book cover, Chitra Vernangal
, Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
there’s something in this song Manjal Prasadavum Nettiyil Charthi A certain freshness, innocence, that is timeless. Just like the singer who sang it.
Chitra had made her debut in Malayalam film music a few years ago, but this song NakhkshathangalTogether Come night, mother, From Panchagni, Both the songs were composed by veteran Bombay-based composer Ravi, who had made her debut in Malayalam, establishing her as a singer of rare quality. Over the next four decades, she became the female voice of South Indian film music. She also made her mark in Bollywood.
Through Chitra VernangalMusic critic Ravi Menon tells us how the singer has won over music lovers across the country with her sweet voice, extraordinary talent, disarming smile and modesty. Published by DC Books, the book is not a biography but primarily a collection of feature stories that the author has written over a long period of time. However, it is doubtful that the reader will find a more intimate, in-depth, insightful picture of the legendary singer anywhere else.
One of the reasons why Menon has become so popular as a writer on popular music is readability, which he achieves through simplicity and liberal use of anecdotes. You will find many such anecdotes Chitra Vernangal,
Through those stories, you will not only know about Chitra but also much more. You will know that one of her best songs Ariyathe Ariyathe (Oru Katha Oru Nunakatha) was born. If the wife of the film’s producer David Kachappilly had not hummed a Hindi song Raina (Introduction)Composer Johnson might not have tuned one of his best songs. And not Chitra’s either.
