CHENNAI: When paying tribute to a legend, there’s always a full house in attendance. And Saturday evening’s homage to Carnatic great ML Vasanthakumari was no exception. Everyone from singer Aruna Sairam to danseuse Priyadarsini Govind were present at the event held at the Savera Hotel. Songs were sung. Memories were shared. And little known facts about MLV The One and Only, as is the title of Rupa Gopal’s new book were brought to life, via a comprehensive docu-film of MLV’s life and career.
While most fans can possibly hum every tune from her films (incidentally the evening began with a song from her first film Raja Mukthi) — how many can say they knew her to be an avid cricket fan?
“It’s taken more than six years to put this book together,” said Rupa Gopal, whose voice also led us through the documentary, showing clips from concerts, interviews on MLV with the late Mandolin Srinivas and disciples like Sudha Raghunathan.
As the evening progressed toward the chief guests saying a few words, most were eager to hear what Aruna Sairam, the most eminent Carnatic singer in the room, had to say. So of course, everyone was taken by surprise when she seemed to go off topic with, “Navarathri is over, Vijaya Dashami is finished, so is Ayudha Puja and Saraswathi Puja.” However, she added a moment later, “For me, today is Sarawathi Puja,” to a roar of applause.
Over 20 years may have passed since the singer’s demise in 1990, but as was evident from this recent gathering, her voice continues to live on within so many.