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m.s subbulakshmi

INTRODUCTION:

Indian classical musicians and singers have played a great role in popularizing Indian music all across the world. They have enriched the world of music and enthralled the audiences with their masterful artistry. Their soulful rendition has brought solace to many a hearts. One of the famous Indian classical musician is  M.S SUBBALAKSHMI GARU.

EARLY LIFE:

MS Subbulakshmi (Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi) was born as Kunjamma in the temple city of Madurai on September 16, 1916. She was born into a family of musicians. Her grandmother Akkammal played the violin and her mother was a veena artist. MS Subbulaksmi was born out of two mothers, Madurai city and Shanmughavadivu, both symbolizing the fundamental ethos of Tamil culture.MS had two other siblings, one being an elder brother Shaktivel and a younger sister Vadivambal.

MS Subbulakshmi started learning Carnatic music from a very early age.  The childhood days of M.S. in Madurai when she sang a Marathi bhajan nonchalantly in the midst of a veena concert by her mother Shanmugavadivu.Her rigorous sadaka adhering strictly to tradition while being able to enthral audiences with her magical voice.She made her debut as a singer at the age of eight and went on to perform in concerts, a domain traditionally reserved for males. She began her Carnatic classical music training under Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer and then Hindustani classical training under Pandit Narayan Rao Vyas.In the faded photograph which hangs in her home today, his soft look and sensitive features bear an unmistakable resemblance to his 'Rajathippa' (princess darling). That is how he called his pet daughter. Not a singer himself, he was a true rasika and baktha.

In the yearly Ramanavami festivals he organized, there would be a puja, music and procession each day. How wonderful it was to the little girl,when her father picked her up and placed her next to the picture of Rama taken around the streets on a chariot!MS school education was discontinued after class five, for she feared teacher's cruelty. Only the son Shaktivel persisted and obtained a college degree later on. Curiously among the three siblings only MS had a nickname of Kunjamma which was to persist through out her life.

CAREER:

MS proclivity towards music was noticed at a very young age. For MS, Carnatic music was an intuitive gift rather than an acquired skill. She went on to orchestrate her first stage performance at the age of ten for the opening of a cycle shop, which later emerged as the auto conglomerate giant TVS. Her performance was recorded by a gramophone company under the title ‘Song by Miss Madurai Shanmughavadivu Subbulakshmi Age 10'. The tag MSS was an instant hit among the audience. In course of time the extra S was dispensed with, labeling her with the popular acronym MS.
At the age of 15, she went on to stage at the prestigious festival of Mahamaham in Kumbakonam. M.S. was given the opportunity to sing in the Music Academy, Madras, in 1932 as a substitute for Ariyakkudi Ramanuja Iyengar. The elite rasikas of Mylapore who were sceptical in the beginning were spell-bound by her music. By this time, M.S. had become popular through her gramophone records, particularly her rendering of "Evarimata" in Khambodi, of Tyagaraja.

M.S. Subbulakshmi's first concert for the Ramaseva Mandali was in 1952. From 1952 to 1992, she performed 31 times for the Mandali. It was a matter of strange coincidence that it would rain during most of MS's performances, but that certainly didn't deter her or the crowd. She would perform to a packed audience, who would leave only after she did.There is a popular  adage that music transcends all barriers. MS Subbulakshmi's music is the finest illustration of this statement. The persona of MS has more to it than just her music.

Her mellifluous voice, mastery over Carnatic music, command over the intricate diction of Sanskrit and Tamil music, unflinching devotion to bhakti and above all a sense of unparallel humanism, has conquered the hearts and minds of millions, not only in India, but across the world. MS Subbulakshmi traveled to London, New York, Canada, the Far East, and other places. By the age of 17, She was giving  concerts on her own Madras Music Academy. Her concerts at Carnegie Hall, New York; the UN General Assembly on UN day in 1966. The Royal Albert Hall, London in 1982; and at the Festival of India in Moscow in 1987. To millions across the world, she lived a life as the symbol of humility and will forever  remain a legend.

By the age of 17, Subbulakshmi was giving concerts on her own, including major performances at the Madras Music Academy, the prestigious center for the study and promotion of Carnatic music. In 1940, she married T. Sadasivam, a freedom fighter, and a follower of Rajaji. He played a key role in advancing her career. While contemporary Carnatic artiste like M.L. Vasantha Kumari and D.K. Pattamaal were equally talented, they lacked the appeal and reach that MS enjoyed with audience through out the country. The Suprabhatam and Vishnu Sarasnams of MS were the manifestations of the resurgent Bhakti music that the audiences were longing for. When MS sang Rajaji's hymn ‘Kurai onrum illai' it sent out a powerful message of the self realization that she had achieved. In short MS became the very embodiment of bhakti. MS Subbulakshmi traveled to London, New York, Canada, the Far East, and other places as India's cultural ambassador. Her concerts at Carnegie Hall, New York; the UN General Assembly on UN day in 1966; the Royal Albert Hall, London in 1982; and at the Festival of India in Moscow in 1987 were significant landmarks in her career.

CINEMA:

M.S.'s entry into the world of cinema and the persons responsible for her becoming a star are recalled succinctly. She acted and the rousing songs that made these films special. Experiences like the standing ovation she got from a western audience at an Edinburgh festival and her interaction with Gandhiji, Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajaji are brought alive. It is rather surprising to note that Subbulaksmi's mother Shanmughavadivu herself belonged to the devadasi community.

Artists like G. N. Balasubramanaim, S.G.Kittappa, F.G. Natesa Iyer and many others came up only through cinema. Perhaps the greatest star among all them is undoubtedly M. K. Thiagaraja Bhagavadhar, who still venerated as the first super star of Tamil cinema.It was here that her destiny had a strange twist from that of a Carnatic artist to that of a tinsel world actor. The Mahamaham was organized under the illustrious lawyer and cine-producer K. Subramaniam. It was his wife S.D. Subbulakshmi, also a friend of Shanmughavadivu, who recommended a performance slot for MS. Reluctantly he agreed to it. But to his surprise the audience were so enthralled by the MS' music, that a second slot was given to her, to satiate the musical appetite of the music. Later on Subramaniam even offered MS a role in his latest movie Sevasadanam. Her first movie "Sevasadanam" was released in 1938. MS Subbulakshmi also played the male role of Narada in "Savitri" (1941) to raise money for launching Kalki, her husband's nationalist Tamil weekly.

Her destiny in the following decade of her life was strangely nurtured in the world of cinema.MS started working on her first film in the year 1936. Throughout the next decade she was undoubtedly the leading star in the Tamil, on par with the established leading film actors like S.D. Subbulaksmi and K.P. Sunderambal. Strangely she acted in a total of five films spanning the entire decade. With every film being a super hit, that was enough to propel her to the status of a national celebrity. MS enthralled the audience by her mellifluous songs, which includes collections like Brukee Mukunde, Kaatriniyalae, that are mistakenly assumed today to be a part of Carnatic kritis.

Oddly three of her films were directed by an American director Ellis R. Dungan. It is hard to imagine today that an American, who hardly knew the language, could direct a movie in Tamil. MS's last film Meera was a phenomenal success in both its Tamil and Hindi version. MS status as the grand ambassador of Carnatic music was firmly enshrined in the era of independent India. She even represented India in the United Nations concert in 1966, which was her greatest international musical coup. One can categorize MS life into three distinct segments, first one under the guidance of her mother, second being the movie world and third of that of a nationally renowned Carnatic genius.

The movie had M.S Subbulakshmi. sing the famous Meera bhajans, with Dilipkumar Roy as the music director. Those renditions by M.S. continue to haunt listeners to this day. Following the success of the film she quit films and turned wholly to concert music.

PERSONAL LIFE:

In the year 1936, she met Sadasivam who was a freedom fighter and a follower of Rajaji.In 1940, she married T. Sadasivam,  He played a key role in advancing her career. He was a tall personable man with a can-do attitude. He was also married and the father of two children. Such was the man who was to change M.S.'s life for forever. With his wide connections in the journalistic and political world, he became instrumental in the continued success of her already flourishing career. Her implicit obedience to her husband, Sadasivam, who was the prime mover and her great devotion and dedication to music paved the way for her national and international fame and success. Insights are provided into how knowledgeably and well Sadasivam used to programme the songs for her concerts. Aside from her great music.

M.S.'s personal qualities, her kindness to children, her appreciation of other musicians, her respect for elders, her efficient home-making and wonderful hospitality. MS considered Sadasivam's daughters, Radha and Vijaya, as her own. She wouldn't tolerate labeling them as her step-daughter. The elder daughter Radha became the supporting voice in later part of MS's career.

She was affectionately called "Amu Paati" by the kids Radha, Viji and Thangam (Sadasivam's orphaned niece adopted by M.S). Her rendering of bhajans (devotional songs) was divine and used to enthrall and transfix listeners, and transport them into a different world. M.S. does not flinch from self-criticism.

 

What seems satisfactory while in the motion-charged stage ambiance is reviewed for improvements. She tells you that she had to work on 'varjaya' ragaas for easier control. At 80, one finds her still learning, rehearsing new pieces with note books balanced on Sruthi box. She added: "If I have done something in this respect, it is entirely due to the Grace of the Almighty who has chosen my humble self as a tool". Such was the greatness of her captivating voice. This is a divine gift. But she effectively used this gift to render the kritis of the Trinity and other composers with great feeling. Her sruti suddam is legendary. It is said that when practicing at home, on occasions, she would keep the tambura away, and take it back sometime later to ensure that she still maintained the sruti! Hearing her alapanas of Kambhodhi or Sankarabharanam is a delight in itself. The music of MS attracted the connoisseur as well as the lay person. She appealed to people with different feelings of appreciation.The fame of MS rests not in her music alone but in her services to humanity as well. she helped renovate the houses in which the great Trinity of Carnatic music were born in Tiruvarur in Tamil Nadu.

All great stories must come to an end. For MS, this end came with the demise of her husband Sadasivam, at the grand age of ninety five. MS, who was then around eighty two, was absolutely shattered by the loss.

HONOUR AND AWARDS:

MS Subbulakshmi received many honours and awards. She received a large number of awards during her career spanning more than 50 years. These include Padma Bhushan in 1954, Sangeetha Kalanidhi in 1968 (She was the first woman recipient of the title), Ramon Magsaysay award in 1974, the Padma Vibhushan in 1975, the Kalidasa Samman in 1988, the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration in 1990, and the Bharat Ratna in 1998. She was also honored as the court-singer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had this to say about MS.Subbulakshmi- "Who am I , a mere Prime Minister before a Queen, a Queen of Music ". While Lata Mangeshkar called her Tapaswini (the Renunciate), Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan termed her Suswaralakshmi (the goddess of the perfect note), and Kishori Amonkar labeled her the ultimate eighth note or Aathuvaan Sur, which is above the seven notes basic to all music. The great national leader and poet Sarojini Naidu called her "Nightingale of India". Her many famous renditions of bhajans include the chanting of Bhaja Govindam, Vishnu sahasranama (1000 names of Vishnu), Hari Tuma Haro and theVenkateswara Suprabhatam (musical hymns to awaken Lord Balaji early in the morning).

She was widely honored, praised and awarded. Some of them more popular ones include Padma Bhushan in 1954, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in     1956, Sangeetha Kalanidhi in 1968 (literally, Treasure Chest of Music. She was the first woman recipient of the title),Ramon Magsaysay award( often considered Asia's Nobel Prize) in 1974, the Padma Vibhushan in 1975, the Kalidas Samman in 1988, the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration in 1990, and the Bharat Ratna in 1998. She was also honored as the court-singer ofTirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) has installed a bronze statue of M.S. Subbulakshmi at the Poornakumbham circle in the temple town. It was unveiled by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy on 28 May 2006. MS was expanded to "Melody Supreme" by N. Pattabhiraman, the late editor of Sruti magazine of India.

 

 

The most famous Kancheepuram Saree shade known as MS Blue was created for her by the well known Congress party member and philanthropist, Sri Muthu Chettiyar when they met at the residence of Sri R. Aiyadurai and Smt. Thangam Aiyadurai at Lady Desikachari Road, Madras who were close friends of MS and Sadasivam.She was bestowed with enormous prize moneys with these awards, she donated most of them to charity. She has given more than 200 charity concerts and raised well over Rs. 10,000,000. She was awarded honorary degree degrees from several Universities.

She was conferred the degree of Doctor of Letters by many universities, including the Sri Venkateswara University (1971), Delhi University (1973), Benaras Hindu University (1980) and the University of Madras (1987). The Desihothama (doctoral degree) was conferred on her by the Viswa-Bharati University, Shantiniketan. She donated the money made from recordings and concerts to many causes. With her husband to guide her, M.S. raised crores of rupees for charity through her concerts. The first charity concert was for the Kasturba Memorial Fund in 1944. She was an ardent devotee of Kanchi Mahaswamigal and she rendered his composition Maithreem Bhajatha (O World! Cultivate peace) in her concert at the UN in 1966.

She donated many of the royalties on several best sold records to many charity organizations. Towards the end of each recital M.S. would sound the cymbals in eyes-closed concentration for the Rajaji hymn "Kuraionrum illai" (I have no regrets). It becomes obvious that for all the splendour of her music, it is her image as a saintly person which will probably endure for long, just as in the case of Meerabai. For, in the highest tradition of the Indian way of life, Subbulakshmi linked her art with the spiritual quest, where humility and perseverance assure the sadhaka of grace. Mahatma Gandhi, when told that MS had not learnt the famous bhajan. "Hari Tuma Haro" which he had requested her to sing in his prayer  meeting, said that it is enough for MS to speak the words even if she could not sing it.

President of India and the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu paid homage to the departed Bharat Ratna Tmt  MS Subbulakshmi, who had passed away on Saturday (11th December 2004) night.

CONCLUSION:

MS Subbulakshmi died on December 11, 2004 after a brief illness. But her great voicewould live for ever through the many recordings of her music.  A perceptive profile of Subbulakshmi states: "Success and fame bring in their train friends and adulation, as well as jealousy and carping critics. She has been paid the most extravagant tributes by musicians, scholars, high dignitaries of State."It is really tragic when things like these happen." I remark light-heartedly on how today some children are being dubbed prodigies by their parents and the media, with disillusionment coming later. The rich tradition of South Indian music is one of the worlds gems.  The high performance standards and the well organised theoretical foundation put it on par with anything that world has seen, either East or West. The rich legacy ofmusic that she gave us will live forever.

I join the millions of her admirers in paying my humble tribute to the great person.

 

About the Author

I , A.E Santhoshi Priya  pursuing my B.Tech from Information Technology Branch IIIrd  year in Malla Reddy  Group of Institutions (MRIET). this article is prepared under the guidance of our lecturer and H.O.D of H & S Department T. Naga Prasuna in MRIET. My hobbies are singing,listening to music and reading interesting books. Im going through my music classes from Smt. Revathy RatnaSwamy Garu, a 'A' grade singer. who was also a support to Smt. M.S Subbulakshmi Garu

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