ML Vasanthakumari’s melodious voice and innovative approach made his music unforgettable

She came, she sang, she conquered. July 3 Marx ML Vasantakumari (MLV) 97th Birth Anniversary. This is a good time to see the life and art of my guru and an extraordinary singer – a combination of the presence of Melody, scholarly and dynamic platform.

MLV was not only an expert in the song to both Shuda Carnatic Raga like Thodi and Bhairavi, but also the desi raga like Behar or Sindhubhairavi. He may have handled this talent with his father scholar Kothanur Ayaswami Iyer, who was trained in both Karnataka and Hindustani music. Along with his mother Lalithani, he also specialized in Purandaradas Critis. MLV followed the suit.

MLV expanded the list of inherited demonstrations by connecting compositions by Kanaka Dasa (disciple of Purandardasa) and other Das Cole musicians. It can be said that the family brought Dasrapadas to the concert stage. The University of Mysore accepted MLV’s efforts in this regard, which was the best for him for an honorary doctorate.

A versatile singer, MLV was quickly trained by anyone other than GN Balasubramaniam, who was also close to his father. This was GNB who boldly entered Hindustani and Nagasvaram Glides (Jaras), and Lightning-Fast Swara Cluster (Brighas) based in a new voice-culture. He carried forward his innovative outlook. She was one of the first Carnatic singers to sing Abhangas. Her Kacharis often felt nutritious with the inclusion of Padam, Javalis, Tevaram, Tirupugaz and complex RTP.

MLV carried forward the innovative style of GNB. Photo Credit: Hindu Archives

She was well known to introduce rare crites in each concert. Rasikas waited for breathing to listen to a new song, rare ragas such as Sekrachandrika, Gamansarama, Revathi and Natabharev, a Pallavi or a Purandaradasa Ragamalika in a difficult setting. He also enjoyed the rhymes presented by him.

MLV was courageous as a singer. For example, at the Sangeet Kalanidhi concert at the Sangeet Academy in 1977, he boldly handled a difficult Panch Nadai (five varieties of Tal) Pallavi and performed it beautifully. His singing also praised one of the fastest critics of that time – Sabbudu (PV Subramaniam).

Singer with Ms. Subbulakshmi | Photo Credit: Hindu Archives

I started learning from MLV in 1963 at the age of 12. My mother Almelu Vishwanathan took me to her house. The singer was then getting ready for a concert. I was funny by Germ (As I used to call him) personality. She was wearing a beautiful silk saree, diamond year studs and stone-ambed gold bangles. Her long oil hair was neatly hanging and adorned with aromatic jasmine. He heard me singing a small work, stopped for a moment and accepted me as his disciple. My mother was very happy. As a teacher, he was a cheerful-cosmic nature. This was a 27 -year long association between Guru and Sisya.

The music of MLV was different from his contemporaries – DK Pattammal and MS Subbulakshmi. Although MLV was smaller than the other two legends, she reached great heights and all three were referred to as ‘Women’s Trinity of Karnataka music’. He began his career as Gramophone-Cords sensations and gained unprecedented popularity in the early 20th century. MLV was just 12 years old when she cut off her first vinyl with ‘Sarsija Nabha Murare’ (Charuksi, Swati Tirunal). Later, all three participated in singing for cinema, acted with MS as well.

For MLV, he sang for the top heroines of the time, including Padmini, who was also her neighbors. Both shared a warm relationship.

MLV divided its time between Cacris, Travels and Studio Recording. One often saw him practicing during or in a short time of his traffic. Despite her busy schedule, she was always available for her Sishyas, voluntarily sharing her knowledge and guiding her.

When I was following my BA in music at Queen Mary College, my HOD, Mrs. Parvati Narayanan taught us Muthuswamy Dixit’s ‘Mr. Vishwasam’, 14-Rag Magnum Ops (Chatur Das Ragamalika). That evening, I showed my guru signaling. He sang me some parts and asked me with enthusiasm where I got it. She said that she had been searching for this authentic version for years. ‘I thank you for this gift,’ he said, telling me that I should continue to gather more such gems and I did so.

The music of MLV was three dimensions – he was a great voice, a creative mind and a generous heart.

The author is an experienced Karnataka singer.