Vintage culture is here to stay

VINTAGE HAS value. Antiquity does have takers. From wine to wooden furniture, from grandma's tips on beauty and health care to vintage cars, anything old is new too. In the sense, we have realised the worth of ancient arts crafts and practices, that toeing the line of our ancestors in certain things at least, is almost a status symbol and a norm today.

With so much revival of ancientness, can films of yore alone be left behind? "That is why those of us who felt that the intrinsic value of our old Tamil films may die away unsung, began this film society," says Mr. M. Sarveswaran, secretary, Vintage Heritage, a forum for old films and music.

Sarveswaran speaks with passion of the Tamil films of the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s. Having always been an avid filmgoer, it was Randor Guy's series of articles on old films that inspired Sarveswaran to think of forming a film society for the promotion and preservation of films and music of a bygone era. Film historians Theodore Bhaskaran, Randor Guy and V. A. K. Ranga Rao are understandably part of Vintage Heritage. So is 'Film News' Anandan.

Every month, the society arranges a programme related to films of the past, including screening of old films. Randor Guy introduces the film, talks about the making of the film, interesting incidents that occurred then and the present condition of the actors, actresses and others connected with the said cinema. The film is then screened, and among the audience are invitees - an actor or musician of the film. After the show, they would share their reminiscences with the members. "For many old artistes, it is an emotional moment. At a stage when they feel that they have been forgotten by all, we invite them and honour them. And it becomes a cherished moment for them and for us too", says Sarveswaran.

Resource crunch is something that Vintage Heritage has faced once too often. But they have always found generous patrons like Nalli Kuppusami Chetty, who have helped in the sustenance of the society. Carnatic musician Mani Krishnaswamy is also a patron of Vintage Heritage. When "Santha Sakkubai" was shown to the members, the famous Harikatha artiste Banni Bai who had acted as a cruel mother-in-law in the film, was present. So overwhelmed was she by the response, that she narrated her experiences of working in the film in Harikatha style itself! M.S. Subbulakshmi's role of Narada in the 1941 film "Savitri" was a well appreciated one. In March 1997, when Vintage Heritage arranged for the film to be screened, she had come with her husband Sadasivam.

Apart from such screenings, Sarveswaran and the treasurer of Vintage Heritage, K. Sundar, who incidentally is also its first member, come up with unique, innovative shows for its members.

D.K. Pattammal's film songs were wonderfully rehearsed and rendered by her granddaughter Nityasree Mahadevan, in the presence of DKP herself on the latter's birthday at Vintage Heritage recently. It proved a proud evening for the illustrious singer.

"The society has given me a chance to listen to some of the songs which I had sung, but had forgotten", exclaimed a joyous D.K. Pattammal", says Sarveswaran, reliving the past incident.

Such memorable sessions have been many, tribute programmes to M. L. Vasanthakumari and music director G. Ramanathan, to name a few.

Yet what is new today has to be part of the old tomorrow. So present day movies have to become part of the Vintage. "Yes..it is bound to happen. But even then we would choose only the best for our members. The number of such films may be few, but we will never compromise on quality," reiterates Sarveswaran.

Interested persons who wish to watch old films, can purchase tickets for the shows. But Vintage Heritage wants more youngsters to become members and be exposed to the treasure that is old cinema.

Sarveswaran's future plans include setting up of a library for old films and songs, on the lines of the Film Archives, Pune. The prints ought to be preserved permanently in CDs, he feels.

The most recent event was a video projection show of the romantic duets in early Tamil films, compered by Ms. G. Thilakavathi, IPS, and it was very well received.

"We arrange for such unique shows at regular intervals" says Sarveswaran who states that Vintage Heritage goes beyond television and screens very rare films. In short, what Vintage Heritage assures is wholesome, healthy entertainment for the young and the old.

MALATHI RANGARAJAN

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