keeping alive folk music; the other, a city-bred girl whose very first song was a romantic melody (Yaetho Ondru from Lesa lesa).

And when the two got together on the same platform, the event was filled with zing.

That's what happened when the Rotary Club of Centennial Coimbatore conferred on `Paravai' Muniamma and Sreelekha Parthasarathy the vocational service award.

A musical evening was also part of the function at S.N.R. Auditorium.

Melody rules

Members of the `Delite' orchestra began with an invocation and a couple of devotional numbers before moving on to melodies from films, old and new.

So, the audience was treated to old ditties like Kaaviyama nenjil oviyama and Oruvar meedhu and newer ones like Oru vaarthai kaetka (Ayya), Davani Poata Deepavali (Sandakozhi) and Adi vaa (Imsai Arasan 23aam Pulikesi).

Then Sreelekha and `Paravai' Muniamma joined the troupe.

Entertainers

Sreelekha started off with the lilting Suttum vizhi chuddare (Ghajini).

Later, she switched to the fast Kalyaanadhan kattikkittu (Saamy), Dialamo Dialamo (Dishyum), Chinna veeda varattumaa (Oruvan) and Ennatha solvaennungo (Sivakasi). Next, it was the turn of the super hit Hindi number Dhoom machale (Dhoom).

The most awaited part of the evening was `Paravai' Muniamma's performance.

Her show was a wholesome entertainer that portrayed her talent in both folk as well as film numbers.

She began with a vandanam (an invocation to God) and moved on to the catchy Naagarigam, a song with simple lyrics that depicted the change in culture and lifestyle over the years. She carried the audience with her and many were left in wonder at her amazing memory power — she sang without referring to any lyrics.

* * *

Born to it

Born in a village near Madurai, little did Muniamma imagine she would become an icon of sorts with her rustic voice. In an age where noisy music rules, her folk songs are a refreshing change.

Her first chance came from A.R. Rahman, who wanted her to sing in the Rajini-starrer Muthu.

"But I declined it due to some reasons," she says.

The opportunity to sing the rocking `Singam Pole' in Dhool came after she was spotted by one of composer Vidhyasagar's recordists.

"Luckily, director Dharani also offered me a role in the movie as it suited the character."

Folksy tunes

It has been six long years in the film industry. But, she has restricted her singing to just seven films. Her tryst with folk music is permanent.

And, despite all this success, she still learns from her mentor, S. Perumal Konar, and pens lyrics.

Her interests are not limited to music alone. Muniamma takes special interest in spreading the good word about country cuisine.

She hosts a cookery show where she uses traditional vessels, a whetstone and native ingredients to cook up a veritable feast.

At her age, how does she juggle so many tasks? "Attitude makes all the difference. Nothing is impossible if a woman decides to do something."

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