Thursday, July 31, 2008

Marvellous Melodrama - Interview with Super Stars of Amrita TV

Marvellous Melodrama - Interview with Super Stars of Amrita TV

Interview with Amrita TV Super Star Global's star performers Roopa, Anand, Ratheesh, Praveen, Latha and Reshmi during their visit to Abu Dhabi to perform for Super Star Nite to be held on Friday, 1st August 2008 at The National Theatre auditorium.

The interview was published in Gulf Today newspaper dated 31st July 2008.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Ishmit is the winner! - Star Voice of India - Grand Finale

Ishmit is the winner! - Star Voice of India - Grand Finale

Ishmit - Kisna - Star Voice of India - 23rd November

Ishmit - Kisna - Star Voice of India - 23rd November

Ishmit & Kavita - Aaj Mein Upar - Star Voice of India - 23rd November

Ishmit & Kavita - Aaj Mein Upar - Star Voice of India - 23rd November

Ishmit & Alka - Mere Mehboob - Star Voice of India - Grand Finale

Ishmit & Alka - Mere Mehboob - Star Voice of India - Grand Finale

Ishmit - Saawariya - Star Voice of India - Grand Finale

Ishmit - Saawariya - Star Voice of India - Grand Finale

Ishmit & Harshit - Folk Songs - Star Voice of India - Grand Finale

Ishmit & Harshit - Folk Songs - Star Voice of India - Grand Finale

Abhaas & Ishmit - Part II - Star Voice of India - 12th October

Abhaas & Ishmit - Part II - Star Voice of India - 12th October

Abhaas & Ishmit - Nach Baliye - Star Voice of India - 12th October

Abhaas & Ishmit - Nach Baliye - Star Voice of India - 12th October

Introduction - Rani Mukherjee - Star Voice of India - 12th October

Introduction Ishmit Singh - Rani Mukherjee - Star Voice of India - 12th October

Ishmit Singh - Na Ja Kahin Ab Na Ja - Star Voice of India - 27th October

Ishmit Singh - Na Ja Kahin Ab Na Ja - Star Voice of India - 27th October

Ishmit Singh - Masha Alla - Star Voice of India - 27th October

Ishmit Singh - Masha Alla - Star Voice of India - 27th October

Ishmit Singh & Shaan - Jab Se Taire Naina - Star Voice of India - 13th October

Ishmit Singh & Shaan - Jab Se Taire Naina - Star Voice of India - 13th October

Ishmit Singh - Rotiya - Star Voice of India - 14th September

Ishmit Singh - Rotiya - Star Voice of India - 14th September

Ishmit Singh - Sandeshe Aate Hain - Star Voice of India - 15thAug

Ishmit Singh - Sandeshe Aate Hain - Star Voice of India - 15thAug

Ishmit Singh - Main Shayar To Nahin - Star Voice of India - 21st September

Ishmit Singh - Main Shayar To Nahin - Star Voice of India - 21st September

Ishmit Singh - Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye - Star Voice of India - 22nd September

Ishmit Singh - Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye - Star Voice of India - 22nd September

Ishmit Singh - Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye - Star Voice of India - 22nd September

Ishmit Singh - Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye - Star Voice of India - 22nd September

Ishmit Singh - Kal Ho Na Ho - Star Voice of India - 28th September

Ishmit - Kal Ho Na Ho - Star Voice of India - 28th September

Ishmit Singh - Suno Na

Ishmit Singh - Suno Na

Ishmit Singh - Mauja Hi Mauja - Star Voice of India

Ishmit Singh - Mauja Hi Mauja - Star Voice of India


Monday, July 28, 2008

UAE get set to Sing and Dance with the Super Stars

A hoarding announcing the arrival of the Super Stars for their performance on 1st August 2008


National Theatre Abu Dhabi where the Super Stars Nite will be held on Friday, 1st August 2008


A view of the National Theatre Abu Dhabi where the Super Stars Nite will be held on Friday, 1st August 2008
Hoardings in the main street of Abu Dhabi announcing the programme on Friday, 1st August 2008.

Youngster is 'super star'


Youngster is 'super star'
By SHILPA CHANDRAN for GULF WEEKLY Bahrain

SCHOOLBOY dancing sensation Vidyuth Menon has returned to Bahrain to a hero's welcome after starring in one of the world's most celebrated reality TV competitions.
The Asian School pupil took time away from his classroom to grab the opportunity of shining under the spotlight in the Super Star Junior Dance Competition aired on popular Indian television channel Amrita.

Viewers watched in awe every week from Monday to Friday and thousands of Batelco customers here in Bahrain cast their SMS vote for Vidyuth, 11, who attracted millions of fans in India too as he battled into the semi-finals.
Vidyuth, was one of only 15 children selected from more than 7,000 worldwide entries, and said: "I just love to dance!

"This was an incredible experience and so exciting and I've made so many new friends."

His proud mum Priya, from Hoora, said: "The competition has helped him immensely to overcome his shyness and has brought about a fresh ray of confidence - so I am very thankful.

"It was not one of the easiest ventures we have ever done as we had to travel up and down to India twice. After the first audition which was in August last year, we came back.

"He was selected for the next stage and so we returned in September for rounds two and three of the audition process."

After the auditions were concluded and Vidyuth was finally selected his family were forced to make some serious decisions. Fortunately Vidyuth's school permitted him to take a six-month leave of absence but his mum had to resign her position as a maths teacher at Al Noor International School so she could take care of her only son.
Priya explained: "Our jobs are very important but I knew that I could come back and look for a new one. Vidyuth's chance was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For the sake of our children we sometimes need to make compromises and sacrifices.

"I am glad I made that choice, otherwise I am sure I would have lived to regret not going."

The pair returned to the kingdom after spending six months back in India.
Although the family live in Kerala where the show was staged their hometown was actually 440km from the set.

They decided to rent a house close to the studios rather than face a daily gruelling train trek.

"Both of Vidyuth's grandmothers came to stay with us. It was quite demanding ... every 10 days there was a shoot for two days.

"This meant choosing two songs, learning the steps, arranging the costumes and preparing for the filming which began at six in the morning."

Also assisting the family was Jyothi Raj, a well-known dance teacher from Bahrain, who is Vidyuth's trainer. Priya explained: "He actually came to India and stayed with us throughout the competition - all at his own expense - to be able to help Vidyuth."

During the adventure Priya was often overcome by the pressure but Vidyuth's excitement and energy helped soothe over the periods of anxiety.

Priya said: "There were times when I wanted to just leave everything and come back home to Bahrain but my son would tell me not to worry."

His talent and optimism proved decisive as he was the only contestant not to fall in the 'danger zone' - a part of the competition where the participant achieved low audience votes and marks.

In the competition, the selection process was done in two ways. While the judges gave them the marks and comments, the real fate of the dancer rested with the viewers and audience.

Text messages were the main source of voting a favourite dancer and after every performance, the number of votes were counted for each of the contestants.
With Vidyuth's participation in the competition, the family requested the channel organisers to also accept votes from Bahrain, as this was indeed his home.

Vidyuth's father, Arun Menon, commercial manager, African and Eastern, had the pressure of coping with the stress all alone in the kingdom.

He said his son had attracted a huge following of fans, adding: "He has one particular supporter living in Saudi who still regularly calls up! He is a dancer himself and has been keeping a track of Vidyuth's performances since the very beginning.

"There are also two girls - Mary and Lachchu students of the Indian School who regularly keep in touch. They even created a community name 'Vidyuth the Super Dancer Junior' on the online friends networking site - Orkut!"

The youngster has faced a few embarrassing moments of fame too. Once he received a greeting card addressed to 'Vidyuth of Class Five, Asian School' from an Indian admirer.

Vidyuth also has a growing number of dance fans in Bahrain where he has been performing ever since he returned from India.

Priya said: "Recently during a show organised by the Indian Ladies Association for the Children and Mother's Welfare Society, Vidyuth performed to an audience of Shaikhas.

"After the performance one lady came and gave him a small packet and congratulated him saying the society's president sent her regards and a small gift."
The gift, BD100, helped him purchase a collection of games for his Play Station which is his passion alongside dancing.

Vidyuth also performed at the May Queen 2008 event as part of his dance group - the Rap City Boys. The group was formed by his trainer and consists of six dancers.
His love of dancing began at an early age when he watched his mother give dance lessons at home.

Priya said: "When we first moved to Bahrain I used to hold dance classes at home and he would silently watch me before running to the sitting room and doing his own dance."

Since his small screen performances, Vidyuth has been approached by TV soap opera producers in India who have expressed an interest in creating a part for him.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Jeetu - A promising singer from Mumbai


Jeetu - A promising singer from Mumbai



Amrita TV has recently concluded one of it's prestigious Reality show which had a tough competition all throughout amongst the contestants and it's active followers. You may not have witnessed a massive swing of fortunes and votes even in the lok sabha polls but that was the case amongst the scores of SMS votes for the last 3 contestants during the final day of this programme. All throughout the show, we were ecstatic and supported all the contestants but with awe watched the progress of a honest, moderately speaking and very hard working Mumbaikar boy, originally from Triprayar of Thrissur District. Due to his natural style and open attitude to acknowledge his limitations he was liked and disliked by many and also happened to fall under my mischievous eyes which even prompted me to create a whole new set of cartoon based on the Super Star Global. Obviously in most of them, he happened to be the main character. We have seen that the finals of such reality shows are always a surprise and at the end of the show both the winner and losers will have plenty of stories to say with regards to their journey till then.

Out of my passion to promote these talents who took an effort to give us some memorable months of musical fun and festivity and also as a TQM activity to see that they are not left aside, I approached Jeetu and his family for a short session with me. I had several questions running in my mind when I approached them as throughout the show I have been constructively criticising him and showering him only limited complements through my write-ups as well as cartoon series and was not sure about the direct reactions towards me for such an attempt. All those apprehensions melted down when I communicated and today, I am presenting to you all to read about Jeetendranath Ramachandran alisa Jeetu:

Greetings to you Jeetu. You have been one of the finalists of the recently concluded Super Star Global programme conducted by Amrita TV. It was a close finish and almost a sure winner for the title, last minute swing of votes resulted in you reaching the 2nd position. However, when we look at it, overall it gave a feast to all the music lovers and the contestants. It is the same interest of these music lovers that made me now approach you for a brief and casual talk to find how your progress is after the post-elimination from this show.

1. Jeetu, congratulations for participating in the Super Star Global Competition and getting selected to the top 3 level. How did you hear about this programme?

From amrita tv ads.

2. How did you find the different stages of the competition? Particularly on the challenges thrown to you to perform various dance and duet rounds?

Challenges are part of realty shows. To be frank I had difficulties at the beginning stages. The main problem was to dance but I got used to it as I had to survive.

3. Who is your Guru? Could you please give us an idea how you went about preparing for each round.

I believe that I'm blessed one because I had an opportunity to learn music under 5 gurus.

1. Smt. Shantha Venkatraman (Trichi) (carnatic vocals)

2. Smt. Prasanna Varrior (carnatic vacals)

3. Mr. Biju (Trivandrum) (Carnatic vocals)

4. Smt. Radha Varrior, deciple of late Guru Shemmangudi Bhagavathar. (carnatic vocals)

5. Smt. Panth (Hindustani vocals)


During the show I didn’t get any training from professionals. It was all done by myself, but off course George sir’s vocal training helped me a lot and I used to practise it regularly.

4. How was the support given by the Amrita TV channel in terms of co-ordination and arrangements for contestants like you who were situated away from Trivandrum?

They created a friendly environment so that we were able to practise more freely. But one thing I’ve to say is that the food was Pathetic. Accommodations were just ok. but one thing is that we could practise our song freely without any disturbances and i believe thepurpose was served.

5. How do you rate the grooming sessions before each stage of this competition? Did you all get sufficient notification about each stage and also did you get sufficient guidance about how your performance should be for each one of them?

As I said George Sir’s tips were useful. It helped me to act as a professional. I consider him as my God Father.

6. How do you rate the other contestants who participated along with you? Did you all get along well?

Initially all were good but then you know as the pressure increased everyone changed. Only Suraj, Subin, Latha, Sruthi And Charu were with me.

7. Was there any stress on you with regards to the SMS votes / campaign which was a part of the requirement for getting through to the next level in each stage? How did you work on this, especially in your case, being an outsider from Kerala, being a Mumbai based Malayalee and coming all the way from there to participate in this prestigious programme.

Actually I had no problem with regards to the campaign. My fans used to campaign votes 4 me. Many banners and voting format cards were issued to the public by fans themselves. Being a Mumbai malayalee was not at all a probs because they considered me as there own.

8. What do you rate amongst the various stages for this particular competition as the toughest round? What was the reason that made you say this particular round as very challenging.

Performance round was the most toughest coz it was very difficult for me to dance while singing.

9. Looking back at this competition after the finals, do you feel, the stages set after your elimination makes you feel that you could have performed well in those?

Yeh, I always felt that I could do better after some of my performances.

10. How often you give concerts? How many hours normally you practise?

I had a concert with G.Venugopal in the month of April. I’ve commitments in the month of oct. nov. and dec. My practise sessions are really tiring, mostly I sit for minimum 3 hrs in the morning and If I get time I practise 4 another 90 mins in the evening.

11. Other than vocal, are you learning any musical instruments?

No. but I’ll learn something.

12. Tell me something about your activities other than those involved with music.

I write lyrics 4 my own composition. I’m a lead singer of a pop band “Eternity”. I had won gold medal in the state level for painting and silver medal in the nationals (2001-02). Even now I sketch out of my imagination.

13. Tell me about your academic progress. What are you doing now?

Presently studying in final year B.Com

14. Being a resident of Mumbai, did you get any support/recognition from the numerous Malayalee associations based in Mumbai?

Yes. Chembur fine arts had felicitated me by arranging a musical nite.

15. Who is your favourite singer? And who else do you like to follow closely from the music world?

Hariharan is my all time favorite. Then, Shankar Mahadevan, Rahath Fateh Ali Khan, Kailash kher, Enrique, George peter.

16. What are your future plans? What do you want to become – musically and otherwise?

I want to be a musician. Only that much I can say.

17. Do you get noticed when you travel to Kerala after participation in this show. How do you handle this popularity / recognition/encouragements.

Well it feels great when u hear someone saying that “adh super staril paadiya paiyan alle”.

18. Any funny incidents during your participation in the show which you wish to share with all of us?

No funny incidents as such.

19. Who do you rate amongst the panel of the judges as the best? And why? Did you notice any bias or partiality?

No comments.



20. Any mention or write up on Super Star Global show cannot be completed without a word or a page on Stephan Devassy. Kindly provide us your insight on this genius. How did you find your interaction with him? How this genius worked around each episode/shoot to give you the best and bring out the best.

He was the best among the whole ssg team. While preparing song tracks he explains how to deal with each and every expressions. When we come on stage 4 the shoot he just say “polikyada mone, thagarku”. That’s Stephen Devassy.

21. And the winners prize, do you enjoy driving it around in Mumbai traffic?

Well my car is in kerala at my brother’s place. I used to drive it when I was at kerala. Waiting 4 the vacation…………

22. Tell me anything additional you want to include here

Brother it was nice answering your questions. Thank you very much.

Let us get to know Jeetu more:

Name: Jithendranath Ramachandran

DOB: 27-08-1987

Age: 19

Father:P.K.Ramachandran

Mother: Baby Ramachandran

Occupation of Father: Working in Saudi Arabia

Qualification: Doing graduation in B.Com, 3rd year

Musical background:

Studying Carnatic Music since 14 yrs, Music composing, Gold medalist in Mumbai university for light vocals. 'Best Singer' Award received from "Jagjeet Singh" in "Josh'06 4-5 years of freestyle & Rock, Pop and New-age

Dancing Skills: Enjoy Dancing.

Address:

"Saraswathy", Triveni CHS, Rajaji path, Dombivili(E), Thane, Maharashtra - 421201


Awards and Achievements:

Music composing, Gold medalist in Mumbai university for light vocals. ‘Best Singer’ Award received from “Jagjeet Singh” in “Josh’06

Hobbies: Music Composing, Write lyrics in Hindi

Sun Sign: Virgo

And, why not listen to some of his best performances during the recently concluded Super Star Global programme of Amrita TV:

Jeethu about Jeethu 01



Jeetu & Nidhish singing Piyare on SSG Amrita TV



ATV Super Star Global Jeetu dt 11022008
Performance of Jeetu Super Star Global dt 11022008


Jeetu at ATV SSG

Performance of Jeetu dt 13022008



Jeethu On Super Star Global

Jeetu Sung the Kalyug song...
Thuje dekh dekh sonaa...



Amrita TV Super Star Global - Jeethu - Albela



Amrita Super Star Global - Jeethu - Thane Poovita moham



Roopa & Jeethu



Roopa & Jeethu "Boom Boom"



AMRITA TV Super Star Global - Chemmanam Poothey



Jeethu singing Adnan Sami's song



Amrita TV SuperStar Global Jeethu - Thujhe



Interviewed and compiled by
Ramesh Menon
17072008

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Kalabham Tharam - Vadakkum Nathan

Kalabham Tharam - Vadakkum Nathan



Singer: Biju Narayanan, KS Chithra

Lyrics:

aa..aa..aa..
Kalabham tharaam bhagavaan en manassum tharaam

Kalabham tharaam bhagavaan en manassum tharaam
Kalabham tharaam bhagavaan en manassum tharaam
Mazha pakshi paadum paattin mayil peeli ninne chaarthaam
Urangaathe ninnodennum chernnirikkaam
Kalabham tharaam bhagavaan en manassum tharaam

Pakal veyil chaayum neram paral kannu natten munnil
Padi pura konil kaathirikkum
Pakal veyil chaayum neram paral kannu natten munnil
Padi pura konil kaathirikkum
Mani chundil unni nee nin mulam thandu cherkkum pole
Mani chundil unni nee nin mulam thandu cherkkum pole
Pinangaathe ninnodennum chernnirikkaam
Kalabham tharaam bhagavaan en manassum tharaam

Nilaa kulir veezhum raavil kadanjoree paim paalinaay
Kurumbumaay ennum vannu nilkke
Nilaa kulir veezhum raavil kadanjoree paim paalinaay
Kurumbumaay ennum vannu nilkke
Churathaavu njaanen mounam thulumbunna
Poonthein kinnam

Churathaavu njaanen mounam thulumbunna
Poonthein kinnam
Nizhal pole ninnodennum chernnirikkaam

Kalabham tharaam bhagavaan en manassum tharaam
Kalabham tharaam bhagavaan en manassum tharaam
Mazha pakshi paadum paattin mayil peeli ninne chaarthaam
Urangaathe ninnodennum chernnirikkaam
Kalabham tharaam bhagavaan en manassum tharaam

Gopangane Nin aatmavin

Gopangane Nin aatmavin

Pramada vanam veendum - His Highness Abdulla

Pramada vanam veendum - His Highness Abdulla

Nanni aarodu njan Chollendu

Nanni aarodu njan



Lyrics : Konniyoor Bhas (?)
Music : Raveendran
Singer : KJ Yesudas
Ragam : Mohanam

Friday, July 4, 2008

Master Vidyuth Menon - A REAL Talent from Bahrain


AMRITA TV Super dancer Junior Final Five contestant - Master Vidyuth Menon





How many of you can forget the always smiling little boy who came to perform in the recently concluded Super Dancer Junior show of Amrita TV?. How many of you can forget his innocent replies complementing his mother and grandmother for his beautiful costume selection and hair style. How may of you can forget a boy studying and living in Bahrain expressing his liking for Kanji and Payaru?. It is none other than Master Vidyuth Menon from Bahrain about whom I am writing today.

Many of us were shocked beyond imagination when this little champion was voted out from the Final 5 of the Super Dancer Junior competition for the Final 3. Master Vidyuth was not selected for the Final 3!!! It was utter dismay and disbelief as he was progressing from one round of performance to the next extremely well and giving us an almost flawless performance which we all expected from the contestant of such a Reality Show. That was history – of course man made.






Out of passion to find out the realities of these little children after participating in such reality shows and also as part of my TQM process to see it that these children are not lifted and left down half-way, I approached Master Vidyuth and his family for a brief session and present it to you as it is:

Greetings to you Vidyuth. You have been one of the contestants of the recently concluded Super Dancer Junior programme conducted by Amrita TV. Participating in a talent hunt show of this calibre to find out the best amongst children of your age, it gave a feast to all the viewers and the contestants. It is the same interest of the viewers that made me now approach you for a brief and casual talk to find how your progress is after the post-elimination from this show.






1. Vidyuth, congratulations for participating in the Super Dancer Junior Competition and getting selected to the top 5 level. Your elimination was a shock news for many of your fans. Tell me, how did you hear about this programme?





Hi all… Thanks a lot for including me in this focus. In fact I was so keen on watching Super Star Junior and Super Dancer shows. After watching the advertisement in ATV, my parents enrolled my name.

2. How did you find the different stages of the competition? Particularly on the challenges thrown to you to perform non-conventional rounds.

Though it was very tough, I was enjoying each round of the competition. Classical round and folk round was very new to me and I had to really work hard for those segments. My mother is a trained classical dancer. But as she was busy with my costumes and other work, Sajna Najam (Sajna aunty) helped me in classical round. Myself and aunty became very close in that short period.

3. Who is your Guru? Could you please give us an idea how you went about preparing for each round.

Mr. Jyothiraj (Bahrain) is my master in western dance. He was so thrilled when I got selected and even accompanied me to Trivandrum. At Trivandrum I had Sajeesh master (foot loosers) to train me. Shaine sir and Baby Shivaram also helped me in one round each. My mother is my inspiration & was there with me for every thing; she gave me tips on improving my facial expressions and even helped me to improve my performances.

We had minimum four dances in each rounds. After one shoot we hardly get two days to rest. I used to have classes till late night. It was a bit tough but novel & nice experience. Learning from different choreographers helped me to improve my style.




4. How was the support given by the Amrita TV channel in terms of co-ordination and arrangements for contestants like you, especially since you were not from Trivandrum and based outside India.

The support given by the channel was very minimal. Not that they didn’t support us at all. Even the song selections were done by my mother and my master. They used to give us the next round. About money and things.. I am not aware of it but, my mum tells me that they give very little for the preparation of each dance. Very good support was given by the Amrita make up team. My hair style was done by my mother herself.

5. How do you rate the grooming sessions before each stage of this competition? Did you all get sufficient notification about each stage and also did you get sufficient guidance about how your performance should be for each one of them?

We didn’t have much grooming sessions (for dance) except from Mrs. Vimala Menon and Aravind chetan. I wished to have one from Kalamaster but we never got & I am so sad about it.
Kalamandalam and SOS village visits were unforgettable ones in my grooming sessions. SOS village visit had a very strong impact on my mind. I wish I should do something for them when I grow up.




6. How do you rate the other contestants who participated along with you? Did you all get along well?

All 15 are very good dancers. Of course we had a great time there. I enjoyed their friendship very well. Now, since I am at Bahrain I will be visiting TVM during my next vacation to see all my SDJ friends. My mother keeps in touch with almost everyone through sms or phone calls.

7. Was there any stress on you with regards to the SMS votes / campaign which was a part of the requirement for getting through to the next level in each stage? How did you work on this, especially in your case, being from an ordinary family compared to the other rich contestants?

Frankly speaking I didn’t have much stress with regard to the sms votes as I always used to be in safe zone until the semi final round. I was very confident that I was getting many votes from Bahrain (which made amrita channel to include vodafone voting too from Bahrain after one month of my participation)




May be my parents experienced the stress regarding sms votes. They kept my posters all over the state(tvm, calicut, ekm, mankombu etc) My uncle (venumama), and my grand father introduced me to each and every shops and offices in tvm & calicut and requested them to see my dance and send sms for me. I did request people to vote for me while travelling in train or bus too. It was so embarrassing to ask people who never had heard about such a show to vote for me. How can you rate a participant from such votes? Anyway I use this opportunity to thank all my well wishers, friends & relatives for giving me their love and support through out the show. They are my strength.

8. What do you rate amongst the various stages for this particular competition as the toughest round? What was the reason that made you say this particular round as very challenging?

In my case free round (where I did Krishna - Asura dance) was very challenging because that dance had duel personality and it was really difficult for me. As my master’s wife was sick he had to teach me the whole dance in one (prior to the shoot) day. I still remember after the performance that I burst into tears. I tried to give variety performance in all my dances. I never got this exposure in my life before and I thank Amrita TV for that. My parents used to tell me that people should remember my name with my performances and not just as a participant or winner, and I tried my very best to fulfil this.









9. Looking back at this competition after elimination, do you feel, the stages set were tough or that you could have performed well in those?

I could have performed well in classical and album rounds. It was really tough to learn four or five dances in a span of ten days. Still it was a great & challenging experience and it helped me to build up my confidence in life. I don’t think the stages set were tough but the time limit was not enough and the over strain made many of us sick during the shoot.

10. How often you give performances? How many hours normally you practise?


I do not practice one full dance daily, but I do at least five steps everyday in front of my mirror. Now I perform with a professional group (THE RAPCITY BOYS, Bahrain), which is lead by my master Mr. Jyothiraj. Now I am more interested in learning difficult jumps, waves and such kind of things. I do watch Jaykumar’s dance (boogie woogie fame) in my phone and try to attempt his steps.

11. Other than dance, are you learning any musical instruments or any other extra-curricular activities?

Yes I learn violin, interested in singing and drawing and I am very much in to sports especially cricket, basket ball and foot ball. In school I won prizes for English poem recitation, dance and fancy-dress for many years. I am very active in Bahrain Keralyeeya Samajam youth festival for the past 6 years and won ‘GROUP CHAMPION’ award in 2005 and became ‘KALAPRATHIBHA’ in 2007.






KALAPRATHIBA 2007 AWARD CEREMONY

12. I understand you are good at studies. Tell me something about your activities other than those involved with dance.

Though I am not trained in music I like to sing Tamil and Hindi songs. Other than this I spend time in computer games, game boy and play station. Watching Mr. Bean and Jackie Chan movies are my pass-time hobbies.

13. Which grade/school you are attending and what was the reaction from the school, your friends and well wishers when they came to know about your participation in Super Dancer Junior?


I was studying in 5th STD (Asian school, Bahrain) when I got selected for super dancer junior. It was a pleasant surprise for my friends and teachers. My head teacher used to announce my voting format in the school everyday. My teachers helped me by sending notes to Tvm. I thank my school Principal Mr. Joseph Thomas, vice Principal Mrs. Thomas, head teacher Mrs. Molly mammen, co-ordinator Mrs. Rebeiro , and all my teachers and friends for supporting me.

14. Did you get any support/recognition from any associations or any other news media channels for your excellent performance in this competition?

The Indian club, The Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam and Fraternity Of Cochin (Bahrain) were the three associations who felicitated me with mementos. I got a chance to perform in front of the ruling family members of Bahrain. After the dances they called me near them and shook hands with me. I got a special gift from one of the sheikhas and that was a thrilling and unforgettable moment.




BAHRAIN KERALEEYA SAMAJAM FELICITATION

15. Who is your favourite Dancer? And who else do you like to follow closely from this field?


Lawrence, Prabhu Deva and Hrithik Roshan are my favourite dancers.

16. What are your future plans? What do you want to become – other than a Dancer?

I don’t have any plans right now. My parents don’t insist on anything. They say that whatever you do it should be done with perfection and aim to achieve the goal. Studies come first so I am fully involved in studies now.

17. Do you get noticed when you travel within Kerala/outside Kerala after participation in this show. How do you handle this popularity / recognition/encouragements?

Certainly, people do recognise me after my participation in this show. I love being loved by the people especially the strangers and passer-by. I never knew and expected that people love me this much and that is a great honour you could ever receive than winning any titlest.

18. Tell me anything additional you want to include here.

Looking back at the SDJ participation, I am so lucky to be one among them and for this I am so very thankful to God first and secondly to my parents & grand parents. My mum, Priya, being a teacher in Bahrain, sacrificed her profession and was there with me for the entire show. My dad, Arun, encouraged me through phone calls; my both grand mothers were there in Tvm throughout to help us leaving out their chores. One thing I have to remind others is that “if there is a will there is a way”.

You may contact Master Vidyuth Menon on the following:

Cell Phone No : +973 36200910
Email: vidyuthmenon@gmail.com




Vidyuth Menon with his parents

Age & DOB: 10Yrs. 30-05-1997

Father's name & occupation: Mr. Arunkumar, Chief accountant, Manamma, Bharain

Mother's name & occupation: Mrs. Priya Arun
Teacher (British Senior Section), Al-Noor
International School, Bahrain

Residence address: Aathira, Mankavu (P.O), Calicut -7, (Kozhikode -7)

School: The Asian School, Bahrain

Passions or hobbies:


Dancing, Singing, Drawing cartppm charactors, Cricket, Foot ball

Choreographer's Name: Mr. Jyothi Raj (Bahrain), Mrs. Priya Arun (Mother)

Now let us see some of his performances:

Vidyuth's performance at Indian club, Bahrain




Vidyuth with Rapcity Boys, Bahrain




Vidyuth's western dance



Vidyuth pair with swathi




Vidyuth property round for Amrita TV Super Dancer Junior




Other performances:














I sincerely wish this young boy a bright academic and artistic future.



Ramesh Menon
04072008

Parama Purusha (Swathi Sangeethotsavam 2002)

Parama Purusha (Swathi Sangeethotsavam 2002)


Raag: Vasantha
Taal : Aadi

Prince Rama Varma sings the popular song, Parama Purusha Jagadeeshwara by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, with a few fascinating and spontaneous variations, during his concert at Kuthiramalika during the Swathi Sangeethotsavam, 2002. He is accompanied by Prof.V.V.Subramanyam on the violin, Shri B.Harikumar on the mridangam and Shri Udipi Sridhar on the Ghatam

Adithya Balasubramanian-veena-Saraswathi

Adithya Balasubramanian-veena-Saraswathi



Saraswathi Ragam-Rupaka talam-composition of G.N.BalasubramaniamVeena recital at SSVT auditorium, Washington DC. December 8, 2007Adithya Balasubramanian - VeenaVijay Ganesh - MridangamRavi Ravindran - Kanjira

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Master B.R. Sanjay Nag - Budding Karnatic Classical Vocalist from Karnataka



Master B.R. Sanjay Nag - Budding Karnatic Classical Vocalist from Karnataka

An unexpected and incessant rain in the evening hours during my recent visit to Bangalore had a pleasant surprise for me. Although, I was very sad to miss one very important and pre-planned appointment with an Amrita TV forum family member, a friendly call to our Dear Sohanlal ji (Director of Raga Ratnam shows) created an opportunity for me to make a phone call to the family of Master Sanjay Nag, one of the contestants who participated in Raga Ratnam Junior from Bangalore. Many of you might be remembering him, as it is not easy to forget his authentic style of classical carnatic singing. What was meant to be a very short and informal session of 15 minutes became an extended session of knowledge sharing with him and his parents. I did not want to miss this opportunity to meet this budding artists as it was part of my TQM objective to have an insider report and also analyse it from a quality angle which may help the organisers to streamline and rectify the flaws if any when they plan to do a continuation of this prestigious show – Raga Ratnam Junior. Enjoy reading what Master Sanjay Nag has to tell you all.

Greetings to you Sankar Naag. You have been one of the contestants of the recently concluded Raga Ratnam Junior programme conducted by Amrita TV. Being the first ever talent hunt show of this calibre in the Indian Television industry for finding out the best amongst Carnatic Classical music, it gave a feast to all the rasikas and the contestants. It is the same interest of rasikas that made me now approach you for a brief and casual talk to find how your progress is after the post-elimination from this show.

1. Sanjay Naag, congratulations for participating in the Raga Ratnam Junior Competition and getting selected to the top 15 level. How did you hear about this programme?

Advertisement on Amrita T V Channel

2. How did you find the different stages of the competition? Particularly on the challenges thrown to you to perform non-Carnatic items like Jugal Bandhi and Nritha Sangeetham round.


Intriguing, Challenging & Exiting. Facilitated me to familiarise with the very versatile & different genres of Music.

3. Who is your Guru? Could you please give us an idea how you went about preparing for each round.

Dr. K. Varadarangan, Musician & Musicologist.
Learning by self & getting resource through experts in respective fields.

4. How was the support given by the Amrita TV channel in terms of co-ordination and arrangements for contestants like you who were situated far away from Trivandrum?

Very warm & inviting in each & every respects (Coordinators, accommodation, food, conveyance & arrangements) In a word Excellent.

5. How do you rate the grooming sessions before each stage of this competition? Did you all get sufficient notification about each stage and also did you get sufficient guidance about how your performance should be for each one of them?

Excellent. Each grooming session helped me to over grow my capacity and potential. Yes, got sufficient notification & guidance

6. How do you rate the other contestants who participated along with you? Did you all get along well?

High edged competitiveness among contestants was evident.
Yes, very friendly and accommodative fellow contestants.

7. Was there any stress on you with regards to the SMS votes / campaign which was a part of the requirement for getting through to the next level in each stage? How did you work on this, especially in your case, being an outsider from Kerala, being a non-Malayalee and coming from a place outside Kerala.

Uncertainty, anxiety & excitements used to fill my days. Earnestly & eagerly looking forward to each round of viewer’s verdict / counting.
Realised that Music is beyond any state or Language especially viewers from other states and countries encouraged me.

8. What do you rate amongst the various stages for this particular competition as the toughest round? What was the reason that made you say this particular round as very challenging.

Film Song round. Difficulty in getting right accent for Malayalam lyrics. My breaking voice also proved to be bothersome.

9. Looking back at this competition after elimination, do you feel, the stages set after your elimination makes you feel that you could have performed well in those?

Yes, very much

10. How often you give concerts? How many hours normally you practise?

Due to breaking voice currently I have refrained from concerts as per my guruji’s advice

11. Other than vocal, are you learning any musical instruments?

Yes, I am learning Mrudangam

12. I understand you are good at playing cricket and can bowl relatively fast. Tell me something about your activities other than those involved with music.

Painting, Pencil sketching and playing electronic games.

13. How are you in studies? Which grade/school you are attending and what was the reaction from the school, your friends and well wishers when they came to know about your participation in Raga Ratnam Junior?

Very good, X std. Hymamshu Jyothi Kala Peetha, Malleswaram, Bangalore.
Very proud and encouraging. Every one began watching RRJ episodes in Amtita channel & even demanded for the channel telecast from the cable operators.

14. Being a resident of Bangalore, did you get any support/recognition from the numerous Malayalee associations based in Bangalore?

No.

15. Who is your favourite Carnatic musician? And who else do you like to follow closely from the music world?

Dr. M. Balamurali Krishna & I would like to follow my guruji, Vidwan
Dr.K. Varadarangan

16. What are your future plans? What do you want to become – musically and otherwise?

Hope & desire to be into music & sustain the priority of Music Classical, whatever be the style. Academically hoping to be a Scientist in pure Sciences.

17. Do you get noticed when you travel to Kerala after participation in this show. How do you handle this popularity / recognition/encouragements.

Yes, viewers recognised me as a very competitive contestant from the show at various public places.
This encourages me to grow, learn and devote more time to Music.

18. Tell me anything additional you want to include here

This is the most memorable event in my life. Over whelming and of high calibre. Looking forward to more and such opportunities. The pioneering task taken by Amrita and their total involment and commitment into promoting genius classical music is commanding. Throughout my participation, I constantly experience an urge to be more than what I was at that movement and instilled a power full desire to take music seriously and made me a confident person.



Master Sanjay Nag with his parents


A musical Profile of Master B.R. Sanjay Nag

Personal Particulars : Born 6.11.1993 at Bangalore

Master Sanjay Nag is a top-ranking student, presently studying 9th standard in Hymamshu Jyothi Kala Peetha, Malleshwaram, Bangalore with special interests in Science & Mathematics. He is inquisitive and hard working.

Master Sanjay Nag belongs to a family with a rich heritage of artists, Scholars, Musicians and writers. It includes well-known scholars like Vidhushi Kamakshamma (Vocalist & Veena Player),Vyakhyana Vachaspathi & Gamaka Gayaka Vidwan K.S. Venkatadri Sharma, Vidwan Ravishankar Sharma (Mrudangist), Vidwan Srikanth Sharma(Violinist), Vidhushi Dr. Joythsna Srikanth (Violinist).

Musical Training:

Born with an innate musical talent, Master Sanjay Nag began his music lessons from his mother at a very young age of 5 years, Vidushi K.V. Sowbhagya and continuing his advanced lessons in music under the able guidance of Guru Vidwan Dr. K. Varadarangan. In the year 2005 he passed the junior music examination with distinction securing 98.25 %. Extensive listening, constant practice and innovative guidance of guru made Master Sanjay Nag a budding Karnatic Vocalist. He is also learning Mrudangam from Vidwan T.S. Chandrashekar.

Achievements:

He has won the Prize from Sri Ramasevamandali, Chamarajpet in the Junior Concert Competition held in Fort High School during Ramanavami Festival during the year 2007.

He won 2nd prize in Mridangam competition conducted by the most prestigious Sabha of Bangalore, The Gayana Samaja in the Month of August 2007 in Junior Category.

He won Ist prize in both Karnatic Classical Vocal & Devaranama competition conducted by the most prestigious Sabha of Bangalore, The Gayana Samaja in the Month of August / September 2002 in sub junior category & also Junior Category in July 2004.

He won Ist prize in Both Karnatic Classical Vocal & Devaranama Competition conducted by the Malleswaram Sangeetha Sabha in the month of January 2003 (Sub Junior) & 2004 (Junior).

He won the Ist prize & recipient of “Mr. Voice” award from Carnatica.com, competition conducted by Vidhushi Sowmya, Vidwan Sashikiran& Vidwan Ravikiran in the year 2004.

He won I st prize in competition conducted by Music Academy, Bangalore in the year 2005

He won the Ist prize from Kamala T Avadhani Memorial Trust, competition conducted by Bettadapura Sankethigala Sangha, Koramangala, Bangalore in the year 2005.

A recipient of “Prathiba Shree” award from Kannada Patrika Balaga in the year 2003.

A recipient of “Bala Pratibe” award (Gamaka) from Department of Kannada and Culture, Govt. of Karnataka in the year 2004

A recipient of “2004 Aralu Mallige” award from Gnanamandara Educational & Cultural Academy in the year 2004.

A recipient of “Bala Kala Gandharva Rathna” award from Kalavikasa Parishath, Gadag in the year 2005.

A recipient of “Bala Kalashree” award from Balabhavan Sponsored by Depatment of Women and Child Development, Karnataka Government, in the year 2005.

He has attended the National Level “Bal Shree” selection Camp held in the month of December 2006 at Bal Bhavan, New Delhi, after completing the selection process from the state & Zonal Level Selections in Bangalore & Hyderabad respectively.

At the age of 9 years, he gave a programme in “Chiguru” (for 45 Minutes), which was held on 16.2.2002 in Bal Bhavan, Bangalore conducted by Department of Kannada & Culture, Government of Karnataka.

A solo Performance accompaniment for dance programme in Gayana Samaja, Bangalore was arranged on 14.11.2002 & also in Gubbi Veeranna Theater, Tumkur on 14.11.2003 on the occasion of “Children’s day” arranged by AIR, Bangalore which was telecasted by all the T.V. Channels and All India Radio, Bangalore.

He has given many programs in different occasions for “Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam, Bangalore” which were much appreciated both from the Organizers and audiences.

He is graded as an Artist in Children section of Karnatic Vocal music, All India Radio Bangalore in the year 2003 & his program was broadcasted on 5.10.2003.

Recently he sung for a Tele Serial “Violin Subbanna” which was telecasted which was produced by “Prabhat Kalavidaru” and won many appreciations.

He has attended and won many prizes and appreciations from the prestigious sabhas of the Bangalore like ISKCON-Bangalore, R.T. Nagar Cultural Association, Gopinathdas Nyasa, Girinagar Sangeetha Sabha, Tyagaraja Gana Sabha, Vamshi Academy of Music, Sruthi Sidhura, etc.

Sanjay Naag - Manodharmam round Amrita TV Raga Ratnam Junior



Sanjay Nag during his elimination from Raga Ratnam Junior competition



You may contact Master Sanjay Nag at:

Master Sanjay Nag
# 12, “Lakshmi Nilaya”
Anjaneya Temple II Street
Seshadripuram,
BANGALORE – 560 020.
Ph: 094482 01569 / 094480 79658

Wishing Sanjay Nag the very best in his journey through the Ocean of music, I rushed to the new Bengaluru airport to make sure I did not miss my flight.