She was one of the foremost musicians of her time, men included. She created a unique ‘bani’ carved out of her guru’s brilliance and embellished it with other facets. She was ranked as a very intelligent musician who innovated within the Carnatic construct. MLV would be 90 if she was amongst us. There is enough that she has left behind that can fill our hearts and minds as we reminisce.
In the 1950s, women were not making enough headway on the platform, save giants like MS and DKP. Each one had to choose a different path to limelight. MLV, who was under the tutelage of GNB, recorded timeless film songs that included ‘Aadum arul jothi’ (Meenda Sorgam), ‘Aadaatha manamumundo’ (Mannathi Mannan), ‘Ellam inbamayam’ (Manamagal) and ‘Aadal kaaniro’ (Madurai Veeran). These were composed in a classical mould (and for dance scenes) with opportunities to showcase the singer’s forte. No wonder these old songs are evergreen!
Rare raga forays
With her brisk, novel (by corollary, less traditional) and bold style, she forayed into the male bastion. MLV had a soft but facile and malleable voice that allowed her briga somersaults that only her guru could do. Without getting enslaved in that skill alone, she put other pillars around her music — a huge repertoire (she popularised many Purandaradasa and other Haridasa namas), laya expertise (complex pallavis), rare raga forays (MLV was the first to render RTPs in a large number of ragas, including asymmetric ones like Andolika, Abheri, Surutti, Sama and rarer ones like Revathi, Chandrajyoti etc.) and a vibrant concert tempo. It would have been unthinkable for an aspiring musician not to ‘ape’ her illustrious guru and pursue a modified eclectic path to eminence. One can only ascribe it to MLV’s supreme musical intelligence and conviction.
The MLV school is well established — thanks to her dedicated cultivation of young talent. Apart from the famous ones, MLV offered her home to many young students. It is heard that she even supported some of them financially (her own means were considered frugal).
Not one to seek attention or propaganda, she remained a private person leaving her music to tell her story, and how riveting that is! On occasions like the 90th year celebrations of MLV and the others, besides throwback memories, there is plenty to reflect upon. The one that appeals to me the most is the perfect blend of guru’s gift and god’s gift — learn and absorb, but present with a unique enduring charm. MLV reminds us of that, even GNB has reportedly complimented her for it.
The Thirukkural couplet — Magan Thandaikkatrum Udavi Ivan Thandai En Notran Kol Enum Sol ((Arathuppaal, couplet 70) — fits MLV perfectly when substituted with guru and disciple for father and son.