SPB50 Malaysia Concert 1st October 2016 Part 1

Hi

My Dear #SPB50 audience the world tour started with our first show on August 14, 2016 at Markham Fair Grounds , Toronto Canada. We were in discussion with many of the countries. In meantime our Malaysia show was finalized with Swaralaya Manivannan spearheading with the support of Dato RA  Kantharao.

Myself and Prakash (a very hardworking, dedicated member of the Team CFW)  both of us landed on 29th September 2016 morning in the Kuala Lumpur Malaysia by Flight no MH 181 and by the time we reached the Seri Pacific Hotel and checked into the rooms it was already  2 pm in the afternoon. We were searching for a place to eat finally found Hyderabad House had biryani and walked back to the hotel. 

The location of the hotel is in the main city Jalan Putra, Kuala Lumpur and it's exactly opposite Sunway Putra Mall, as you overlook from the hotel lobby you see an overhead bridge  a pedestrian walkway which is beautifully decorated with plants. There are two metro stations near to the hotel PWTC LRT and Putra both are about 3 minutes walk. They both will take you to the middle of the city The mind was already working on something as the team will arrive in the evening by flight no MH 183 between 9-10. 

Prior to the arrival the same evening, we have a Press conference organised by the local promoter to be addressed by SPB and SP Shailaja, they would arrive from the airport earlier than the Musicians. The team was under the able guidance of SP Charan and his better half Aparna Ganti were in the airport supporting the musicians who generally carry a lot of luggage that includes instruments and personal belongings. Next day was the pre-show rehearsals they did not want to mess or miss anything in the Airport.






The Team Arriving in Kuala Lumpur Airport

The Charan taking selfie of the team in the back ground 

The team arrived in the lobby of the hotel there was a lot of chatter the first word when I met them was what is the WIFI password that's it all of them logged in and immediate communication to their loved ones, friends and group with selfies and location was sent " I HOPE". I  had come early had a chat with the hotel and did an early check in, collected the Key-cards for all the rooms, had done allocation as per the list, called the roomie list gave the Key-cards,   all of them then checked into their rooms to their surprise SOUTH INDIAN Meals ready for them this was organised locally from SARAVANA BHAVAN. The fun was of course at its best our team of musicians consisted of seasoned travelers who have been doing shows with SPB for almost 20 years and some were new bees who had their first VISA stamp on the passport.  The excitement was on  for the whole evening some went for a walk, some went back to room to write musical notes for the next day rehearsals.  The team before coming to Kuala lumpur had done rehearsals in Chennai on 27th and 28th September 2016.

The action was all centered in one room  0919 this is  where the CFW team met for everyday planning  and what for the next day.  In the same hotel we had SPB on 26th floor, on 24th floor we had SP Shailaja, Shweta Menon.  Oh I forget to Introduce to the CFW Team CEO - SP Charan, Stage and event Co ordination - OmPrakash Nanabala, Technical Support - Veeraraghavulu,  Food  and Celebrities support  - Aparna Ganti, Singers and Musicians Co ordination  - SP Chandrasekhar, Accommodation, Transportation and Stills thats me.

We have  a challenge with our CEO he is a perfectionist he wants everything to be perfect, for us we know its good yet we know the challenges, luckily even his wife operates on the same platform. so you can understand the team vs management LOL. The days are short and evening are long, lot of work to be done, the biggest challenge is, we want to do a lot of things, yet no control. The provision for us from pin to plane is with the local promoters, organizers and coordinators, between them and us we play hide and seek, we ask, they vanish and then we are fending for ourselves and exploring what to do.

The rehearsal is on the next day 30th September 2016 at Hall  little away from the hotel provided by the organizers, where we had to ensure that the last minute preparations were done with exchange of musical notes, correction of some notations and some last minute details which would make a difference in the song when  performed live in the concert. The arrival of SPB into the hall created a lot of energy with his light hearted chat with his team. He is ready to take suggestion, make improvisations, retakes OMG its beyond expressions.  I am awestruck he has been singing for about 50 years now and his dedication, effort to make sure that the song is not just near to perfection but going beyond.  I have not found the words in the dictionary or sentences to express the experience of listening to him in person. I would here like to share that his better half Smt SP Savitri always enjoys his rehearsal rather than the program most of the time she is lost in the crowd and noise.

What an impact during the rehearsals, you will wonder  how the entire musicians and other singers, who are sitting in the hall, waiting for their turn to rehearsal are immersed in his voice, enjoy and forget they have to rehearse and produce a similar effect.  Did i forget to tell you who is there in rehearsals, Let me introduce the team of Malaysia Concert  #SP Balasubrahmanyam, #SP Shailaja, #SP Charan, #Swetha menon(Mohan), #Anand Aravindakshan, Chorus - Swagatha, Charumathi Pallavi,   Musicians - Lead Guitar - Stephan Mangalraj, Bass Guitar - Caleb Caruso, Keyboard - Chinna, Keyboard - Deena Devarajan, Keyboard- Praveen Nallan Chakravarthy, Tabla - Jaipal Raj, Tabla  - Suresh Raman, Flute - Satish Apparao, Pads - Swamiji, Drummer - Arunkumar, Sound Engineer - Girish, Pro tools - SP Chandrasekhar. In mean time me and Aparna are waiting for Coffee its already 4.30 pm some eyes are searching, I walkout in search at the same time I  see that Dato Kantha Rao has organised for the same. A quick break for all,  Coffee and tea is served looks like another hour of work , I need to go back to the Hotel to care of the next days arrangement.

  

30th September 2016 evening all of us return to the Hotel, CFW team is running around to complete the errands, food arrives, water arrives,  all these have to be sent to the room, whats-app message is sent for all informing the food status. Charan is completing the last minute details for the Final song-list to be printed and given to the entire team. He is also finalizing the run-order a very  important format in the concert, this gives a clarity and also ensures smooth functioning during show.  The time is about 10 pm in the night we are late for dinner its getting cold  yet the lots of things to do , the pressure of doing the show. We have a quick chat with Swaralaya Manivannan and Dato Kantha rao about the show and ensure that there are no Hiccups there are internal challenges with promoters and we are sorting them one by one. Its already 2.30 am pretty cold outside we need to hit the bed,  tomorrow the D day ( Designated day)

Continued in part II

SPB50 Malaysia Concert 1st October 2016 Part 11

1st October 2016 morning 7.30 am location ZENDE Restaurant on the ground floor all musicians have come for breakfast. The entire team has to have breakfast and should be ready to board the bus for the VENUE to do Sound Check before the final show.  The team is waiting time is 9.30 am waiting no vehicle arrives, the wait is getting on the nerves  not because its  late, there is so much to do before the show, 11.30 am  finally we leave for the Venue,  The reality check says its all getting ready, the stage is set, with the backdrop being done, Our musicians get on to the stage to set up their placement and instruments  the lightman is arranging focus lights on each of them. Girish is setting up his sound check for each of the Instruments and also the singers.

Sound check begins  in the due course of time about 1.30 lunch arrives, All the musicians and CFW crew break for lunch there is space enough only for 6 people to sit and eat.  We do get our South Indian  Vegetarian  meals, post lunch everyone is back on the stage for rehearsals. Sound check is done by Charan for all the singers mikes in meantime Veera, Chandu and Prakash set up their work for the program. By 4 pm all of them retire and prepare for the final show.

The Stage

The Show begins at 6 pm with local singers belt out some of the popular tamil songs. The audience slowly begin to trickle into the stadium. I find a que in front of the enterance when I peep outside to check the status. Most of the people have come in groups hence there is a bonhomie as some meet and greet after a long time.  There is still settling down happening audience searching for their seats and flashes of bright smiles and greetings are exchanged.

Badminton Stadium

7 pm 1st October 2016 The Stadium Badminton Cheras Kuala Lumpur Malaysia the audience are waiting 7.15 pm SPB arrives amidst applause, curiosity and urge to see and hear him echos the stadium with chanting SPB SPB SPB.  Manivannan  walks on to the stage this is man who has been running pillar to post to get this up and running he announces the show, Charan quickly addresses  on the walkie talkie  to start the  SPB50 AV there is a pin drop silence engulfing the auditorium to watching the LED SCREEN. A garland of songs and his pictures with his collegues make the audience go raving with praises. 

Swaralya Manivannan begins from  Rajinikanth starrer Movie Annamalai (1992) "Kondayil Thazaam poo"  with Swagatha, Swagatha then introduces the next singer Anand Aravindakshan  to sing from the movie Satya (1988)  "Valayosai"  with local Malaysian singer Kalaivani Original score was by SPB and Lata Mangeskar,  Anand then invites SP Charan who walks on to the stage  to the loud clapping and rousing welcome by the crowds with and sings  "Thamarai Kodi" from the movie Ananda Kummi (1986) music by Illayaraja  I would like to add here a beautiful musical intricate by the maestro listen to the bass lines, Acoustic drums, and Congo usage in the mix.

In meantime the SPB is waiting in the backstage as focused as ever and as nervous as ever, which I wonder why? he has been doing this for ages and He is the king of the stage yet, he says those little butterflies in the stomach makes him get the best out of him " hats off ". The son SP Charan invites the Golden voice  the Legendary Singer Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam on the stage, audience going frenzy unable to contain their emotions with lots of clapping, shouting, whistling this entire commotion is taking a while to contain the noise and ephoria as the sound begins to die down, he begins with "Aval Oru navarasa" a 1973 MGR movie, song lyrics by Kannadasan and music by MS Vishwanath the movie Ullagam Suttru valliban   when I am writing this blog I realise that how true to him which has close resemblance to SPB since he is also Ullagam Suttru Valliban.

SPB asks SP Shailaja to join him on the stage to sing "Nadhiyil Adum" from the movie Kadhal Ovium (1982) he chats with the audience by offering his respects if not for the rasikas where  is this SPB.  Then to enthrall he lashes out the "Mere Rang mein" from hit Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) for a long time this was to be the voice of Salman Khan in his movies, He now invites the beautiful Shwetha menon (mohan) and shares that he has sung with her mother Sujatha Mohan and now with her and was waiting to sing with her children the stadium cheers and they belt out  together "Azhagooril Poothavale" from movie Thirumalai (2003)  music by Vidyasagar whom SPB often mentions to be  wonderful melody maker if you listen in this number he just done that.

On the Stage now Anand Aravindakshan walks in to roaring audience he is popular here, sings "Agaram Ippo" from Sigaram (1991) SPB acted in this movie incidently the playback was done by KJ Yesudas.   Then he sings "Neelavana Odayil" from Kamal Hassan hit movie Vaazhvey maayam (1982)  live sing along facility for all the audience as they join the singer. Charan and Shwetha sing a melody to the delight of the audience "Kadhalenum Thaervezhudhi" from Kadhalar Dinam 1999 music by AR Rahaman. 

Walks in the Golden Voice celebrating the golden year SPB on the stage with  "Aamani paadave"  from Geetanjali (1989)  a Telugu song lyrics by Veturi and Music by Illayaraja, some sing, move along  to this melody number, SPB shares his experience with Veturi and exemplifies his lyrical quality to the audience.  Next to sing "Madai Thirandhu Thaavum"  from the movie Nizhalgal  (1980) which gave the Identity and made him Nizhalgal Ravi and music by Illayaraja , I am sure SPB singing made a lot of actors wanting to enact the singer,  many movies were produced and scripts were written.  I am sure when SPB sang he was the Protagonist himself just enjoying his singing making the onscreen heros more popular. SP Shailaja walks in to sing with SPB "Siriya Paravai" from the Andha Oru Nimidam (1985) a Kamal Haasan starrer.

SPB talks about Malaysia Vasudevan  and association with him and how they both sang  also talks about friendship and sings a song from Sattam(1983) "Nanbane Enadhu Uyir" along with SP Charan, a feast both father and son exchange glances and enjoying the song as the song's alapana fade SPB goes backstage leaving people longing for them to be together. Shweta walks in interacting with the audience and her love for the music and Malaysia along with SP Charan she sings "Thoda thoda malarndhadhenna" from the Aravind Swamy Starrer Indira (1995). The nephew Charan and Aunt SP Shailaja enthrall the audience with their chirpy smiles and enjoying the song with "I want to tell you something"  Movie Anand (1987) a Prabhu and Radha starrer.  Anand with Shwetha belt out "Then Sindhudhe Vaanam" from the movie Ponnuku Thanga Manasu (1975).

Its been a while we had not seen SPB he must be resting or checking his song so I go in to peep he is having his coffee and waiting to be on stage  as he gets up to walk -  Vani Jayaram AV is played he has a quick chat, then along with SP Shailaja sings "Bharathi Kannamma" from the movie Ninaithale Innikum (1979) Kamal, Rajni, Geetha, Jayasudha, Jayapradha starrer.  He then gets into his Solos "Manram Vanda" from hit movie Mouna Ragam (1986),  it was time to make people go frenzy here come "Yennadi Meenatchi" from the movie Ilamai Oonjal Adukirathu (1978). Then he does a medley of popular numbers which the audience join and enjoy sing along,  you could hear them praise him unconditionally.

The time was at its best moving at lightening speed there were more to come Anand  sang "Thanga Thamarai magale" from Aravind Swamy starrer Minsara kannavu (1997), SP Charan sings "Vathi Kutchi Pathikadhuda" from Ajith starrer Dheena (2001) and "Chennai Express" from the Sharukhan movie Chennai Express (2013). Looked like we have to do the one final list and quick blast of the songs to leave the audience to be enthralled for years to come this is SPB50 they need to remember and talk about this.

SPB walks in with "Unnai Partha Pinbu Naan" from Kadhal Mannan (1998) a very cute romantic number,  calls Shweta to sing "Naan Pogiren" from Naanayam (2010) movie was produced by SP Charan under his banner Capital Film Works, then sings "En Kadhale" from the movie Duet (2007) you should hear the Saxophone  done by Kadri Gopinath,  then comes "Swasame" with SP Shailaja from the movie Thenali (2000)  and "Enge Pogudhu Vaanam" from the iconic movie Kochadaiiyaan (2013),  Oh my god the time was already 11.30 the night should not end sorry the time and tide waits for none we should stop here not before SPB50 gives you the peppy number "En Jodi Manja Kurvi" movie Vikram (1986) with the all the singers coming together on the stage  creating a perfect fitting to the final song of the concert.

  

CFW presented SPB50  as a part of the Grand World Tour at Kuala Lumpur Malaysia on 1st October 2016 on record, audience were enthralled by music, happy faces went home some stayed back to wish the musicians some took selfies some did not know  what to do after this. Our next job was we packed our luggage, Musical Instruments, took selfies, accepted compliments graciously and came back to hotel to party and take our flight back home.  WE thank  Swaralaya Manivannan, Dattu Kantharao, and all the team who took care of us.

Arun, Caleb and Girish left the same night to Bangalore. The next day being rest day all the musicians were on a half day tour to Kuala lumpur,

3rd Morning 2016 our flight MH182 was scheduled for 9.30 am we were all ready in the Bus by about 5.30 am. We came to the Airport together the team were scattered here and there visiting the Duty free shop to buy some chocolates and some gifts back home.

Finally we arrived in Chennai at 10.45 am all of them left home happy after a successful trip. The team CFW had to start preparations for November 2016 we had to do Moscow and Colombo in span of a week. we got back to work immediately.

Team Selfie at the Chennai International Airport 3rd November 2016

Signing off for now will get back to shortly
Shivaram S Vinjamuri

Swathi S Infosys Employee Code 669289

Swathi

I dont know you, I have not seen you. I felt sad, very sad.  What is the kind of society we are breeding, what are the kind of parents these murderers have. It hurts me deep inside to know he knows you. Then how can he do this to you. 24th June 2016 you no more there for whose fault.

I don't know how did you aquint with him, what kind of time you spent with him? what kind of information you had about him? What kind of discussion you had with him? what he wanted from you? what you denied him?

I dont know. Whether you told someone about him? Whether you parents are aware about him? Whether your friends are aware of him? Whether you shared any of the discomforts with anybody? Whether any recent threats he has given to you? Whether you felt safe in his hand? My whether has no end.

Firstly I am a father to a girl. So there is a fear and question as to am I performing my role as a father. I hold the same question to mother. Lets understand that our baby is our baby. How can we forget the time I played with her, took her on my Shoulders, made her sleep on my chest, bathed her, Clothed her, bought her the best, gave into her requests and treat her the way she wanted.

I need to be there when she needs me. not as a father but as a friend, not as a caretaker, but as a person who cares for her. Not as a hapless bystander but as a responsible father.  I think our role as a parent has to change. We cannot let our children be at the mercy of outside world which is becoming more and more cruel day by day.  I have to understand her more, ask and also have patience to know. I am sure the response depends on the upbringing.

I keep reading this kind of news very often and most of the time its the girl who is a victim.  I am a very happy father for being a girls dad. This peace gets snatched away when ever I read that a girl has been victim. I am also worried beyond doubt like many who would have thoughts like me.

My only request to the parents who have given birth to the Male baby to teach him respect, compassion. Teach him to behave. Understand that he not omnipotent, he not any great giver. If his behaviour is good then he will also take care of you in your old-age. There is no need to repent in the future about your upbringing and your misgivings.

Please observe your Male child, what he is doing, what company he is keeping, what kind time he is spending, whats happening in his life.  Talk to him like a friend not a parent, pamper him not spoil him. If they way it goes many of you feel that he is god's gift to you in reality it's a god's curse to you.

My heart felt request to Every parent to spend time with their children. Teach them compassion, love, understanding, Caring. Pamper is good not to tamper them. You need to be the only one to whom they should confide all their life.  Encourage transparency in your lives, encourage openness, make them feel wanted, make them feel cared.  Lets at least have a better society with educated people like us not be victims of such brutal gruesome incidents.

All those who read this please review your role in your child's life.  Better late then never ! time to correct our children.  some Tips to have a better life  1. Every week Family lunch and Dinner at home. 2. Every month Family dinner for quality time. 3. Every year family holiday.   If possible or else quality time with them will still do the magic.

RIP Swathi S

Shivaram S Vinjamuri

Carpathia - Carpathians

Today I read this story -

*There were three ships which were nearby when the Titanic sunk.*

One of them was known as the *Sampson*. It was 7 miles away from the Titanic and they saw the white flares signaling danger, but because the crew had been hunting seals illegally and didn't want to be caught, they turned and went the opposite direction away from the Titanic. This ship represents us and people like us if we are so busy looking inward at our own sin and lives that we can't recognize when someone else is in need.

The next ship was the *Californian*. This ship was only 14 miles away from the Titanic, but they were surrounded by ice fields and the captain looked out and saw the white flares, but because the conditions weren't favorable and it was dark, he decided to go back to bed and wait until morning. The crew tried to convince themselves that nothing was happening. This ship represents those of us who say I can't do anything now. The conditions aren't right for it and so we wait until conditions are perfect before going out.

The last ship was the *Carpathia*. This ship was actually headed in a southern direction 58 miles away from the Titanic when they heard the distress cries over the radio. The captain of this ship knelt down, prayed to God for direction and then turned the ship around and went full steam ahead through the ice fields. This was the ship that saved the 705 survivors of the Titanic.

ANALOGY :-

Obstacles and reasons to avoid responsibility shall always be there, but those who accept it always find a place in the hearts to be remembered for the world of good they do.

I really wish that we all could be Carpathians in life, unlike more Sampsons and Californians... and this world could be a more beautiful place to live in.

The question is lot of people would read this but what is the kind of decision they would take depends on their upbringing, their education and the system in  which they are kind of living for ages.  The very system which we have does not provide us  a tool or mechanism towards success. The preachers or the teachers are those who have never nurtured anyone.

Let me see the parents want to send their children to the best schools to become  ( am writing them on Priority) Doctors, Engineers, CAs,  then the rest should be come either civil Servant, or State government Employee, then Banks, then Central Government Jobs. Which means there is nothing called as teaching as a profession which is a choice by the parents.

Now the ones who take this up are those who have not got anything, but just become the teaching professional with no skills nor motivation to be in that job. Every day he is looking outside the window of his teach room for a better opportunity than what he has in his hand. Then you need Carpathians ! where will you get them.

I am sure there has to be a change in the way we look at things and way the society looks at careers. To make Carpathians for the a beautiful world, we need to have mind set and a cultural revolution in the people, to defy all the set norms of the age old system, which do not encourage the Carpathian ideology.

Lets find nothing is an obstacle in life at least in thought go for it try and them make possible.  If you can attempt you have done a great job of being a Carpathian

Looking for more Carpathian thinkers around

Shivaram S Vinjamuri

Happy Music Day 2016

Shrotha  -  A shrotha is one who listens to shruthi. Only when there is shruthi, a shrotha can listen to it. First of all shruthi has to be there, only then a shrotha and waktha can be there. 

What is Shruthi? 
Shruthi in a common term is known as vani. Shruthi is an information, shruthi is a vibration, shruthi is a bifurcation of knowledge, shruthi is one, shruthi is knowledge. In most of the classes and spiritual discourses, the shruthi will start vibrating only at a certain frequency. Whoever comes in that frequency can only hear that shruthi.

Wondering as to why I am doing such a detail description of the music.  Today we do not have a Shrotha, the fact is he does not understand Shruthi.  what is happening to the audience the lover of music what is happening to the longivity of music .  

I have been observing that in the recent times a lot of music is travelling around, musicians are experimenting, trying something different in the name of fusion. The question is fusion does not mean non shruthi composition it has to be in sync to the modern times yet not to loose its roots.

The pathos cannot come in a happy raga for example Mohana or Bilahari. there is a raga for every emotion we emote

Happy (Hasyam) or Sandosham (Vakrams and Spurithams)
Kedaram, Bilahari, Mohanam, Janaranjani, Kapi Narayani, Kamboji, Darbar, Amrithavarshini, Hamsanadam, Reethigowlai, Sama, Nattai, Abheri, Begada, Vachaspathi, Saranga, Navarasa Kaanada, 

Fast or Lively: Sarva Lagu Swarams
Sriranjani,  Kathana Kuthuhalam, Kannada, Kunthalavarali, Arabhi, Bahudari, Khamas, Hamsadhwani, Poornachandrika, Manjari, 

Auspicious  (Sa Ri Ma Pa varieties)
Sri ragam, Madhyamavathi, Surutti, Anandabhairavi, Brindavana Saranga, Saraswathi

Pleading (Karunam) - Pa D1 N2 combinations and M2 adds beauty
Kharaharapriya, Shanmugapriya, Saramathi, Amrithavahini, Kalyana Vasantham, Simhendra Madhyamam, Kaanada, Kapi, Gowri Manohari, Charukesi, Keeravani, Nagagandhari, Dwijawanthi, Kamala Manohari

Soothing (Shantham) - You will surely sleep :) Pa Ma Ri Ga Ma Ga Sa
Devagandhari, Kedaragowlai, Sahana, Neelamabari, Kurunji, Yedukula Kamboji, Nattai Kurunji, 

Romantic (Shringaram) and yeah individual tastes ;)
Sahana, Maand, Kedaram, Surutti
Sahana is lovely romantic
Kedaram is playful romantic
Maand is best to describe the longing or desire
Surutti - truly enticing

Dance or Abhinaya Oriented
Devamanohari, Surutti, Kedaram, 

Strength or Energy Gambheeram / Veeram  - D2 , G3 and N3 prominence 
Atana, Vasantha, Gambheera Nattai, 

Anger (Roudram) Teevra Madhyamam or Rishabam
Revathi, Ranjani, Varali, 

Sad (Shokam) - Individual Taste varies 
Subha Panthuvarali, Poorvi Kalyani, Panthuvarali , Shiva Ranjani

Fearing (Bhayanakam)  or divinity
Ahiri, Nadanamakriya, Dhanyasi

Apt for morning or dawn (common feature - Suddha Rishabam)
Mayamalawa gowla, Malayamarutham, Bowli, Bhupalam, Revagupthi, Sourashtram 

Bhajan or Folkish (common feature Sa Ga Ma usage)
Behag, Desh, Kalyani, Darbari Kaanada, Yamuna Kalyani, Sindhubhairavi, Maanji, Huseni, Brindavani, Jonpuri, Jog, Chenchurutti, Hameer Kalyani, 

Beauty of Vivadhi Swara D3
Chala Nattai, Varunapriya, Rasikapriya 

All type mood - Changes with fast and slow songs
Suddha Dhanyasi, Hindolam, Abhogi, 

When the music composers have this knowledge and when they are aware of significance of each Raga and link them to the Lyrics is when you have your Shrotha understanding your music.  I urge all the composers to ensure that what ever you compose be it western notes in Indian tunes or Indian tune is western classic we have taken care of the platform on which the particular song is being narrated to  the Shrotha.

On this World music day I urge each and every musician to take note of this and relate to the emotion or the feeling and accordingly integrate the raga which will immediate connect with the Shrotha. He will remain with you and the lyric for a long time to come.

Vinjamuri Shivaram

Art of Making Movies - Directors need to Learn

Art of Making Movies is now a history its simply a couple of scenes put together and then out comes your movie highly focussed. FIRST on the Audio function  more important :- 

• Who the anchor who should be,

• Which dance teams, 

• Who will be on the stage, 

• Who all needs to be invited, 

• Who all need to be facilitated  

• Who will seat where  

• Who will seat next to whom , 

• Who are the ones who would like to play the role of Flatterer or Bhattaraju (telugu) and keep the people in trance from reality

and this list of highly buttering exercise never ends.  

Then comes your movie release there is a great rush for all the HERO, HEROIN, DIRECTOR now to rush to the idiot box and create a stir talk about the movie sorry I did not mean the story its about 

• what we did, 
• how we enjoyed and how this so called HERO who is generally a gods boon to the earth did and his simplicity, 
• his carefree (not Sanitary Napkins) attitude yet nothing about the story  and 
• a wonderful plastic anchors who have neither qualification nor experience sit and start asking with a sense of  getting high,
• as they are now seen as somebody who has sat with somebody on the same screen and has joked, had coffee, taken selfie to be posted next day as a trophy of an achievement 
• god knows what it means to them I am sure lots of people with brain it may not even cross them.

Current status of these kind is a long list of movies which make no sense why is the movie funders and makers so obsessed with themselves, 

• They Can't or Don't make meaningful movies, 

• They Can't or Don't make social conscious movies , 

• They Can't or Don't make movies with a message, 

• They Can't or Don't understand the burning issues, 

• I Can't or Don't digest these things any more now 

• I have not gone to the theater for years now last time I went was for a family time about 3 years now

Director is a brand I agree when we had real directors not those who now say its me, it was me, and it will be me only.  I will tell you what is a brand  - an ability to create a movie that stir your emotions, when you come out of the movie you are made to think about the virtues of life, responsibilities of life, or what level of conscious should rise in me. 

Question is DIRECTOR Have you got it in you, if so please work on that.  Creating a trend is good but with a purpose, a meaning,  as a responsibility  to show cause the issues encourage people to think.  - PK, Mardaani, OMG- Oh My GOd, Peepli Live, 3 idiots, Tare Zameen par, Rang De basanti, Chak de India, My Brother Nikhil , Dor , you may wonder why no telugu movie please check you may find a none in the last few years and no mention or category has been given importance by any one

Music is a electronic noise for me to register in the ears either the song or the tune. I am sorry that I cant even remember, any connect to any movie,  music to any movie, there is no signature tune, nor a longevity to the songs, now I suddenly doubt is there anything called language telugu.  Now most of the songs have to have some English, Hindi, Tamil, or foreign language in it. Purity of language expression and the beautiful words is lost recently I was a part of a conversation and suddenly a word in telugu was used listener put up a blank face he said "aghorinchavule"  I was laughing and suddenly remembered so many of them have been lost like.  

Now this is the responsibility of the Lyricist and the musician to ensure language purity is retained.  I am sure do not comeback and say people dont like it. In every reality show on music none of these songs of mixed are sung even if ever performed not much appreciated.

Humor is like nowadays marriage reception buffets you dont know  what and why they are serving them for a few who relish or many who go back hungry. First Humor has to be an integral part of the movie, structure and story. He is neither an independent story in the story. If you look its so funny now the Hero, or the Heroin or the so called character actor wants to be a humorist. 

Funny how can I see a character with shades that do not fit in the script a rare phenomenon is ok. But this is far from reality even by the Human psychology or in the theories of personality its a rare disorder of a person shifting personality so fast, which means all the stories are about rare disorders, not any more near Reality so audience need not be connected to the movie it booms in the box office finally producer, investor, funder takes the brunt.

Protagonist is missing with a meaning  he has become self obsessed many of you may wonder what is this protagonist  ( definition - an advocate or champion of a particular cause or idea.) In every movie the main role has to play with a purpose movie can have a mighty influence on the people the change can be impacted. The society can improve with what the protagonist has to say more near to reality. The definition of dream cannot be so far that the audience who wants to be impacted stays far from this and feels  - that character was very good but nothing to do with me. 

I would like to bring here some of the names who made a remarkable movies :- Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Shyam Benegal, Satyajit Ray, Girish Kasaravalli, Girish Karnad, Bapu,  K Viswanath, Mani Ratnam, K Balachander and do we have any names to suggest for the present.

Finally I hope we have some nice movies, with a meaning and art of movie making will be preserved, care taken in diction, lyrics, purity in language, meaningful protagonist, Music with meaning , reality in sequence of movie making. Let there be no fantasy beyond leading to boredom and fade away of the movie goer which will lead to losses and no less than erosion of wealth for a serious and good film maker. 

Shivaram S Vinjamuri

Can you give credit - Thats my contribution

The advancement of communication has lead to some good and some irks.  Wondering to my reference: its very simple today almost all the techno buffs and so called socially connected and want to be connected, wannabe connected all have access to a lot of information.  One such is the smartphone idiocy my favourite sentence when I speak to people at times is that " these smart phones have made us a bit of idiots".

Yeah travelling back to what I want to say is that now lets see what we have as a mode to reach to the oodles we have Television, Newspaper, Professionally Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, Telegram Etc. Every person who is in communication to the masses is using one of these handles. Don't jump the gun I have nothing against any of these companies or the softwares or the mode. I have  a whole lot of disconnect with the people taking credit for which they are not:-

1. Their intelligent level is not so high yet they share  some information without giving credit
2. They share a statement as if it is their own original thought common I know their levels of intelligence
3. They share a pic or a quote which is not their own but no credit I am sure others who read it know too well whose it is

The list of irks can go on and on.  I am not against sharing I am only protesting that when you want to share, please share with the credits to the person who has quoted or written that.  By all means with due respects to your intelligence you may not be qualified to say or write yet you are qualified to share the quote, share and talk about it only after you have given credit to the origins from where it has been evolved , it can be either a thought, quote, Pic, article , what ever it is.

I am sure all of us know the level of the person sharing such information his way of thinking his thought process, his life style and his past posts in the FB  or his views on aspects and suddenly if shares a thought which is not his first we stop reading and then the very purpose of sharing the quote looses its value.  I am writing this when a recent incident which really annoyed me. Last week I saw a post which was shared by Singing Legend S P Balasubrahmanyam regarding the bottled water and how people are wasting this I am giving you the link here https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1069357006455472&id=706849099372933.

I saw a lot of people sending this to most of the whatsapp shares.  The irony is that not a single soul did mention the name of the person who wanted this change to happen. Unfortunately the copyright applies here or not is a question to ponder.  Since its a public information which everybody has an access.

Let me also look at it differently most of the time when we talk about sharing I stress that its our basic culture to be adopted to share with credits. The person who has been the ideator has taken pains or felt rational or even emotional to write this.  Due credits should go to him if you want to add any additional information over this please do and share this as your comments or additions to the author.

I  can foresee the future when such small things which are not taken care. The future definitely looks no less rude of making the habit not giving credits but may also end up stealing the others thoughts and owning them.  Then you have some people who occupy some coveted space fraudulently.  I am sure all those with a sense of common sense understand what I say rest I leave it to your INTELLIGENCE

Shivaram S Vinjamuri

Planting Trees - Who's Job (is it) Anyway!!

Planting trees!! I have been hearing about this, since the last 30 years, the same sentence, right from my school days. When I just joined the high school there was a painting and elocution competition - Topic? (I stood 1st in painting and 2nd in Elocution) .  The irony is, even after so many years, the situation has not much changed. If you go thru the information and the project, every government, be it centre or the State have announced and have earmarked so much of funds. what happened to them?  I have been a traveller right from my school days (I had to travel from Bangalore - my place of schooling, for my summer or winter vacations or for family functions to my native Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh). I used to watch the entire stretch of about 800 kms (approximately) found, water bodies, trees, rivers flowing lush green paddy fields, large trees,  small trees, Coconut trees, toddy trees. The crossing from Karnataka to Taminadu used to change the temperature and then from Tamil Nadu to Andhra Pradesh used to change the landscape.

Today, baren land is the sight, not many trees, that one can see. The older trees which were about 25 years or greater, have been cut by villagers or smugglers or in the name of deforrestation, no one chided them or taught them the importance of the trees. The question is where did this funds vanish? the funds that were earmarked to create awareness of tress & environment,  to the children of 80's, 90's, then 2000's  till 2010's, not a single soul, in all these decades gone by, have done anything nor were willing to do any thing.

I'm now stationed in Hyderabad, Telengana (formerly part of the unified AP) I keep seeing, what is happening with environment,  I have not seen any government focusing of this issue, In the name of "Harithaharam" - planting of saplings & turning the state green. The officials in the government have a plan and am sure, they are suggesting the government to cut the existing trees which have been blocking their developmental strategy.

Today, the so called governments, work on a Just In Time Approach towards their requirements. All they see, is that things are coming between their so called development of making money, is the Trees!! As you know,  Trees cannot protest, they cannot speak for themselves, they cannot do Rasta roko, they cannot throw chairs like our politicians do in the parliament nor do they hurl abuses like some of our elected representatives do on the leaders. And unfortunately they do not have backing from any of the business houses nor do not they have support of the common man, they do not have support from the youth nor they have support from the environmentalists.  I find, curious looking individuals, when any protest is happening and they do not wish to take part in this as well.

I can assure all those who read this, will tink that, some guy has written and they forget about it by the end of the hour or the minute.   I am giving you a reference to an article which was published to create awareness amongst us, lets wait and see, what is the response would be:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Road-project-to-uproot-3100-trees-in-Hyderabad/articleshow/51886997.cms   

I am sure; we have options to protect the trees.

1. Change your plan
2. What are the technologies available to relocate trees?
3. What are the best possible options to ensure that the trees remain?
4. Environmental consultants to be used for this purpose
5. Can any celebrity take over this and be a part of the protection?

I am sure there are many who would like to dedicate their time in, whatever little or large effort in this protest to save trees.

Shivaram S Vinjamuri
9849200708

I am the biggest fan of SPB

I am the biggest fan of SPB

I heard this not once but  number of times from someone who is very close to me.  I would look at him, wonder and see how much he enjoys the music how much he relishes. I have many times met him alone and with a group of friends after a couple of normal transactional communication finally we would end up discussing the songs of Legend.

I remember we were both involved in a project I think the year was 2012 we were working day and night after the work at about 12 ish middle of the night we were sitting after  hard work in  Le Royal Meridian Chennai  we started the discussion about Abhinandana songs the emotions that this great legend has put into the songs stressing on the lyrics with variations as per the mood of the song picturized  he sang then and made sure that each of the song was sung to perfection should give the due credits to the Music Director  Ilayaraja who gave such wonderful songs for the years 1988 till date they are sung by every singers and receives applauds

And again at times during my visit to Chennai or his visits to Hyderabad we would discuss over the evening, could be only us or in the company of many or few. Every time its like a wonderful experience listening to him sing enjoy and also make comments about how the song is and what he loves and tries to get the same alapanas, swaras and tries variations. At times these sessions will go on and on never ending I would be that exclusive audience who would have gone thru the entire session listening live the song, the comments or those things which he would like about the legend. Some times we are in the company his cousin who will start a song channel full of collection of the legends songs and make us listen to the songs which he would have got during the latest shows and explain to us how the legend improvisations made and then there would be a slight altercation at times or appreciation about the song all this will take us to the mesmerized condition of doubt the reality of the occurrence. 

In the recent past I happened to see more closely the real enjoyment of the music. He had a planned tour with couple of his friends and I was fortunately included in that party. 4 days I happened to hear him sing all the songs either in Tamil or Telugu, and telling how wonderfully  the legend  put that sangathi there, or how beautifully he did that uchararana of the word.  Along with this they would be a choice of which song was good what song was better and who as a music director was cool who gave him the best songs.  Poththi vecha mallige poove or thakitathadimi, or Vanam konda vennilave 

Vaa venilla . Such songs and many more I just cant recollect as many as a few hundred songs were belted.

I do remember we meet a orchestra singer, a fan of SPB who kept on pouring laurels about the legend and kept taking about him my friend was cool and was listening to all he said and finally after all that was done he told him yeah that was so nice of him. A common friend of ours who was a witness to this discussion wanted him to sing any song of SP Charan and there was a genuine try by the singer but could not do so ending up singing another of the popular SPB number.  

At this point when the singer apologized me and our common friend, who was the one who wanted to listen to the song of SPC at that point of time feeling a little annoyed, sorry and of course quite guilty of not able to produce one, the singer was almost humiliated with himself.

At this juncture the man himself comes to the rescue and cajoles him not to worry for not getting the song, Finally he told him, and as I keep thinking till date what an humble self and with such a large heart full of understanding with no ill feelings what so ever to witness and then accept, what a fan he is, and he says " I AM THE BIGGEST FAN OF SPB " - SP CHARAN  

Hi you know I am the biggest admirer of this guy  I have been with him listening and enjoying so many moments god bless him and the the generation X love him and listen to him , a Legends son yet so humble so humane his social conscious efforts were seen during Chennai Floods, His friends keep talking about his abundance talent, He always ready to take the plunge to experiment on the creative cinema, He is open to challenges either in Songs, or movies always loves the movies and watches them has a word of appreciation for all who ever be it.  
He says "I AM THE BIGGEST FAN OF SPB"

vimshira@gmail.com

Management - What Can I say

Management is a wonderful word in every organization and qualified practitioners. Every time I keep hearing  what the contributors talk about I feel is it forced and forceful?

 Let me give you a perspective which I hold strictly to the Terminology as per the Wikipedia.

"Management in all business and organizational activities is the act of coordinating the efforts of people to accomplish desired goals and objectives using available resources efficiently and effectively. Management comprises planning, organizing, staffing, leading or directing, and controlling an organization (a group of one or more people or entities) or effort for the purpose of accomplishing a goal. Resourcing encompasses the deployment and manipulation of human resources, financial resources, technological resources, and natural resources."

The Million dollar question is  who is the management and what are they doing.  Every time the mangers talk about management to their reportees. These perhaps reportees keep thinking there is something called management, which  is a room full of dont know what, and some power, or a mystical self, which will direct, and these people so called managers will carry out as their unquestionable task.

Every time I keep meeting people who come to attend to my programs as a corporate behavioral and soft skills  facilitator and they keep on telling me time and again I can't do this i can't do that  and the so called to dos or changes which I keep them to focus and learn  always falls flat. The best part is they keep asking me have you done this program for the management, if not why dont you do for them, and then their response is  we are always ready and willing to do this.

I would here comment that firstly there is management  in every organisation what they do is also imporatn and nothing is a secret. What managers need to understand is that there could be employees who have a great information or intelligence who can add value to what ever the management wants, helps them also to identify who fits the role better and who can make a difference. The bottom line is the objectives of the business have to be met by people who deliver or who execute the task  and some managers for some sheer unknown reasons sit in management.

Keeping all your thoughts aside put employees to  think and be a part of Management think-tank who can add value, do not demean or disrespect thoughts, who knows they could be your game changers

Vinjamuri Srinivasa Shivaram

Hyderabad vs Carnatic Music

Its been quite some time I have written. Loads of felt work , really its a doubt but then there is a always a willingness drag to write which is a boon so that I don't write. Nevertheless I am sure you will love this.

I was in Chennai some time last month and saw some of my close friends who were in a concert along with me bragging a lot about the Coffee, aroma, Carnatic music,  our favourite Tamil mammy and Tamil mama. Then during the break I got an opportunity to have some Punnugullu ( remember that small round balls made of maida fried in oil with black pepper and chopped chilies and onion and given with coconut chutney yummy)  suddenly it struck to me that this is the dish from Andhra and every one enjoying it and asking for more how come we don't do this or have I ever been to one these in Hyderabad.

Firstly I would like to surgically dissect myself  of my behaviour and see what is stopping me to attend. When ever I see in Hyderabad its always the following program - SPB hits, Illayaraja Hits, Ghatansala gari Hits, S Janaki Hits, Kishore ke nam, Md Rafi ki Shyam, alana falana. Then you see this new age singers who are doing their own shows fast music business one or two singers together or couple of them make commercial programs.

I wanted to make a beginning, I came with an concept to have a month long carnatic classic festival in Hyderabad, did costing spoke to various friends who are famous, who have ruchi, who can perform and for along time who have been telling me that such things should be done. The moment of truth came to me when I approached them they began with a their own logical stories of failure. I was wondering as to  firstly nothing in the past has been done, no data available, neither any one of them has tried and failed to present me a case study.

Then I realised that they were looking at the commercial   - so I got the devil here and then I was just thinking if you are listening to what  the commercial singers like Legends SPB or SJ or others they are asking you to have a base in the Carnatic music  so that your singing will be Shudh (pure) with your Sruti ( Pitch), Svara (notes), Raga ( Combination of Svaras), Tala (rhythm)  which means you will evolve yourself as a good singer.

The earlier question of do you have commercial benefits or not, the answer is definitely Yes! .  I do find the Carnatic Classical Musicians from that part of Chennai who are busy with local engagements, they are on foreign tours, concerts across India,  engaged in music, schools, earning leading a life of celebrity their articles, their interviews and of course their PADMAs speak a lot in comparison to our own musical contribution to PADMA in carnatic Classic  music.

The Irony is we have from our language of Telugu the greatest vaggeyakarulu ( Composers) Tallapaka Annamacharya, Saint Tyagaraja, Shyama Shastri , Kshetrayya, Bhadrachala Ramadasu, Sri Narayana Teertha, Paidala Gurumurti Sastri, Sarangapani. Even today no concert is complete without  rendering from the above by any classical carnatic Musician.  Even our greatest Dr Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna is settled in Chennai.

The future will look bleak if we do not promote this music today. I also would like to appeal to all the carnatic musicians in this part of the city to focus on teaching, organising concerts, promoting music in its purest form and then creating a culture for the future.  I am sure  the media also has to support such endeavors which otherwise have their own act of vanishing.  Even for the limelight to come on to us we are not doing any thing. Earnest humble appeal lets start promoting , listening and enjoying music in its purest form.

Vinjamuri Srinivasa Shivaram