The season of 2022 began with Sanjay's 5th edition of Thamizhum Naanum. It has become a signature concert for the city's music aficionados. As usual, the "Men in White" greeted us with the light focusing on Sanjay. Along with Varada and Venkatesh, we had Bangalore Rajasekhar at Morsing this year. It has become routine to see him or his sister at his concerts. The hall was packed and perhaps reflected the eagerness of the rasikas after the Covid scene.
Papanasam Sivan's "Tatvamariya tarama" welcomes us in Reetigwlai. He played with swarams at "Mathisekaran magane" and indulged in post-Diwali fireworks for more than 10 minutes. He ended the song again at "Ganapate" and looked at Venkatesh to get his approval! He followed it with a Kanakangi of "Ullam urugi' of Suddhananda Bharati.
But my favourite is the Begada. After a long time, Sanjay gave us a fabulous rendition. We were more used to Muthiah Bhagavathar's "Yarukkum adangatha neeli'. This time, it was "Karunai Thanthennai" of Chidambara Bharathi. Varada gave a superlative support and with the even matching, it was a treat for the rasikas.
After saveri of "Velayya" by Koteeswara Iyer, Neelambari took centre stage. The composition was Anai Ayya's "Kaana kannayiram". There is something about the Neelambari that lulls you. With the air conditioning at full blast, we were taken to a different world. The only thing we could do was to close our eyes and allow ourselves to be transported.
What is a concert without Hindolam? Arunachala Kavi's "Ramanukku mannan" from his magnum opus "Rama Natakam" came to life. Venkatesh listens to Sanjay as if he is singing it for the first time and dindicates his approval. With Sanjay looking at either side and ensuring they approve, it is a visual treat for us in addition to the auditory feast!
Then came the RTP. Guess which ragam was taken for it. Tilang. Yes, you heard it right! This is the first time I heard Thalaivar do an RTP in this. But who are we to say no to his choice? After a great alapana with lilting Hindustani flavour and thanam where Varada showed his viruosity, the pallavi lines were brought to life. Tiruvalluvar's "Kuzhal inithu yazh inithu enbar..." were the chosen words. We were treated to a ragamalika of Ananda Bhairvai, Sahana and Sindhu Bhairvai for more than 15 minutes.
When rasikas were expecting Periyazhvar's "Pallandu" in Nattai, Sanjay read our minds, declared it a no ball and took us to "Vanna Madangal" in Mohanam, Kanada and Hamsanandhi. With its charm, Mohanam brought us into a joyful atmosphere.
Almost in every concert of his, rasikas keep asking him to sing "Thunbam nergaiyil". Here too, he obliged without any of us directly asking. This is an immortal song by Bharatidasan set to Desh first sung by Dhandapani Desikar. We can hear it any number of times without a single worry in the world. Varada's violin danced here. There is a joy when the entire team brings so much happiness. That's what we can observe with the men in white. Everyone encouraged each other, gave space and came together in glorious harmony.
After Bharatidasan, Sanjay went to his guru Subrahmanya Bharathi choosing his "Ninnaye rathi" set to his favourite ragam Bageshri. This is Bharati's part of Kannama songs (Some say he addressed them to his wife Chellamma). Whoever it is, Sringara rasam at its best
Annamali Reddiyar's kavadi chintu reverberated into a fast beat. Rajasekhar's morsing supported brilliantly with Venkatesh here. Sanjay turned back and looked at Rajasekhar either to seek his support or encourage him. The entire quartet sand in unison. The majestic Jonpuri came in the form of "Eppo varuvaro". My mother used to say that this song was meant only for Madurai Mani Iyer. I have heard his nephew the great T.V.Sankaranarayanan sing this. But there is something when our captain does. He is able to figure out something there. Perhaps, it is something he got from KSK?
When Sanjay started Madhyamavati "vazhiya senthamizh", I started standing up and was immediately greeted with nasty looks of neighbouring aunties urging me to enjoy some more minutes too! Sanjay has begun this season with a sixer. We can't wait to hear what is in store for us.
