Date:27/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/27/stories/2006012714060200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

A programme in honour of Ghantasala

The programme at Kamaraj Hall on Anna Salai on Wednesday had participants sing songs composed or rendered by lyricist/playback singer Ghantasala.

The three-hour musical charity night organised by the Rotary Club of Madras Uptown, R.I. Dist. 3230, had film star Anjali Devi, playback singers S.P. Balasubramanian, P. Susheela and P.B. Srinivas besides Patraya Sangeetha Rao, who knew Ghantasala since 1940s. Ghantasala's wife, Savithri, was also present. The programme, organised in the city for the first time in honour of Ghantasala, was attended by youngsters from the Telugu-speaking community who could not recall the films but enjoyed the music for its sheer beauty.

P. Susheela, who was honoured with the Rotary Club's highest honour - For the Sake of Honour award - who sang a song written by Ghantasala, said his music lived amid them even today.

SPB, who presented the award, praised Susheela's diction. He likened music to an ocean from which a singer could take a little or plenty but the ocean would never go dry. "Music has no language," he said. He paid tributes to Tamil Nadu saying that it was the only State "where people live without language problems. Hats off to Tamilians. You have been magnanimous in arranging this music programme."

Most of the members of the club, who attended the programme are non-Telugus, said the organisers.

R. Sujatha

R. Sujatha