Swamy Suryapada - BHAGYADA LAKSHMI BARAMMA
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sarasa Nethra (Thyagaraja Krithi)
Sarasa Nethra (Thyagaraja Krithi)
Prince Rama Varma sings a cute little Thyagaraja krithi in Western style Shankarabharanam.
Prince Rama Varma sings a cute little Thyagaraja krithi in Western style Shankarabharanam.
Sarasa Nethra (Thyagaraja Krithi)
Sarasa Nethra (Thyagaraja Krithi)
Prince Rama Varma sings a cute little Thyagaraja krithi in Western style Shankarabharanam.
Prince Rama Varma sings a cute little Thyagaraja krithi in Western style Shankarabharanam.
Sri Rama Naamam (Bhadrachala Ramadasa Song)
Sri Rama Naamam (Bhadrachala Ramadasa Song)
Prince Rama Varma sings a jaunty little song by Bhadrachala Ramadas.
Prince Rama Varma sings a jaunty little song by Bhadrachala Ramadas.
Sri Rama Namam (Chorus)
Sri Rama Namam (Chorus)
Prince Rama Varma surprises the audience at Sangeetha Bharati school of music by making a group of his students (Ranging from an 8 year old to a 60 year old) sing along with him.
Prince Rama Varma surprises the audience at Sangeetha Bharati school of music by making a group of his students (Ranging from an 8 year old to a 60 year old) sing along with him.
Sathya Sai Baba - Sings Bhajans 1
Sathya Sai Baba - Sings Bhajans 1
original video production of Prashanti Digital Studio, Prashanti Nilayam. Visit : http://saidivineinspirations.blogspot.com
original video production of Prashanti Digital Studio, Prashanti Nilayam. Visit : http://saidivineinspirations.blogspot.com
Sarasvati Bhajan:जय सरस्वती वरदे महरानि(Jai Saraswati Varde)
Sarasvati Bhajan:जय सरस्वती वरदे महरानि(Jai Saraswati Varde)
Bhajan Navratri_Aarti Saraswati Mata
Bhajan Navratri_Aarti Saraswati Mata
Album: Saraswathi
Artists: Kumari Eshwari pandit, Kumari Sneha Suresh n Kumari Ankita Joshi.
Track : 10/ Aarti.
Presentation : Times Music Spiritual.
Album: Saraswathi
Artists: Kumari Eshwari pandit, Kumari Sneha Suresh n Kumari Ankita Joshi.
Track : 10/ Aarti.
Presentation : Times Music Spiritual.
Bhajan Navratri_Aarti Saraswati Mata
Bhajan Navratri_Aarti Saraswati Mata
Album: Saraswathi
Artists: Kumari Eshwari pandit, Kumari Sneha Suresh n Kumari Ankita Joshi.
Track : 10/ Aarti.
Presentation : Times Music Spiritual.
Album: Saraswathi
Artists: Kumari Eshwari pandit, Kumari Sneha Suresh n Kumari Ankita Joshi.
Track : 10/ Aarti.
Presentation : Times Music Spiritual.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Chakkamkulam Appu Marar passes away
Chakkamkulam Appu Marar passes away
Chakkamkulam Appu MararExpress News Service 10 Sep 2008 01:59:00 AM ISTTHRISSUR: Melam maestro Chakkamkulam Appu Marar died at his residence at Thaloor near here on Tuesday morning.
He was 85. The cremation will be held on the premises of his house at Thaloor on Wednesday at 10 am. He is survived by wife Vishalakshmi Marasyar, sons Unnikrishnan, Ramkumar, Satheeshan and Prakashan and daughter Lathika.
Well-known as a resourceful thayambaka expert, Appu Marar was known as an expert in sopana sangeetham and thimila.
He learned the melam preliminaries from his father Narayana Marar and later from melam acharyan Anthikkad Ramankutty Marar.
At the age of 14 he had the `arengettam’ at Anthikkad Karthyayani Temple. At the age of 35, he led the prestigious panchari melam of Peruvanam Chathakudam Shastha and earned the rare title of ‘melapramani’. In the subsequent years, Appu Marar had the ‘pramanam’ for all the famous Pooram celebrations, including the famous Thrissur Pooram and Arattupuzha Pooram. Appu Marar had developed his own style known as ‘Chakkamkulam style’.
He is the recipient of the first Pallavoor Appu Marar Puraskaram of the Kerala Government. Appu Marar earned the titles of Mela Kalathilakam, Mela Kalaratnam, Mela Kalacharyan, Melacharyan and Kalacharya. He is also the recipient of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award Veera Shringhala from Mumbai Keli organisation.
Music therapy loses its champion - Kunnakkudi Vaidyanathan
Music therapy loses its champion - Kunnakkudi Vaidyanathan
Sharadha Narayanan | ENS09 Sep 2008 12:00:00 AM ISTCHENNAI: Violin maestro Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan (73) passed away in the city on Monday evening following a prolonged illness. The Padma Shri Awardee was admitted to the Sri Ramachandra University Medical College Hospital where he breathed his last following a cardiac arrest.
Kunnakudi was undergoing treatment for a stomach ailment for over two months. Initially, he was taken to a private hospital in Perungudi and later moved to Ramachandra Hospital where he was under intensive medical care.
Sources close to the musician said that Kunnakudi, as the ace musician was popularly referred to, had not been keeping good health for over a couple of months. His son, a doctor working in Melbourne, had also come down to Chennai to treat him and he was planning to take his father abroad for treatment.
However, Kunnakudi’s health deteriorated over the weekend and he was under intensive care at the hospital when he developed complications in his heart.
His body is expected to be cremated tomorrow. He is survived by wife and two sons.
Born in 1935 to Ramaswamy Sastri and Meenakshi at Kunnakudi in Sivaganga district, his father was an erudite scholar in Sanskrit, Tamil and Carnatic music as well as a great composer and exponent of Carnatic music and Kathakalakshepam.
For young Kunnakudi, veda sastram and sangeetam were the main disciplines besides schooling.
The noted violinist, spotted always with a bright saffron spot and sacred ash smeared on his forehead, was known for introducing novelties in his concerts. He has performed all over the world. Conferred the Padma Shri in 2005 , he was also the head of the Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram for many years.
Kunnakudi joined Modern Theatres for film orchestras in the late 50s. In 1963, he got a break with HMV as a music director.
He produced Muruga Ganamrutham.
From 1976, Kunnakudi concentrated on his solo concerts and stopped accompanying vocals for concerts.
Apart from Carnatic music, he also tried his hand in movies. He produced Todi, a musical feature film, along with T N Seshagopalan which went on to become a success. Kunnakudi made a special appearance in the 2005 Tamil blockbuster movie Anniyan directed by Shankar.
Honours have pursued him. Apart from the Padma Shri, he was given the title ‘Sangita Mamani’ and was conferred with more than 200 awards He was also the secretary of Thygabramha Sabha, Tiruvaiyaru in Thanjavur, which organises the annual Aradhna Festival of the great carnatic music composer Saint Thyagaraja. Kunnakudi also had deep faith in the therapeutical merits of music.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Onappattu video album [malayalam song]
Onappattu video album [malayalam song]
Video produced and directed by Anto Pandeth. Sung by Deepa Miriam,Kallara Gopan.
Video produced and directed by Anto Pandeth. Sung by Deepa Miriam,Kallara Gopan.
Ambalapparambile Aaramathile-Ningalenne Communistakki (1970)
Ambalapparambile Aaramathile-Ningalenne Communistakki (1970)
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Anand Sundaram - Mohana Veena - Hamsadhwani
Anand Sundaram - Mohana Veena - Hamsadhwani
Anand Sundaram, specialising in Mohan Veena, is a disciple of Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and his son Sri. Salil Bhatt. Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt is the only Grammy Award Winner from India and the creator of the Mohan Veena.
Anand is a musician by passion and an IT Manager by profession, living in London.
In this clip, he plays Raga Hamsadhwani, integrating the North Indian Hindustani style with the South Indian Carnatic style.
He is accompanied on the tabla by Bhismadev Chakroborty, a Neuro Scientist based in Cambridge, who is also a classical tabla player, and leads a world music band.
Many thanks for visiting. Your feedback would be most appreciated.
Anand Sundaram, specialising in Mohan Veena, is a disciple of Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and his son Sri. Salil Bhatt. Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt is the only Grammy Award Winner from India and the creator of the Mohan Veena.
Anand is a musician by passion and an IT Manager by profession, living in London.
In this clip, he plays Raga Hamsadhwani, integrating the North Indian Hindustani style with the South Indian Carnatic style.
He is accompanied on the tabla by Bhismadev Chakroborty, a Neuro Scientist based in Cambridge, who is also a classical tabla player, and leads a world music band.
Many thanks for visiting. Your feedback would be most appreciated.
VEENA - N.KARTHIK - SONG - SRI RAJA RAJESHWARI
VEENA - N.KARTHIK - SONG - SRI RAJA RAJESHWARI
This is a video of song SRI RAJA RAJESHWARI in the Raga PRABHUPRIYA set to ADHI tala composed by VEENA VENKATAGIRIYAPPA.(i.e.,VEENA is a south indian String instrument associated with the goddess Saraswathi,the deity of learning and fine arts). I also hold the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for MOST CONCERTS IN 24 HOURS.
You can read more about the record in the book GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS 2008 in page 76
This is a video of song SRI RAJA RAJESHWARI in the Raga PRABHUPRIYA set to ADHI tala composed by VEENA VENKATAGIRIYAPPA.(i.e.,VEENA is a south indian String instrument associated with the goddess Saraswathi,the deity of learning and fine arts). I also hold the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for MOST CONCERTS IN 24 HOURS.
You can read more about the record in the book GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS 2008 in page 76
VEENA - N.KARTHIK - SONG - RAGHUVAMSHA SUDHA
VEENA - N.KARTHIK - SONG - RAGHUVAMSHA SUDHA
This is a video of song RAGHUVAMSHA SUDHA in the Raga KATHANAKUTHUHALA set to ADHI tala composed by PATNAM SUBRAMANYA IYER.(i.e.,VEENA is a south indian String instrument associated with the goddess Saraswathi,the deity of learning and fine arts). I also hold the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for MOST CONCERTS IN 24 HOURS.
You can read more about the record in the book GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS 2008 in page 76
This is a video of song RAGHUVAMSHA SUDHA in the Raga KATHANAKUTHUHALA set to ADHI tala composed by PATNAM SUBRAMANYA IYER.(i.e.,VEENA is a south indian String instrument associated with the goddess Saraswathi,the deity of learning and fine arts). I also hold the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for MOST CONCERTS IN 24 HOURS.
You can read more about the record in the book GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS 2008 in page 76
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Sushiri by G Jayaprakash - For Guinness, this is not the smallest yet
Sushiri by G Jayaprakash - For Guinness, this is not the smallest yet
M. Harish Govind for THE HINDU
The musician G. Jayaprakash is annoyed at the Guinness Book of Records refusing to accept his innovative `sushiri' as the smallest musical instrument. The musician G. Jayaprakash is annoyed at the Guinness Book of Records refusing to accept his innovative `sushiri' as the smallest musical instrument.
SMALL IS MUSICAL: G. Jayaprakash plays on the tiny wind instrument, `sushiri'. Photo: C. Ratheesh Kumar for THE HINDU.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The efforts of a city-based musician, G. Jayaprakash, to get into the Guinness Book of Records for developing the smallest musical instrument have come to nought, with the global organisation refusing to alter the existing record being held by a nano-technology device developed by US scientists in the laboratory.
Jayaprakash's instrument, `sushiri,' is a chip of sandalwood 4.5 cm long, 1.5 cm wide, one mm thick and weighing just half a gram. The chip has four rows of minute holes on it, and when held close to the lips and played with fingers, it produces notes similar to those of a saxophone or a flute.
In response to Jayaprakash's application, Guinness wrote to say that his achievement does not better the existing record held by the nano-scale guitar developed by scientists at Cornell University, USA. The silicon `nano-guitar' is only as big as a single red-blood cell; it is `played' in a vacuum chamber, using a laser in place of a guitar-pick.
When a laser hits a string, the heat makes it vibrate at frequencies a thousand times higher than what the human ear can pick up. However, scientists say that they can detect the vibrations and electronically scale them down to audible tones. Interestingly, the device was developed not to make music, but to try out small devices that vibrate at very high frequencies — to find ways to create cheaper electronics that save energy.
Unfazed by the reply, Jayaprakash wrote back pointing out that his `sushiri' is a conventional wind instrument which produces the same sound frequencies as other such instruments. It can produce notes loud enough to be heard by about 100 persons in a room. Its notes could blend with those of other wind, string and percussion instruments in a concert, he said.
But the Guinness authorities refused to budge. "We are not at present interested in splitting the category into instrument types, and so the smallest guitar as mentioned takes precedence," they wrote back, adding that the decision was final.
Jayaprakash, 44, says that he developed the instrument after 15 years of research.
"I did not expect a prestigious global organisation such as Guinness to be so biased. How can they can call a laboratory device, which cannot be seen or heard, a musical instrument?" he asks.
A self-taught musician, Jayaprakash coaxes classical compositions such as `Om mahaganapathim...,' `Ennathapam cheithane...' and `Jnanappazhathe...' out of the `sushiri' with the finesse of a maestro. He played the instrument at the Soorya Art & Dance Festival held in the State capital in July last. He has now submitted a proposal to the Limca Book of World Records and is awaiting their response.
M. Harish Govind for THE HINDU
The musician G. Jayaprakash is annoyed at the Guinness Book of Records refusing to accept his innovative `sushiri' as the smallest musical instrument. The musician G. Jayaprakash is annoyed at the Guinness Book of Records refusing to accept his innovative `sushiri' as the smallest musical instrument.
SMALL IS MUSICAL: G. Jayaprakash plays on the tiny wind instrument, `sushiri'. Photo: C. Ratheesh Kumar for THE HINDU.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The efforts of a city-based musician, G. Jayaprakash, to get into the Guinness Book of Records for developing the smallest musical instrument have come to nought, with the global organisation refusing to alter the existing record being held by a nano-technology device developed by US scientists in the laboratory.
Jayaprakash's instrument, `sushiri,' is a chip of sandalwood 4.5 cm long, 1.5 cm wide, one mm thick and weighing just half a gram. The chip has four rows of minute holes on it, and when held close to the lips and played with fingers, it produces notes similar to those of a saxophone or a flute.
In response to Jayaprakash's application, Guinness wrote to say that his achievement does not better the existing record held by the nano-scale guitar developed by scientists at Cornell University, USA. The silicon `nano-guitar' is only as big as a single red-blood cell; it is `played' in a vacuum chamber, using a laser in place of a guitar-pick.
When a laser hits a string, the heat makes it vibrate at frequencies a thousand times higher than what the human ear can pick up. However, scientists say that they can detect the vibrations and electronically scale them down to audible tones. Interestingly, the device was developed not to make music, but to try out small devices that vibrate at very high frequencies — to find ways to create cheaper electronics that save energy.
Unfazed by the reply, Jayaprakash wrote back pointing out that his `sushiri' is a conventional wind instrument which produces the same sound frequencies as other such instruments. It can produce notes loud enough to be heard by about 100 persons in a room. Its notes could blend with those of other wind, string and percussion instruments in a concert, he said.
But the Guinness authorities refused to budge. "We are not at present interested in splitting the category into instrument types, and so the smallest guitar as mentioned takes precedence," they wrote back, adding that the decision was final.
Jayaprakash, 44, says that he developed the instrument after 15 years of research.
"I did not expect a prestigious global organisation such as Guinness to be so biased. How can they can call a laboratory device, which cannot be seen or heard, a musical instrument?" he asks.
A self-taught musician, Jayaprakash coaxes classical compositions such as `Om mahaganapathim...,' `Ennathapam cheithane...' and `Jnanappazhathe...' out of the `sushiri' with the finesse of a maestro. He played the instrument at the Soorya Art & Dance Festival held in the State capital in July last. He has now submitted a proposal to the Limca Book of World Records and is awaiting their response.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Ballad of love - Redefining changambuzha's "Ramanan"
Ballad of love - Redefining changambuzha's "Ramanan"
Album A group of musicians join hands to come up with a musical version of Changampuzha’s ‘Ramanan,’ writes Saraswathy Nagarajan
Redefining ‘Ramanan’ (from left) Kavalam Srikumar, Edapally Ajith Kumar, K.R.Roopa, Gayathri and Sreevalsan J. Menon
It is a timeless love story that has inspired filmmakers, authors, poets and scholars. And now a group of musicians have joined hands to come up with a musical on Changampuzha’s evergreen ‘Ramanan.’
“It was actually violinist Edapally Ajith Kumar who suggested the idea about two years ago. But then we were busy with our work on another album and it got postponed. We began working on ‘Ramanan’ last year. Most of the compositions have been scored by Ajith, and I did the rest,” says Carnatic vocalist Sreevalsan J. Menon, who is Ramanan’s voice in the audio album.
Kavalam Srikumar renders the lines of Ramanan’s friend Madanan while Super Star Global winner Roopa and playback singer Gayatri voices the lyrics of Chandramthi and Bhanumati respectively.
Emphasis on lyrics
“It was interesting to work on this popular kavyam that has been read and recited so many times. Some of the recitation was done impromptu and the emphasis was always on the lyrics. I feel this kind of a work will help reach the poem to a wider audience,” says Kavalam Srikumar.
Agreeing with him, Gayatri says that though the project is a first of its kind, she did not find it too difficult as most of the lines in one scene were set in a particular raga.
“I usually get carried away by notes and music, lyrics were not a priority for me. In this case, I had to be careful about the lyrics and pay attention to intonation and pronunciation. So, it was a new experience for me,” she adds.
Perhaps the first of its kind in Malayalam, the album, marketed by Manorama Music, promises to be a trendsetter.
“When my brother-in-law, Santosh, a Gulf-based entrepreneur, wondered aloud if we could do something to popularise Changampuzha’s work among a new generation of Malayalis, little did I imagine that it would turn out to be something so unique,” says Ajith.
Ajith adds that the fact that the story of the poem has strong connections to Edapally did not cross his mind then. “But when I started interpreting the poem musically, I did feel blessed to be involved in this project. Moreover, there is an innate melody and rhythm in the poem that makes it ideal for such a musical interpretation.”
Various ragas such as Kalyani, Hindolam, Abheri, Lavangi, Karnaranjani, Nasikabhushani …, with slight variations, have been used to compose the songs for the album. Sreevalsan hastens to add that though the orchestration has a contemporary touch to it, it has been composed in such a way that it does not drown the lyrics.
Says an enthused Sreevalsan: “It is an audio theatrical presentation. And we have none other than Nedumudi Venu (who won the National award for narration) narrating certain scenes to take the story forward. We have slightly abridged the original poem and again, in a break from the original, the narration begins with Madanan searching for his friend Ramanan and finally discovering his body in the forest. Then, in the flashback technique, popularised in our cinema, we go to the first scene and Ramanan’s story. And chipping in as Ramanan’s flute is Kudamaloor Janardhanan.”
The musicians aver that they were careful to maintain the rustic feel to the lyrics and not go in for affected voices.
According to Ajith, though they had tried to rope in some big names for the lead female voice of Chandramathi, their tight schedules forced them to opt for Roopa. But no regrets. “She has a fresh and unaffected voice,” says Ajith.
Sreevalsan points that since the poet himself has indicated where the chorus comes in and so on, it was easy to be in tune with the poem musically. The musicians chorus in one voice that the endeavour was a labour of love.
Click here for ...more information
http://www.rooparevathi.com/thehindu.htm
to listen: http://www.rooparevathi.com/audio/Ramanan.htm
Album A group of musicians join hands to come up with a musical version of Changampuzha’s ‘Ramanan,’ writes Saraswathy Nagarajan
Redefining ‘Ramanan’ (from left) Kavalam Srikumar, Edapally Ajith Kumar, K.R.Roopa, Gayathri and Sreevalsan J. Menon
It is a timeless love story that has inspired filmmakers, authors, poets and scholars. And now a group of musicians have joined hands to come up with a musical on Changampuzha’s evergreen ‘Ramanan.’
“It was actually violinist Edapally Ajith Kumar who suggested the idea about two years ago. But then we were busy with our work on another album and it got postponed. We began working on ‘Ramanan’ last year. Most of the compositions have been scored by Ajith, and I did the rest,” says Carnatic vocalist Sreevalsan J. Menon, who is Ramanan’s voice in the audio album.
Kavalam Srikumar renders the lines of Ramanan’s friend Madanan while Super Star Global winner Roopa and playback singer Gayatri voices the lyrics of Chandramthi and Bhanumati respectively.
Emphasis on lyrics
“It was interesting to work on this popular kavyam that has been read and recited so many times. Some of the recitation was done impromptu and the emphasis was always on the lyrics. I feel this kind of a work will help reach the poem to a wider audience,” says Kavalam Srikumar.
Agreeing with him, Gayatri says that though the project is a first of its kind, she did not find it too difficult as most of the lines in one scene were set in a particular raga.
“I usually get carried away by notes and music, lyrics were not a priority for me. In this case, I had to be careful about the lyrics and pay attention to intonation and pronunciation. So, it was a new experience for me,” she adds.
Perhaps the first of its kind in Malayalam, the album, marketed by Manorama Music, promises to be a trendsetter.
“When my brother-in-law, Santosh, a Gulf-based entrepreneur, wondered aloud if we could do something to popularise Changampuzha’s work among a new generation of Malayalis, little did I imagine that it would turn out to be something so unique,” says Ajith.
Ajith adds that the fact that the story of the poem has strong connections to Edapally did not cross his mind then. “But when I started interpreting the poem musically, I did feel blessed to be involved in this project. Moreover, there is an innate melody and rhythm in the poem that makes it ideal for such a musical interpretation.”
Various ragas such as Kalyani, Hindolam, Abheri, Lavangi, Karnaranjani, Nasikabhushani …, with slight variations, have been used to compose the songs for the album. Sreevalsan hastens to add that though the orchestration has a contemporary touch to it, it has been composed in such a way that it does not drown the lyrics.
Says an enthused Sreevalsan: “It is an audio theatrical presentation. And we have none other than Nedumudi Venu (who won the National award for narration) narrating certain scenes to take the story forward. We have slightly abridged the original poem and again, in a break from the original, the narration begins with Madanan searching for his friend Ramanan and finally discovering his body in the forest. Then, in the flashback technique, popularised in our cinema, we go to the first scene and Ramanan’s story. And chipping in as Ramanan’s flute is Kudamaloor Janardhanan.”
The musicians aver that they were careful to maintain the rustic feel to the lyrics and not go in for affected voices.
According to Ajith, though they had tried to rope in some big names for the lead female voice of Chandramathi, their tight schedules forced them to opt for Roopa. But no regrets. “She has a fresh and unaffected voice,” says Ajith.
Sreevalsan points that since the poet himself has indicated where the chorus comes in and so on, it was easy to be in tune with the poem musically. The musicians chorus in one voice that the endeavour was a labour of love.
Click here for ...more information
http://www.rooparevathi.com/thehindu.htm
to listen: http://www.rooparevathi.com/audio/Ramanan.htm
Monday, August 4, 2008
ANAND - a true leader - future of Arts & music in safe hands.
ANAND - a true leader - future of Arts & music in safe hands.
This week some of us were lucky enough to have skipped the urge to take hot summer holidays away from UAE. Six finalists from Amrita TV's Super Star Global programme visited Abu Dhabi to perform at the National Theatre. They arrived on 30th July and the show was held on 1st August. It turned out to be a huge success for the organisers Kerala Social Centre. A big surprise - more because of the facts that many fans/families were out of town due to summer holidays and the three day national holiday.
What made me write this article is the way these boys and girls conducted amongst themselves, with the fans and the crowd during their visit with their excellent behaviour and public relations.
Anand - I had watched him many times while performing for SSG and then his exit speech was one which set out to be an example for all the contestants of Reality shows. It didn't end there. He moved on to something new surprising all his fans and became the anchor of the Let's Dance show. How is he going to manage this - was one question which came to my mind at the beginning and had written off this programme - Let's Dance - with many other ordinary shows happening around. A casual watching of the show on one night during its re-telecast time here in Abu Dhabi changed my mind. It made me extend my TV watching time after the late night Middle East news.
My mind said, hey, this is someone whom I have to focus for my TQM values - a person who really views positive out of every situation and personalities.
I never thought I will be meeting him this fast. There comes a phone call from a friend of mine from KSC Abu Dhabi. The boys and girls whom you criticised and promoted are coming down to Abu Dhabi for a performance. Would it be possible to work out something extra for them elsewhere in other Emirates. Why not? It was a Wednesday afternoon and I was left with Thursday and the week from Sunday to Wednesday to arrange this. A few phone calls here and there and I was explained in detail by several organisers about the lack of time and difficulties in getting approvals, selling the tickets, finding organisers, venues etc.
Ok, leave it for now. We will make their visit memorable here. Checked with all the newspaper/media friends to give maximum coverage. Now, what? - wait for them to arrive here.
All of them arrived in Dubai and after a long immigration que/clearance they all came out of the airport and then what a welcome they got! It was a dusty and sandy evening. What would normally take a 2 hours trip down to Abu Dhabi from Rashmi's home, it took them almost 5 hours to reach Abu Dhabi.
The dust and sandstorm portrayed also the mindset of these talented youngsters and the organisers - how the venue will be, how the audience will be and finally the auditorium - is it going to be empty, half full or full??. Several questions and question marks hovered around all of us.
We didn't relax a bit during this time - worked door to door and camps to camps to announce their arrival and opportunity to meet them in real. Fingers did not stop dialling numbers from the mobiles of everyone involved.
Did not contact them till later part of Thursday allowing them to rest and relax. And in the afternoon went to meet them at the Kerala Social Centre. Knocked the door of the meeting room where they were doing their practise session. Someone opened and all of them very serious about their jobs. Introduced myself and then the seriousness melts down. May be they expected someone different in looks.
Roopa, Ratheesh, Praveen, Latha, Rashmi and Anand. But, one person stood really high above all of them - Anand. First glimpse itself I could make out the capabilities behind this power pack of talents. Cool, concise and clear about what he is talking when questioned and focussed and optimistic. Relaxing with each one of them but at the same time taking control whenever it is required. During the show and after, even during their two day holiday period in UAE, he proved it again and again. He is the man in control and one who can really get along with everyone.
All of them were excellent and captured the heart and soul of everyone during this visit.
It also proved me one thing - many of our finer talents are short in physical stature but TALL above everyone in their Quality output. Look at P. Jayachandran etc etc. And Anand has joined their bandwagon. Like one of my close friend from media - a very famous personality - who is also short, had said earlier - if I had a few inches more to my height - I would have ruled the media world. For Anand, I firmly believe this few inches are not at all necessary as he has shown sparks during his visit here to the UAE that a whole world of achievement and success awaits him ahead. He can do it, that is my belief and it has never let me down.
Boys and girls from Let's Dance, do utilise him to the best of your abilities. It is an opportunity to be amongst him and extract the nuances of his management, artistic and more than anything else interpersonal skills. That "MIND" inside him is thinking in 200 different directions at the same time. If you observe him and follow him, you will automatically see yourself in a higher platform of performance and personal conduct.
God bless and have a great future ahead.
Ramesh Menon
04082008
Friday, August 1, 2008
Super Star Nite in Abu Dhabi - Friday, 01st August 2008 - a memorable evening
Super Star Nite in Abu Dhabi - Friday, 01st August 2008 - a memorable evening
Super Stars Nite in Abu Dhabi - inaugural ceremony - Chief guest - Smt KPAC Lalitha with sponsors and organisers of the event.
Sri Regi Mannel introducing the Super Stars to the audience.
Super Stars in UAE - Rashmi, Praveen, Latha, Ratheesh, Roopa and Anand.
Praveen on stage.
Roopa and Ratheesh.
Fully packed National Theatre Auditorium in Abu Dhabi.
Roopa and Praveen.
Super Stars interacting with children.
Super Stars rocking for the final time on stage with audience for this memorable evening. I am sure this will be the beginning of a series of successful programme for these young talents and may get to perform many more such packed venues in INDIA, UAE, OMAN, BAHRAIN, QATAR, KUWAIT and other parts of the world.
Let us look at the details of the show as it evolved.
Vow!!! Reality Stars in Real. Amazing performance by the team of Anand, Roopa, Ratheesh, Praveen, Latha and Rashmi.
The 2000 plus seat National Theatre Abu Dhabi was full - a surprise to many of us considering the summer holiday period. What would have been the scenario if this programme was held during normal time?.
Full round of applause to Anand and team for their good preparation and execution of the programme from start to end. Every one enjoyed the programme to the full.
A surprise was in store for them and for all when the show was inaugurated by Smt. KPAC Lalitha.
Sri Reji Mannel, famous radio presenter based in UAE compered the show.
Anand was the first one to be introduced, then followed by Rashmi Vijayan, Praveen, Latha Krishnan, Ratheesh and finally Roopa. The introduction itself brought variety as the singers mixed with the audience and came out from amongst them when introduced.
They sang 28 songs in the following order:
1. Ratheesh - Hrudaya sarassile
2. Roopa - Aa nimishathinte
3. Roopa/Ratheesh - Odakkuzhal Vilikketto
4. Latha - Maarghazhi Thinkallallava
5. Anand - Voh Lamhe
6. Praveen - Oru Pushpam Mathramen
7. Praveen/Roopa - Akale Akale Neelakasam
8. Rashmi - Chandralekha from Thiruda Thiruda
9. Ratheesh - Sankrutha pamakari
10. Roopa - Minsaara poove poove
11. Ratheesh/Praveen - Padakaali chembada from Yodha
12. Roopa/Anand - Muthumazha konchal pole
13. Praveen - Pramadhavanam
14. Rashmi - Rasikira vanra
15. Latha - Oo mama mama chanda mama
16. Roopa/Latha - Kasthoori Thailamittu vala kilukki
17. Ratheesh - Kadukkittu varuthoru from Hallo
18. Praveen/Rashmi - Muthal Murai Janal Thuranthathai
19. Anand / Roopa - Karuppanu kayyala
20.Ratheesh/Latha - Mambazhama mambazham
21. Roopa/Latha/Rashmi - Aarumukhan
22. Anand/Roopa/Ratheesh/Praveen/Latha/Rashmi - Pennale, Pennale, Karimeen Pennale from Chemmeen
23.Anand/Latha - Ram bam bam Ram bam bam perimbam
24. Rashmi - Mayya mayya. Too neel samundar hai
25. Anand/Rashmi - Theri ankhem bhool bholayya
26. Praveen/Latha - Madhuraikku pokamedi
27. Rashmi/Anand - Kannum kannum maafia
28. Final songs - Melodious medley of several hit Hindi/Tamil/Malayalam mix by all 6 Super Stars.
Irrespective of age, everybody was dancing - so much fun filled moments that when Rashmi announced her song Mayya mayya - audience replied by saying that Vayya vayya. Ratheesh and Roopa were applauded each time when they came on stage. Praveen and Latha mesmoriesd the audience with their numbers. Anand - a total leader - held on to the steering and controlled it very well. Not to leave out Rashmi - if you ask a question - who will be the next Usha Uthup - we have an answer - Rashmi Vijayan from UAE. Overall, it was a memorable musical evening which one and all present in the packed National Theatre Abu Dhabi auditorum will remember for ever.
A very big thanks to KERALA SOCIAL CENTRE organisers for inviting them to Abu Dhabi to perform in live and real. I am sure their objectives for social cause were also duly achieved by this event.
Let this be the golden beginning for these young talents and May God bless them all to give many more such venues and opportunities in future.
Ramesh Menon
02082008
And the videos:
Super Stars Nite in Abu Dhabi - inaugural ceremony - Chief guest - Smt KPAC Lalitha with sponsors and organisers of the event.
Sri Regi Mannel introducing the Super Stars to the audience.
Super Stars in UAE - Rashmi, Praveen, Latha, Ratheesh, Roopa and Anand.
Praveen on stage.
Roopa and Ratheesh.
Fully packed National Theatre Auditorium in Abu Dhabi.
Roopa and Praveen.
Super Stars interacting with children.
Super Stars rocking for the final time on stage with audience for this memorable evening. I am sure this will be the beginning of a series of successful programme for these young talents and may get to perform many more such packed venues in INDIA, UAE, OMAN, BAHRAIN, QATAR, KUWAIT and other parts of the world.Let us look at the details of the show as it evolved.
Vow!!! Reality Stars in Real. Amazing performance by the team of Anand, Roopa, Ratheesh, Praveen, Latha and Rashmi.
The 2000 plus seat National Theatre Abu Dhabi was full - a surprise to many of us considering the summer holiday period. What would have been the scenario if this programme was held during normal time?.
Full round of applause to Anand and team for their good preparation and execution of the programme from start to end. Every one enjoyed the programme to the full.
A surprise was in store for them and for all when the show was inaugurated by Smt. KPAC Lalitha.
Sri Reji Mannel, famous radio presenter based in UAE compered the show.
Anand was the first one to be introduced, then followed by Rashmi Vijayan, Praveen, Latha Krishnan, Ratheesh and finally Roopa. The introduction itself brought variety as the singers mixed with the audience and came out from amongst them when introduced.
They sang 28 songs in the following order:
1. Ratheesh - Hrudaya sarassile
2. Roopa - Aa nimishathinte
3. Roopa/Ratheesh - Odakkuzhal Vilikketto
4. Latha - Maarghazhi Thinkallallava
5. Anand - Voh Lamhe
6. Praveen - Oru Pushpam Mathramen
7. Praveen/Roopa - Akale Akale Neelakasam
8. Rashmi - Chandralekha from Thiruda Thiruda
9. Ratheesh - Sankrutha pamakari
10. Roopa - Minsaara poove poove
11. Ratheesh/Praveen - Padakaali chembada from Yodha
12. Roopa/Anand - Muthumazha konchal pole
13. Praveen - Pramadhavanam
14. Rashmi - Rasikira vanra
15. Latha - Oo mama mama chanda mama
16. Roopa/Latha - Kasthoori Thailamittu vala kilukki
17. Ratheesh - Kadukkittu varuthoru from Hallo
18. Praveen/Rashmi - Muthal Murai Janal Thuranthathai
19. Anand / Roopa - Karuppanu kayyala
20.Ratheesh/Latha - Mambazhama mambazham
21. Roopa/Latha/Rashmi - Aarumukhan
22. Anand/Roopa/Ratheesh/Praveen/Latha/Rashmi - Pennale, Pennale, Karimeen Pennale from Chemmeen
23.Anand/Latha - Ram bam bam Ram bam bam perimbam
24. Rashmi - Mayya mayya. Too neel samundar hai
25. Anand/Rashmi - Theri ankhem bhool bholayya
26. Praveen/Latha - Madhuraikku pokamedi
27. Rashmi/Anand - Kannum kannum maafia
28. Final songs - Melodious medley of several hit Hindi/Tamil/Malayalam mix by all 6 Super Stars.
Irrespective of age, everybody was dancing - so much fun filled moments that when Rashmi announced her song Mayya mayya - audience replied by saying that Vayya vayya. Ratheesh and Roopa were applauded each time when they came on stage. Praveen and Latha mesmoriesd the audience with their numbers. Anand - a total leader - held on to the steering and controlled it very well. Not to leave out Rashmi - if you ask a question - who will be the next Usha Uthup - we have an answer - Rashmi Vijayan from UAE. Overall, it was a memorable musical evening which one and all present in the packed National Theatre Abu Dhabi auditorum will remember for ever.
A very big thanks to KERALA SOCIAL CENTRE organisers for inviting them to Abu Dhabi to perform in live and real. I am sure their objectives for social cause were also duly achieved by this event.
Let this be the golden beginning for these young talents and May God bless them all to give many more such venues and opportunities in future.
Ramesh Menon
02082008
And the videos:
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.
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 - 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
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
Nanni aarodu njan Chollendu
Nanni aarodu njan
Lyrics : Konniyoor Bhas (?)
Music : Raveendran
Singer : KJ Yesudas
Ragam : Mohanam
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.
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
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