Poet Laureate Kannadasan

Hi folks,

I wish to apologise at the outset for whatever I am going to post hereafter may be either a repetition or duplication as I am wary of going back to check on my earlier postings. So, sorry folks.

I just saw on this page re- the wedding of Shivaji and I wish to refresh a bit. The wedding took place when nearly all the Tamil film stalwarts belonged to DMK. At that function suddenly MGR proposed that kaviarasar conduct the marriage between Shivaji and Kamala. Dutifully obliging, kaviarasar read out a felicitation and gave the sacred thaali to Shivaji to tie around the neck of Kamala. All in all the total expense of the wedding was a mere Rs500!
Abiding by DMK principles at that time, the marriage function sans pomp and splendour. Even Shivaji reminisced and sighed when his grand-daughter was married to Jayalalitha's foster son in 1995 in a grand ceremony which could have made to the Guinness Book of Records.

On the same subject, one could easily see the comradeship between the DMK party cadres at that time until Shivaji fell out of line after his 'fateful' trip to Triputhi to fulfil a religious obligation. I believe my close friend Manisekaran had touched extensively on this subject.

Kanmani Subbu narrated an interesting situation. When 'Paalum Pazhamum' (1961) was being made Director Bhimsingh invited kaviarasar to pen the songs. Bhimsingh believed that with the roaring success of 'Bhaga Pirivinai' (1960) songs earlier kaviarasar can lend a magic touch.

Upon completion of nearly all the songs there was only one song to go. As usual, Bhimsingh along with Viswanathan Ramamurthy were seated when kaviarasar was penning the songs. When the last situation song was being written (at that time it was kaviarasar himself who wrote the songs) Shivaji suddenly walked in. It seemed Shivaji was staring hard at him which made our our kaviarasar uncomfortable since they were not on talking terms and he quickly handed over the letter-pad of the last song and bolted from the scene. Shivaji grabbed the letter-pad from Viswanathan out of curiosity and burst out laughing aloud. The song was was 'Ennai Yaar Endru...' Shivaji thought kaviarasar wrote about him for staring but the truth was kaviarasar was reminiscing his old flame in this song.

On the same subject again. When 'Veerapandiyan Kattabomman' (1960) was produced Shivaji recommended SSRajendran for the role of Vellaiya Thevan for two reasons. One was that SSR belongs to the Devar caste and the other for his delivery of fast dialogues. SSR backed out and Gemini Ganesan filled the bill. Around the same time SSR commited to act in 'Sivagangai Seemai' a production of kaviarasar which was seen as a rival to the 'Kattabomman'. Shivaji openly accused SSR of being a coward to act in a word-fighting film. I remember vividly way back in 1964 that in an interview SSR spoke otherwise. He said that his relationship with kaviarasar was greater than Shivaji and that he had no qualms to act the leading role in 'Sivagangai Seemai'. Both Shivaji and SSR were not on talking terms until ' Saanthi' (1965) although they had acted in films like 'Deiva Piravi' (1960), 'Kunkumam (1963) , 'Kai Kodutha Deivam' (1964).

R. Mahendra Raj

Hi folks,

What I am going to pen is supposed to be confidential and private. That was what Kanmani Subbu asked of me about 7 years back. But I feel now that there are so many worse scandals around that this is nothing and after all it happened about 35 years ago.

As you all know that Vaanathi Publications' owner Ganapathi was a close associate of kaviarasar from time immemorial. Their friendship was such that each time kaviarasar was broke there was a ready hand to help him in the form of Ganapathi. Both belonged to the nagarathaar chettiar caste and their family ties were that bonding which dates from their forefathers in Rangoon, Burma (now Myanmar). For the record I had met up with Ganapathi on two occasions within a span of 7 years and spent long hours with him just to get more stories about kaviarasar.

It was also a silent understanding and incumbent upon Vanathi Publications to publish whatever articles, novels and the like by kaviarasar. Kaviarasar, not even once, had demanded to see the accounts so as to ascertain his royalty fees. What is the neccesity? As each time he was short of funds the publisher friend was ever willing to help him out, besides Chinnappa Devar and MGR.

In 1974, when Gandhi Kannadhasan, kaviarasar's eldest son by his second wife, after graduating from a law degree wanted to venture on his own. (I have met up with this guy on 3 occasions and I will narrate later as to what type of an opportunist he is). He sought kaviarasar's advice and the answer was that he compiles whatever works by him and publish the same. (My personal opinion is that kaviarasar must have been inebriated at that time).

Around that time there was a serial in the Kumudham weekly (I can't recollect the title) and it ended with high ratings and aplomb by readers. Seizing this opportunity Gandhi took to the process of publishing it in a book form. As usual, Ganapathi compiled the serials and published well before Gandhi unaware of Gandhi's intentions.

Ghandhi, upon seeing the publication , immediately sent a solicitor's notice (himself a layer) seeking cessation of publication as well as compensation. Upon seeing the notice a distressed Ganapathi sought out our kaviarasar who happened to be in his first wife's matrimonial house. When the chettiar showed him the notice our kaviarasar's temper shot up. He called Kanmani Subbu to follow him along with Ganapathi and went to his second matrimonial home and called out for Gandhi. When Ghandi appeared he ticked him off by saying that he was a greenhorn especially on matters pertaining to old family ties. He told him off sternly that should he proceed with court action then he will see a dead Kannadhasan hanging from the beam.

After this tiff, they dropped off chettiar in his publication office in T.Nagar and proceeded to Kodambakkam. When kaviarasar broke off with Panju Arunasalam after 'Gauravam' (1973) it was Kanmani Subbu who was his assistant besides Rama Kannappan. So, it was incumbent upon Kanmani Subbu to follow his dad especially in work-related martters, or more specifically, lyrics writing.

, The studio floor was Shivaji productions making of 'Thanga Pathakkam' (1975). Distressed and depressed with the tiff with Gandhi earlier, kaviarasar went straight to MSViswanathan as to work on the situation of the song. The other songs were already written a few days ago. Visu told him of the situation and immediately kaviarasar dictated the song 'Sothani Meyl Sothanai' and Kanmani Subbu duly recorded the same. Kaviarasar passionately took out a cigarette and after lighting it and puffing was seen in a pensive and depresive mood.

According to Kanmani Subbu, traditionally after each dictation the fair copy must be given to kaviarasar to attest the same. And the music director usually will start off composing with the first stanza of the just-delivered lyrics. What happened afterward was a deviation from the norm.

MSV started composing from the line '..Idi poley pillai vantha madi thaangumaa....". It was unusual of MSV's character because he was singing out the tune aloud with tears welling up in his eyes. Shivaji Ganesan who was shooting for the film 'Pon Unjal' in the same floor quitely walked to the composing room. Being his own production, naturally he was interested in the songs.

He never spoke a word but kept looking at MSV who was lost in his composition. Shivaji was wearing a white veshti and jippa fresh from the break of shooting of 'Pon Unjal' and he took his right forefinger and placed it on his cheek whilst observing MSV . Kanmani Subbu noticed that Shivaji's eyes were also welled up with tears. This was unusual too.

The following day Kanmani Subbu caught his father in his casual mood and inquired about the unusual scene at the recording scene the previous day.

Kaviarasar opened up and told Subbu that it was a matter of co-incidences of sorts the previous day. As what was already stated above re-Gandhi (the eldest son through the second marriage) I do not wish to repat. It seems MSV had had fisti-cuffs with his son, Gopi when the former learnt that one of the family's property house was given away to an upcoming actress (Sulakshana, who later married and divorced him). Coming to Shivaji, aha, almost a similar situation.

It seems Ram Kumar, the eldest son of Shivaji was having an affair with Sri Priya's sister and the situation was blown up on that morning whereby the latter took his shot gun and there was a commotion. (It was also reported in the press at that time but on a different version).

Co-incidentally all these happened on that particular morning involving the three stalwarts and their sons. And how the song 'Sothanai Meyl Sothanai' went on to become popular till to this date was an actual reflection of true-life incidences.

Incidentally, about two years ago I read in 'Ananda Vikatan' of Ram Kumar & Sri Priya's sister's son entry to films. Their marriage was not officially recognised since he was already married.

Forget about the private incidences. What matters most was the je
wel of the song 'Sothanai....'. You can see, feel and experience the life-like similarities of Shivaji, MSV and Kannadhasan.

Will post more interesting anectodotes later on folks.

Bye for now.

R. Mahendra Raj

Hi folks,

Just saw in retrogession of the late Sujatha's reply re-kaviarasar.

If I am not mistaken in the same tone of the subject Sujatha who was mesmerised by kaviarasar's ability asked him of the secret. Kaviarasar just casually replied that he gains knowledge by constant reading especially on Mahabaratha and Bhagawad Gita. Once when the whole is context is grasped then writing songs for situations is nothing new. Sujatha who is a voracious reader himself was not impressed with kaviarasar's reply. He surmised that there was more to it. This piece appeared in Kumudham just before Sujatha's demise.

R. Mahendra Raj

Mr. Moderator,

It appears that you were with RTM and I should be only too glad to communicate with you. Perhaps we would have met since I know all your contemporaries in RTM. I am damn too curious!

My mobile contact is 012-3947446.

Thanks and with warm regards.

R. Mahendra Raj

Hi folks,

Whenever time permits I watch 'Endrum MSV' courtesy Jaya TV. The innocent-looking Compere is witty with prose Tamil. But was is disappointing is that many songs which had interesting background and when the Compere asks MSV appears blank. Perhaps age is catching up with him.

Now folks what I am going to write may not go too well with fans of MSV. I was initially sceptical about the whole thing but then the 'inner circle' of the veteran film stalwarts knows the whole truth. After all we are only just fans. I am not going to cite the reliable sources because it might invite controversy. Just like when you tell a die-hard MGR fan of his other side! (The info I got about the other side of MGR will constitute another subject but of course will not go well with MGR fans).

Everyone knows the association of MSV with kaviarasar which was supposed to transcend all earthly things. Such was their friendship. But would it surprise you if I say that kaviarasar was more at home with mama KV Mahadevan instead of MSV? Shocking, is'nt it? Well, I double and triple checked the facts with veterans of the industry in Chennai. It is true! I am only going to give gist of what I heard because if what is reported in detail then it will not be nice.

Although appearing innocent at most of the times MSV had a deep inferior complex, that is what the veterans told me. I was shocked and dumbfounded. It seems that kaviarasar was stealing all the limelight although MSV gives his best on his part. On many occasions, over drinks, they were seen openly fighting with each other over the popularity and credits issue. This was not reported in the press, of course.

At one time MSV got cheesed off with kaviarasar that he extensively canvassed for Vaali. Remember, it was MSV who brought Vaali into limelight? His 'clan association' with MGR also worked to his advantage.That was done to spite kaviarasar's popularity.

But what happened later made MSV to make amends with kaviarasar seeing that there was no other choice. It was an undeniable fact that MSV's tune carried the lyrics of kaviarasar's fame to a higher level. Fans were openly acclaiming kaviarasar instead of MSV's works. This did not go too well with MSV who started to develop a complexity problem.

Now folks, can you remember any situation where KV Mahadevan or his able associate, Pughezenthi speaking of their work, or for that matter with lyricists? They minded their own business. Remember, it was kaviarasar who teasingly called KVM 'mama' aafter the all time hit song 'Mama, mama, mama' (Kumudham 1961)?

When kaviarasar was hospitalised in Chicago MGR suggested to MSV to make a visit. MSV declined but then agreed to MGR's other suggestion that he sends a casette recording for speedy recovery. The cassette was not sent.

When Ilayaraja 'took over' from MSV suddenly he developed more inferior complex than before, what with kaviarasar aligning with the former. After kaviarasar's death and sensing that his popularity was on the wane MSV decided to do something. It was during Jayalalitha's rule way back in 1994 that MSV purportedly publicised that kaviarasar appeared in his dream asking that a statue of him be erected. He knew very well that in order to survive he must make use of kaviarasar's name.

Ever since MSV takes upon himself to reminisce about kaviarasar in all his shows just to evoke the sympathy of the general audience.

When I heard all these info from the veterans during my visitation to Chennai I found it too hard to digest it.

But then again, there are lingering questions. MSV being a stalwart himself never ever gave credit to his erstwhile counterpart TK Ramamurthy. Can anyone recall, please? What TK Ramamurthy told me could become another interesting topic which I will reserve for later.

Being erstwhile friends why did not MSV spend kaviarasar's pre-departure days to Chicago? Why was it that kaviarasar was fetched by Ilayaraja to Meenambakam airport? Was it fate that Ilayaraja managed to solicit the last three songs from kaviarasar for the film 'Moondram Pirai' during the car trip to the airport? (Folks, please remind me to write on this particular song situation which I still consider very, very private).

Folks, you will remember well that it was due to the insistence of MSV and the like that Ilayaraja was almost shunned by the then government of MGR. The song 'Oram po' was banned, remember? Was MSV showing his inferiority complex again?

But kaviarasar, seeing the future of Ilayaraja in his keen observation, went on to become pally with Ilayaraja and his brother Gangai Amaran. Of course, this did not go too well with MSV.

So, after kaviarasar's death it dawned upon MSV that in order to popularly survive he cannot go solo. He is forced to mention kaviarasar's name in nearly all of his show. That is the order of the divine, I suppose.

Folks, I wish to clearly state herein that I am a great fan of MSV and still admire all of his work. Whatever I learnt from the stalwarts was hard to digest at first. But then again? I leave it to you all. Of course, hubbers here may have better information than me and I will only be too happy to hear it.

As I have mentioned elsewhere in this particular posting please remind me to write about the particular incidences. Getting old, I suppose!

Thanks and with warm regards.

R. Mahendra Raj

Dear Mahendraraj,

Welcome back. Didn't see you much after the Paadalgal palavitham thread. It was nice to read the anectodes. But there is one disconnect here. It is regarding Sodhanai Mel Sodhanai.

While I have not heard about Gandhi Kannadasan - Ganapthy rift regarding Kaviyarasar's works, the other two incidents quoted in connection with that song composing is totally off the mark.

Thangappadhakkam was released on June 1st of 1974. So the composing /recording of the song must have been in late 1973 or early 1974 as the film was made in quick time. Ponnunjal got released on June 15th of 1973. But my disconnect is not about the date or time or in which set was Sivaji acting at that point of time. So let me go there.

The first one was MSV Gobi - Sulakashana issue. Sulakshana was introduced by Baghyaraj in Thooral Ninnn Pochu which was released on April 14th of 1982. So MSV having a tiff with his son in 1974 regarding Sulakshana is ruled out.

Same way in 1974, Sripriya was just getting into the filmworld and she had not even starred opposite Sivaji at that point of time. The first film for her with Sivaji was Paattum Bharathamum that got released on Dec 6th of 1975 and that too in 3,4 scenes. She became a heroine in Thirisoolam which was in 1979. Moreover Ramkumar was a College student in 1973/74 and the production side at that point of time was looked after by Sivaji's younger brother VCShanmugam. The gun incident that you were refering to actually happened with Prabhu and that was in May 1978.

Probably Kanmani Subbu had just combined three different incidents and told you about the "coincidence".

Hope this sets the record straight.

Regards

whoa Mahendra Raj saar, Murali! :shock:

I need time to digest all these. :boo:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mahendra raj

It appears that you were with RTM and I should be only too glad to communicate with you.

---

No saar, I have done programmes for both Minnal and THR long ago. Also have dabbled in the music and advertising industries.
Will call you soon. :D

Hi folks,

Still on retrogesion of this forum.

Contrary to popular belief that kaviarasar was at his best only after his tipple let me say herein that it was not so.

After meeting up with his associates who also share similar habits (drinking) kaviarasar was never known to be drunk throughout his lifetime. Yes, he drinks but he never short-changed it for his career. Locally, (Malaysia), Dr. V. David, a seasoned politician and trade unionist, publicly told at a forum that those who drink with kaviasarar were the ones who were found to be inebriated. He never, for once, saw our kaviarasar drunk.


Kanmani Subbu told me that Shivaji Ganesan used to drop by frequently at kaviarasar's house in T. Nagar. Both will be enjoying their scotch and discussing the con-current affairs on politics but on films. (When he told me about this I was a bit sceptical because Shivaji had a sprawling mansion as opposed to kaviarasar's although in the same vicinity.) He even told me of his dad's affection of the late actress Devika.

Gandhi Kannadhasan told me that most of the leading actresses at that time like Devika, Padmini, K.R. Vijaya used to frequent kaviaraqsar's house. Normally they drink with kaviarasar in his private room locked. Sensing this, Gandhi's mother used to curse the ladies for momentarily 'stealing 'her husband, But Gandhi told me that the actresses were seeking out his father for consolation on their personal problems. Remember, kaviarasar is also a physchologist of sorts in the Tamil film industry?

Kanmani Subbu told me that after the release of 'Neela Vaanam' (1966) kaviarasar took the whole family (by his first wife's) for a dinner at Devika's house. It seemed that it was the first time ever that he tasted prawns cooked personally by Devika.

That incidence was a memorable event according to Kanmani Subbu. He also told me on the sly that only later he became to understand his father's relationship with Devika. But then again, the recent controversy surrounding Kanniga, Devika's only daughter has got nothing to do with her hereditary connection. Of course, there are people to attest that kaviarasar is the father but no, upon intensive inquiries it has been proved that Director Devadass, ex-hubby of Devika is the paternal and biological father.

I am not sure whether I posted earlier about kaviarar's relatiionship with Devika. But what I know was the fact that he wrote the song 'Poyilae pirantha' (Aananda Jothi 1963). That song was especially meant for Devika who had an informal relationship with our kaviarasar.

It was around this time that MGR started his best to court Devika. The efforts failed. Devika decided once and for all that she will not act opposite MGR. It was also a part of the MGR-Kannadhasan fall-out. Subsequently she was branded a Shivaji faithful in following films. But knowing MGR she tried her best to devote to her career but eventually she failed.

For the record, Muktha Sreenivasan, the veteran producer-director, told me this when I met him in his house. He told me also about MGR which I feel is not proper to tell at this forum.

Although I have been privy to so many personal incidences and secrets nevertheless I have a strong voice discouraging me to write about it. I leave it yo you folks. Hope you will give your comments without touching my conscience.

Anyway, who are we to delve into the private lives of the yester-year stalwarts? That is what is bothering me now.

With warm & cosy regards.

R. Mahendra Raj

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mahendra raj

Locally, (Malaysia), Dr. V. David, a seasoned politician and trade unionist, publicly told at a forum that those who drink with kaviasarar were the ones who were found to be inebriated. He never, for once, saw our kaviarasar drunk.

---

I can vouch for this. I know a Chandra Mohan, a close aide of V. David who has told me that Kannadhasan would mix a lot of soda with his spirit and take sips only. A whole peg may last a few hours, thus keeping him a little high, but never drunk.