Why This Kolaveri Di? – The Magic Wand or Magical Wind?

Nowadays, this questioning song is on the tip of everyone’s tongue, be it a small KG-going kid or an old person crossed his/her 80s. In those days India is facing the burning issues pertaining to provincial borders. It is surprising that this ‘Tanglish’ (Tamil+English) music proved like a cool breeze to be blown on such painful and igniting wounding issues in India and people seem united in heart and soul to sing this song forgetting the sociopolitical disputes and barriers of languages. Once again music has proved its supremacy over the geographical differences. The magical wind of this song has blown overseas and the craze of this song has spread upon the globe!

This ‘musical recipe’ is cooked by Dhanush and it was a sheer coincidence or accident to present it in the form of music. Dhanush was murmuring this song when his wife Aishwarya (daughter of Superstar Rajanikanth) who was explaining him about a scene of the shot of the upcoming Tamil movie Moonu (which means ‘Three’) and his musical words struck to Aishwarya’s mind. She was searching for such a song which would express the lovelorn lover’s feelings. Moreover, music director Anirudh Ravichander immediately composed music for this song that was recorded in the voice of Dhanush in the studio during 2 AM at night.

In this song Anirudh is seen playing on key-board. The video also shows Dhanush, Aishwarya Dhanush and Shruti Hassan. This team did not intend to market this song and thereby make it a hit. This song is composed within 20 minutes and this fast-food recipe really proved tasty and worked the magic and made wonders. Dhanush himself admits that this song carries meaningless words and he also humbly says that he is not a good singer and his voice has certain deficiencies which proved useful for this song. However, considering the received fame and success of this song, we must say that apart from being an actor, Dhanush has certain singing talent too.

This song received more than ten million and twenty hundred thousand hits within a few days! Hence, no wonder if this song is regarded as one of the 5 most popular songs of the world. The song proves like a magic wand or touchstone which can make famous even its remakes as such remakes in the form of dance or music are getting overwhelming responses on the youtube as well as on social networking sites. ‘Kolaveri’ is indeed a record-breaking and history-making song! Many a congrats to Dhanush, Aishwarya and the rest of the team for their gorgeous and surprising success!


Author: Dipak Jain (c) by IsaiArangam
Dipak Jain (from Maharashtra state, India) is a content writer. He believes ‘pen is mightier than sword’. He looks at life as a philosopher. He thinks that unlike other animals, the man is ignorant in born, knows nothing but to cry. The man has to identify his knack/skills, polish them and attain his final goal of life as self-actualization. Dipak has done post graduation in English ‘n American Literature. He is a litterateur, journalist, cartoonist and logo designer. His ideals are Walt Disney, R.K. Narayan (an Indian writer), and R.K. Laxman (an Indian cartoonist). To Dipak, music is his one of the basic needs.


Rhythm Is Necessary In Every Walk Of Life!

The Greek meaning explains the word ‘rhythm’ as a ‘measured motion’. In rhythm, there is certain regular fall and rise in the cadence of the poem. The steady or unsteady, even or uneven beat makes the rhythmic movement which can be in the form of regular repetition of stressed as well as weak syllables in the poetic composition. However, this rhythm is not restricted to the poetry. We can apply it to everywhere in the universe. Indeed, rhythm is necessary in every walk of life!


You will find rhythm everywhere when you observe the things carefully with a poetic mind! There is regular invisible rhythm in the movement of the universe. The sun travels from east to west in a specific speed which we measure in 24 hours. There is no delay in the sun’s ‘space-voyage’ and this gives rise to the rhythmic events of days and nights. Moreover, there is smooth transition of seasons that we observe in the Nature like summer, spring, winter and monsoon. Seasons come and go at their specific times decided by Nature. Hence, the waterfalls charm us in rainy seasons when they fall from certain height with a force in even as well as uneven streams. Their currents run rhythmically with regular rhythmic voice. The rhythmic dancing of daisy flowers with the blowing breeze not only delights the heart but also pleases the eyes of the watcher. The sea waves evenly spread themselves across the beach and recede rhythmically one after another. Their musical sound tells us the gravity and unfathomable depth of the sea.

The train runs on the iron tracks with certain regular jerks and you must have experienced these rhythmic jerks while observing through the open window the running trees behind at a distance and the wind biting your face. The woodpecker constantly probes the hard trunk of the tree and makes a hole. His rhythmic tickling succeeds the woodpecker to accomplish his job of building his habitat. The performers in the circus take swings, jump in the air, hold each other’s hand and stand on the suspending pole placed high in the tent. What would happen if the train misses the rhythmic movement, the woodpecker loses the rhythmic tickling and the performer misses the timely swing? Indeed, rhythm is necessary for safe and successful life. There are many examples in our daily routine that confirm the necessity of rhythm in life. We breathe regularly, evenly and unevenly through trachea or windpipe. Isn’t it the rhythm of life?  Without rhythm life would become simply like a prose….dull, dreary and dizzy!!



Author: Dipak Jain (c) by IsaiArangam
Dipak Jain (from Maharashtra state, India) is a content writer. He believes ‘pen is mightier than sword’. He looks at life as a philosopher. He thinks that unlike other animals, the man is ignorant in born, knows nothing but to cry. The man has to identify his knack/skills, polish them and attain his final goal of life as self-actualization. Dipak has done post graduation in English ‘n American Literature. He is a litterateur, journalist, cartoonist and logo designer. His ideals are Walt Disney, R.K. Narayan (an Indian writer), and R.K. Laxman (an Indian cartoonist). To Dipak, music is his one of the basic needs.


Music, the elixir of life!

Music is the living force, nay, life becomes bearable because of music. Without music, life would have simply become a barren desert, an infertile land. There would be hardly any man who feels allergic to music. Music means rhythm and this rhythm is seen in the movement and sound. The life begins with the rhythmic movement of heart beats and pulse. The crying baby returns to silence and goes into deep sleep with pleasure when the cradle rocks rhythmically or when the mother sings some melodious lullaby. Although, the child cannot understand the meaning of the words, yet the sweet cadence of the lullaby soothes it.

If the infants are moved with the cradlesong, what to say of the elder people? Indeed, we also tap unknowingly when we listen to a musical song even of some foreign language. It is the magic of music that brings out the mesmerizing effect on the listener. Our poignant feelings when expressed through lyrics, they become a poetic creation and give an outlet to the innermost suppressed feelings in the form of music. This music charms the people of all ages, caste and creed. This universal appeal of music makes us aware of the unity or commonness among all human beings.

Music makes us to understand that we are one in feelings and emotions. What the singer feels is the mutual feeling of the common man. Indeed, in this sense, music binds all the people of the world emotionally. Even the sad feelings or bitter experiences when expressed through poetic words, soothe us and we ‘enjoy’ even the sadness. That is why melancholic songs appeal the human heart. John Keats’ expression ‘Our sweetest songs are those that tell us saddest things’ confirms this fact. Hence, hopefully, there would be no argument to agree unanimously that without music life would be simply unbearable. Indeed, music is the breath of life or the elixir of life!



Author: Dipak Jain (c) by IsaiArangam
Dipak Jain (from Maharashtra state, India) is a content writer. He believes ‘pen is mightier than sword’. He looks at life as a philosopher. He thinks that unlike other animals, the man is ignorant in born, knows nothing but to cry. The man has to identify his knack/skills, polish them and attain his final goal of life as self-actualization. Dipak has done post graduation in English ‘n American Literature. He is a litterateur, journalist, cartoonist and logo designer. His ideals are Walt Disney, R.K. Narayan (an Indian writer), and R.K. Laxman (an Indian cartoonist). To Dipak, music is his one of the basic needs.


Kelungal Kedhaaram

Ennavale adi ennavale en idhayathai tholaithu vitteyn- an A.R.Rehman hit in the film Kaadhalan thrills…..Sundari neeyum sundaran nyaanum serndhidum naal thiruvonam- an Illayaraaja hit in the movie Michael madana kaamarajan enthralls…..Idhu oru ponmaalai pozudhu in the movie Nizalgal mesmerizes……. Such is the splendor….so is the beauty of the Raaga Kedhaaram these songs are tuned in…..

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A derivative (Janya Raagam) of the 29th Melakartha raaga Deerasankaraabharanam in the 72 Melakartha raaga system of Carnatic music, the Raagam by structure stirs the subtle spiritual love (Bhakti) though a bit passionately giving a touch of Veera Rasam (valour).

Endowed with an Aarohanam (ascending notes) S M1 G3 M1 P N3 S and Avarohanam (descending notes) S N3 P M1 G3 R2 S R2 G3 S, the Raagam suits the expression of intimate romantic emotions in movie songs.

The Raagam Kedhaar popular in Hindusthaani music is totally different from Carnatic Kedhaaram. Ananda natanaprakaasam by Deekshithar, Rama nee pai tanaku, a Tyaagaraaja Swami composition, Tyaagaraaja Gurum, a M.D. Ramananathan composition and Sakalakalavaneeye are popular compositions in this Raagam. The famous Navaragamaalika (Nine Raagaa composition) Valachi varnam of Patnam Subramania Iyer starts with Kedhaaram.

However, the number of both classical and movie compositions is not numerous on account of the limitations in raaga elaboration and similarity with nearby popular Raagams like Sankarabharanam. The Raagam expresses a subtle serenity wrapped in a carpet of simplicity. The Raagam can be experienced best through instrumental music especially between 6 pm to 8 pm. So, when you hear Ennavale adi ennavale en idhayathai tholaithu vitteyn or Sundari neeyum sundaran nyaanum be sure to remember Kedhaaram as their melody aadhaaram (basis).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4hcmbcR0Eo

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Prof. Ramanan is a Writer/Editor and Proofreader working for a Medical Translation company in China and for several Journals of Nursing in the US. Further, he had been consultant writer for a parenting blog from Hartford and an Ergonomic website from Texas.

Beside this, he also owns and operates a company called “Elementum”. Due to his huge interest in Carnatic Music he is currently providing IsaiArangam with a article every 2 weeks for ‘Innisai Payanam’ and ‘Ean Ethatku?’.

Why Does Healthy Fight And Competition Among The Musicians Necessary?

The Biblical reference says that ‘God helps them who help themselves.’ This does not mean that you should achieve your goal, by hook or by crook. Sadly speaking, there is a common trend of ‘leg-pullers’ or ‘back-stabbers’ growing in the music industry. The hidden fear out of envy for other’s growing popularity makes them feel insecure, and they try to ‘scissor’ the career of the person in screen. However, making stumbling blocks in the way of the rising talent cannot succeed them. The truth always prevails and triumphs!

Do not forget that the age-old wisdom ‘united, we stand; divided, we fall’ is the all time truth. Togetherness is growth. You cannot gain the success on your own or being alone selfishly. There is someone behind everyone’s success, be it the father, son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, friend, neighbor or even your competitor. Remember, no complete artwork is possible without unified efforts. It is an undeniable fact that the Muse blesses the poet who is selfless and true to his artwork as well as friendly with other companions. So be compassionate to your companions or competitors, they will surely stand by you at some point in your way to success. Hence, help others along with yourself, and it doubles the chances of sure success.

We are ‘human’ beings with ‘humidity’ to each other and with no dry feelings. Even if you think or afraid of helping a wrong person, leave it to the God! It is the Almighty who will count and calculate the person’s wrong doings and treat him/her on the Judgment Day. You just go on doing well for one and all. After all, as you sow, so you reap! Of course, the negative feelings of envy or hatred are there within us, because we are the living things with flesh and blood! However, we should not let these feelings overpower us. Here lies our nobility, honesty and benevolence. The values of life are the gems of one’s personality that adorn one’s own life and build the character. No matter if you are a musician or physician by profession, you should love your competitor. Remember that the successful musicians with character receive the appraisal and become ideals for the rest of the world. Won’t you like to be counted among one of them?

All the Holy Scriptures say ‘love your enemy’. However, your competitor is not your enemy, but a ‘complete-tutor’. He can be looked upon as a Guru, who helps you in judging your own qualities, shedding your (demerits) lacunas and polishing your abilities with which you can surpass all. The competitor is the milestone that tells you how much you have covered so far, and how much remained the distance to reach your destination. Your strife is not with the others, but with your own. Fight for the goodness. The struggle between good and bad is perpetual, and it has been there since time immemorial. Listen to the angel within you and ignore the evil. You will surely top the position with name and fame. Remember, the topper is uncommon because his deeds outshine, uplift and place him above all.

Bear it in your mind, life is like a piano, with black as well as white keys. The negative, bad feelings and bad experiences are black keys, whereas the positive, good feelings and good experiences are the white keys. Both keys when played in combination we have the sweet melody of life. You have to prove yourself as the best and not the others as the worst. The audience is the judge; let them do their duty. You just perform the best. Think that if there were no crowd; how can you be recognized as outstanding or unique face in the crowd? In this sense, the crowd of other competitors works as the background.

Of course, there should be competition, but it should be healthy one. There is a sharp difference between competition and conflict. The conflict ruins us, giving no output but damage instead. The competition stimulates us to go ahead and lead. It is the driving force that keeps us moving on and on. Hence, the fierce the competition, the forceful and excellent performance will be. Nevertheless, Alexander has said, “I believe in winning the war and not the fights!” Remember, he laughs best who laughs last! If today is not yours, and you are nothing for the world, believe in God and yourself and go on helping fellow-mates or competitors, and tomorrow is yours for sure!



Author: Dipak Jain (c) by IsaiArangam
Dipak Jain (from Maharashtra state, India) is a content writer. He believes ‘pen is mightier than sword’. He looks at life as a philosopher. He thinks that unlike other animals, the man is ignorant in born, knows nothing but to cry. The man has to identify his knack/skills, polish them and attain his final goal of life as self-actualization. Dipak has done post graduation in English ‘n American Literature. He is a litterateur, journalist, cartoonist and logo designer. His ideals are Walt Disney, R.K. Narayan (an Indian writer), and R.K. Laxman (an Indian cartoonist). To Dipak, music is his one of the basic needs.


Silirkum Sivaranjani

Kannum Kannum Kollai Adithaal Kaadhal Enru Artham- an electric and ecstatic composition of A.R.Rehman in the movie Thirudaa Thirudaa is also an eclectic piece where one finds eccentric elements from Western and Indian Classical music. Read More

Hamsadhwani

When I first attended a concert of Flute Ramani sir, I was spellbound by his mastery over the craft. He began the concert with a kirti in the raagam Hamsadhwani, the very famous “Vatapi Ganapathim Bhaje’ham” composed by Dikshitar. That is what established my strong emotional association with Hamsadhwani. I was so captivated by the pleasantness of the raagam and also the musical eloquence with which Ramani sir delivered it that, to this day Hamsadhwani remains one of my all time favourites.

Hamsadhwani is an audava raagam (what we call a pentatonic scale in Western) and is a janya (derivative scale) of Shankarabharanam. It does not feature Madhyamam and Dhaivatham in its aarohana avarohana structure.

Technically, it could be derived from any Melakartha raagam that contains R2, G3 and N3 though as legacy dictates, Shankarabharam takes up the parental role officially. In fact, the raaga-lakshanas in the Hindustani version of the raagam has substantial shades of Kalyani in it. Hamsadhwani is one popular raagam that is usually sung at the beginning of a concert as it easily lends to setting up the mood of the katcheri. And since it is customary for us to start things with a pillayaar suzhi, we invaribaly find a myriad of kirtis on Lord Ganesha tuned in this raagam. Vatapi Ganapathim, Vinaayaka, and Gam ganapathe are only a few examples.

A raagam as light as Hamsadhwani takes no time in breaching the contours of carnatic music to enter the world of film music. Given the easy appeal that the raagam has, it is not suprising to see that a lot of composers have tried their hands at it.

Suppose unna – Sukran

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXdy3sjTfOk

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It never really struck me as to what raagam this funny song could be based on until I listened to the aakarams towards the end of the song which came as a revelation. That it was penned, composed and sung by the debutant music director Vijay Antony is credit-worthy.

Vellai pookkal – Kannathil Muthamittal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjMs_imWkFM

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This other song from ARR’s stable from the movie Kannathil Muthamittal won the national award for best music and best lyrics and is a pure and westernized version of the raagam. I found the guitar work in the song awesome.

Mayile mayile un thogai enge – Kadavul amaithu vaitha medai

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkPxPKO0vUc

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This song from an obscure movie is one of the few Hamsadhwani’s that IR has given us. Recently, I read in a magazine about a heroine complaining that unlike in Hollywood where actresses get more career defining roles as they age, the Tamil film industry does not cast women beyond a certain age as heroines while the men continue to play the eternal college-going rogue even at 70. But after watching Sumitra in this video, I think we were much far ahead of Hollywood in this aspect those days. Now it’s the competition that’s throwing the older women out and not the discrimination :P

Ok let’s get back on track now. This particular song also seems to have inspired music director Bharadwaj that he gave us a song “Imaikkatha vizhiyum” in the movie Kadhal.com. Even though the songs do not have a striking similarity, the female singers’ voices (Jency and Madhumitha respectively) do – both sound like they are still into their adolescence.

My general feeling is that usually when a song is set in a pentatonic scale like Hamsadhwani or Mohanam, there is ample scope for composers to deviate from the original scale for many reasons. It could be situational or simply to add cosmetic beauty or whatsoever. So, it is my perception that we may not find as many songs in such scales in its purest form as we find in diatonic scales (sampoorna raagams like Kalyani).

Sri ranga ranga – Mahanadhi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYkyWAwfINU

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This excellent number from the movie Mahanadhi, composed by IR is one such song where there is a usage of D2 in the second line of the Pallavi,  a minor deviation from the composition but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful. It is still a wonderful Hamsadhwani in all respect. And yeah try replacing the D2 with N3 and I bet you’ll still find it beautiful.

Some of the songs of IR in Hamsadhwani sound very similar to each other. For example, “Malargale” from the movie ‘Kizhakke Pogum Rail’ has an almost exact starting line as “Poomudithu Pottu vaitha vatta nila” from  ‘En purushan enakku mattum thaan’.

ARR has made a couple of  other feeble attempts to give us a momentaneous glimpse of Hamsadhwani in the songs: Thirakkatha Kaattukkulle (En swasa katre) which has generous usages of M1, D2 and G2 all through the song, and Theekkurivi (Kangalal Kaithu Sei), both of which, nonetheless, are amazing compositions.

Theekkurivi – Kangalal Kaithu Sei

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-gKENfRMxc

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Do you have more to share? Maneuver to the comments section, now!

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Author: Murali (c) by IsaiArangam
Murali Rangarajan is an amateur flautist and music enthusiast and is an electronics engineer by profession. Hailing from the rock city of Tiruchirappalli, his tryst with music began towards the end of his ninth grade when he learnt keyboard and guitar which introduced him to the world of Western music. It was not until the age of eighteen that Murali started appreciating Carnatic music and he learnt flute for about three years from a disciple of the great Dr. N. Ramani. He also has learnt vocal music for some time though it has been subject to incessant discontinuities. Murali idolizes Ilayaraaja and is also a great fan of Kamal Hassan. Apart from music, Murali’s interests include movies, blogging, traveling, solving puzzles and reading books on astronomy and theoretical physics.Murali Rangarajan is an amateur flautist and music enthusiast and is an electronics engineer by profession. Hailing from the rock city of Tiruchirappalli, his tryst with music began towards the end of his ninth grade when he learnt keyboard and guitar which introduced him to the world of Western music. It was not until the age of eighteen that Murali started appreciating Carnatic music and he learnt flute for about three years from a disciple of the great Dr. N. Ramani. He also has learnt vocal music for some time though it has been subject to incessant discontinuities. Murali idolizes Ilayaraaja and is also a great fan of Kamal Hassan. Apart from music, Murali’s interests include movies, blogging, traveling, solving puzzles and reading books on astronomy and theoretical physics.

Hypnotic Hindholam

My close friend Mr.Srinivas has the nice habit of analyzing Carnatic Raagaas in movie songs. He recently brought to discussion an A.R.Rehman hit Maargazhi Poove Maargazhi Poove in the movie May Maadham. Read More

Exotic Maandu

Sowkiyama Kanney Sowkiyama…..Sowkiyama Kanney Sowkiyama…….an A.R.Rehman composition from the movie Sangamam is a piece par excellence in the Raagam Maandu.

Read More

Mayamalavagowlai

Mayamalavagowlai, a pazhamaivaaintha (ancient) raagam, must be one of the most familiar raagams among the common rasikas I guess. You would’ve definitely heard about it even if your only association with carnatic music is that you have a sibling who learnt carnatic vocals for a couple of months. Read More