Raja - Live in Concerts - Madurai Concert Telecast/Videos

[raaga_kann]

Raaja’s concert in Bangalore after a gap of almost 33 years! Yes – I remember his musical show way back in 1978 or 1979 (When Orampo song was making the rounds before the release of the film. In that show, Orampo song was performed). That show was performed in Shivajinagar Government school grounds with Gangai Amaran accompanying Raaja. Only Tamil Songs were performed during that show. Raaja had not done a single Kannada film at that time. Now – What a contrast! The National college grounds was jam packed with fans (devotees) belonging to all languages. Raaja conducted the entire show with his lovable Kannada diction. Stunning performance by the orchestra – I never expected such a quality in an open ground.

The show started a little late (because of the organizers and not Raaja). When BJP Stalwart Mr. Ananth Kumar’s came to the stage, the entire audience was terrified. But luckily he concluded his speech (which was centric around Raaja) within 5 minutes. Few more blah-blahs followed. Then the moment of the day - A brief musical piece by the orchestra was followed by GOD’s entry - A standing ovation by the strong crowd – Raaja accepts the applause with his usual style (Saluting the crowd).

Raaja for a change started the day with his 1981 Kannada devotional beauty on Moogambika – “Amma endhu koogidharae…”. Clean rendition by Raaja with the orchestra being better than the original. (Rajesh Vaidya was a surprise inclusion and Puru’s absence was a notable exclusion).

This was followed by Raaja’s anthem – Janani Janani. Raaja had few problems in singing the song probably due to the noise from the crowd. After the song he appealed to the fans to maintain silence and enjoy the show. Then he was back to his usual ways of communicating with the crowd. He quipped that the entire lighting was being focused on him and the audience were in the dark. “I have come here to see you. But you are in the dark”. He even requested to switch of one of the lights that was facing the stage.

There was a small Guru vandhanam by female chorus. This was followed by the thunder – Om Shivoham by the local boy Vijay Prakash. The orchestra was spot on. The male singers in Coat Suite rendering the powerful hymns in the song was an amusing sight.

Aakashadinda jaari – The folkish musical innocence of Raaja’s 80s was a treat. The chorus portion was amazing. (This song was used by Raaja in the Tamil film Vellaiya Thevan. Song – Vaanathil irundhu)

Idayam Oru Koil – Repeat of Endrendrum Raaja show

Baa Baa Mysore Malligae – This was from the blockbuster film – Bangaradha Manushya, with music by G.K.Venkatesh. Raaja praised GKV and also mentioned that he was his Guru. He also recalled the composing sessions of the songs for the film at a guest house in Doddaballapur. If you hear the songs of this film, you can clearly make out who is behind the orchestration of these songs – Complete Raajaish orchestra! Though Raaja mentioned that this tune is of GKV’s, I still have a doubt. He had used the same tune in the Tamil film Aduthathu Albert (Vaa vaa mysore malliyae…).

Priya – O Paadal ondru song’s Kannada version was sung by Vijay Yesudas. A replica of the original. Raaja mentioned that all the songs for the film were composed in Bangalore (Lalbagh)

Ilaya Nila – Mano sung the song. Sada’s guitar portions were fantastic. Raaja conveyed that this song was rejected by Balu Mahendra for his film Moodupani (En eniya pon nilave was the replacemen)

Entha Soundarya – Maathu thappadha maga – This was the first Kannada film for Raaja. Produced by Prashanth’s father Thygarajan. He conveyed that though he does not belongs to this bhoomi, his mother (Moogambika) is from this bhoomi. Sung by Vijay Prakash, Sathyan and Velmurugan, the song took us to the 70s

Yaarigagi Nota – The orchestra was stunning. Raaja recalled an important incident. When this song was being recorded, R.DBurman who had been to Prasad Studios could not control his emotions. He just bounced to the wall when the prelude was played. Raaja again played the piece where RDB could not control himself. RDB praised that this music is 10 years ahead. No big news for us! This song was again used by Raaja in Tamil film “Andha oru nimidam”

En Iniya Pon – By Vijay Yesudas

Raaja Kaiya Vacha – By Yuvan. He missed out in couple of occasions.

Sihi Gaali – Magic of 2007 from the film Aa Dinagalu.

Hero Hero – From the film Ajeya. Originally sung by Yesudas. Vijay Yesudas sung the song and had problems in rendering the fast lyrics. Enna oru Thullal indha paadalil

O Priya Priya – First telugu song of the day from the film Geethanjali. Mano who had sung the Tamil version rendered this song beautifully. The second interlude was amazing

Santhoshakke – From the evergreen film “Geetha”. Sathyan set the stage on fire with this foot-tapping song. He started the song with the famous phrase “Listen to the fabulous music by your Sanjay Maestro..”. Raaja mentioned about Shankar Nag who was a ardent fan of Raaja

Naguva Nayana – Pallavi Anu Pallavi. Raaja mentioned about Balu Mahendra introducing this director. He had never given importance to who was the director or artiste of the film. For him all directors were equal. That was the reason he was able to deliver such gems like Naguva Nayana

Yeh Zindagi – What an usage of violins! In those Northies were bowled over by the new sounds created by Raaja. Vijay Prakash just messed it up and was nowhere near Suresh Wadekar’s smooth rendition. Raaja recalled the recording of Sadma songs. The song recording was in Mumbai. Two songs were supposed to be completed in one day. Due to Asha Bhonsle’s slowness in coming in terms with Raaja’s song, the first song was completed by 5:30 PM. Yeh Zindagi was composed and completed from 5:30 to 10:30 PM the same day

Om Karadhi – Classic from Nammoora Mandhara Hoove. Swetha was fantastic. Raaja’s voice was little tired

Jotheyalli – Evergreen composition of Raaja. Even today no orchestra in Bangalore is complete without this song. Vijay Prakash took special permission from Raaja for the crowd to roar before the song starts as he himself was unable to control his emotions! Sathyan sang the first interlude portion.

Botany Paatamundhi – From Telugu film Shiva. The rhythm and guitar pieces in the song stands out

Nanna Neenu Gellarae – Vijay Prakash tried to sing in Rajkumar’s voice. This was the first and the only film of Rajkumar for which Raaja composed music. Raaja recalled how he was also one of the reasons for Rajkumar becoming a singer. As most of you are familiar about this, I am skipping this

Yaare Koogadali – First song sung by Rajkumar under GKV’s music. Sung by Mano

Naan Thedum – Raaja and Swetha sung this must-hear song of Raaja’s any musical show

At this juncture, the organizer came to Raaja and conveyed something. I could guess that it was the time factor. It was already beyond 11 PM. Permission for performing beyond 11 PM in a public place would have been a problem. Immediately the program was cut short. Earlier it was announced that Gum Sum Gum (Paa) will be played. But immediately after this intervention, they played the last two songs planned for the show. Raaja conveyed that he had specially composed a song for the Ganesh Utsav, which will be played after the next song. And immediately left the stage!

Swalpa Sound-u – From the film SuryaKanthi was sung by Anitha and Sathyan (Original song was sung by Raaja). Hearing the orchestra perform this difficult composition, I am now searching for the CD to give a fresh hearing.

And finally the Ganesha song – It was the same Hododonae from the film PremKahani. The lyrics was rewritten praising Lord Ganesha.

An eventful memorable evening came to a sudden end!