MSV Times | The Official Website of M.S.Viswanathan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Dec 28. The Culture Minister, G. Karthikeyan, presented the seventh Kamukara award to the noted music director, M.S.Viswanathan, at a colourful function here this evening.

Presenting the award, Mr. Karthikeyan said film music would continue to be a major factor in moulding the music appreciation skill of the masses. In spite of the change in the nature of film music due to external influences, film songs continued to be a dominating influence and would never decline, he said.

The award was instituted by the foundation formed to perpetuate the memory of the noted singer, Kamukara Purushothaman. The award comprises Rs. 25,000, a citation and a statuette designed by the artist, Bhattathiri.

Mr. Karthikeyan said the voice of Kamukara Purushothaman still haunted music buffs and would remain immortal. Other than Jesudas and Jayachandran, the voice of K.S. Chitra and young singers like Madhu Balakrishnan shaped the tastes of music buffs. Music can transcend linguistic barriers and can appeal to the minds without any intermediary, he said.

He said there had been a decline in the quality of lyrics and music similar to the fall in standards in other realms of life. "Fast music is in vogue, but still music has its own relevance". Mr. Viswanathan would always be remembered by Malayalis for the invaluable contributions he has made to Malayalam film music, he said.

Delivering the Kamukara memorial lecture, the noted poet, Ezhacherry Ramachandran, said the earnest efforts of musicians and artistes to enrich the life and thinking of the people were yet to yield the best results. The song, `Kannuneer thulliye...' rendered by Mr. Viswanathan reminded one of the increasing instances of victimisation of women, he said.

Malayalis can welcome Mr. Viswanthan only with a sense of pride. For, he has returned to his native land after establishing sway in different languages setting score for 1,750 films, he said. "Though I am an atheist, if anyone petitions God to give more chances to M.S. Viswanathan to complete 2,000 films, I would be the first to make the appeal," Mr. Ramachandran said.

Mr. Viswanathan, in his reply, said that a music director was one who understood the soul of the lyrics to set scores. A music director should also know how to behave properly giving due respect to his guru and peers, he said. Mr. Viswanathan had a word of praise for the family members of Purushothaman who have instituted an award in his honour.

K.S.Chitra and Madhu Balakrishnan who received the State awards were honoured at the function.

The organising committee chairman, G.C. Gopala Pillai, presided. The foundation president, D. Chandrasenan Nair, welcomed.

The organising committee member, Suresh Babu, proposed a vote of thanks. The function was followed by a ganamela of the songs of Mr.Viswanathan.

By Staff Reporter