A finger in every pie

VARIETY IS the spice of life is an oft-quoted maxim. I am afraid it appears as if the producers of the Sun TV's "Lion Dates Top 10 Movies" have not heard of this at all. The same person sits cross-legged facing the same direction making the same acute angles with the base of the chair, with the same voice (not much modulations) and the hands folded in the same manner, as he calls out the comments for the whole half hour.

This sameness initially bugs us, then drives us mad and finally kills us. The script is good, the last comment in particular, but it is lost when the announcer drops his voice altogether. (Except the same wife and the same husband I don't think any other "same" should be tolerated in this highly competitive and innovative world). Producers, please alter this sameness, but no same excuses please!

What is suggested is a group discussion, or a dialogue or an actor to read out the script. What one wishes is a change, a fresh approach every time. As against this we have a music programme on ETV conducted by Mano and S.P. Sailaja. Each time they host the show, dressed up in different attire. It may not be of an excellent order, it might appear silly to others but at least there is a genuine attempt at offering you variety. Bless their souls for it.

There is no offence meant or ill-feelings but the dominant feeling expressed is that whether the regular viewers deserve something different, something novel each time?

"Neelambari" was a prime time serial with leading stars on Vijay TV. The time slot was first shifted to noon and one fine day, it disappeared altogether. The serial's exit was an abrupt one. The heroine's friend had employed a private detective on the former's trail but now viewers have to employ one to trace the whereabouts of the producer. Having sanctioned it, they should have carried it to the end. Otherwise the efforts go futile.

Surya TV telecast a lovely programme on playback singer S. Janaki. The episode was shot in a homely manner - in her home, pooja room, garden and with her pet dog. The commentator's soft and pleasant voice merged well with the entire atmosphere.

Janaki said that from the age of three she has been singing. It is a gift from God, she admitted. The plus point in her voice she claimed was flexibility. With only a year's training in classical music, she has rendered several classical songs in movies including the most famous and immortal "Singara Velan", with Karaikurichi Arunachalam accompanying her on the nadaswaram. She has scored music for a couple of movies and even changed her voice to sound like a child and a teenage boy. She rendered several numbers in Malayalam which she felt would live as long as the world continued.

Simple and pleasant with a smiling face, S. Janaki is a storehouse of rich melodies. People could draw on her experience and gain immensely. It was relaxing for the mind to watch this programme particularly on a Sunday morning.

AVM telecasts "Vazhkai" every night at 10 p.m. Last week, there was an important message driven home. One of the important characters, an orthodox Brahmin lady, develops acute appendicitis and is rushed for an emergency operation. The heroine hunts for blood high and low, and finally, she donates blood and saves the patient. What is highly confidential is somehow becomes evident to the patient. Initially, she is upset but finally she realises the significance of the generous act and turns over a new leaf. It is important to be a good human being, notwithstanding which community or caste you hail from. I think it is a valuable truth, an important message to drive home through the medium of a story and a touching incident. AVM has always been synonymous with good family drama imparting relevant messages.

The title song rendered by Shankar Mahadevan drives home the lesson that life is for happy living and the making or marring of the same lies in each one's hands. This is a good note or thought to sleep over at 10.30 p.m. I dare say, I am reminded here of W.E. Henley's words that seem to echo the same sentiment:

"It matters not how straight the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate;

I am the captain of my soul".

THARA MOHAN RAO

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