"Two Women" – A Film That Reveals the Horrors of War

The Italian actress Sophia Loren is one of the finest talents to have left a mark on Hollywood. When people hear the name Sophia Loren, many first recall her glamorous figure. But Sophia Loren was not just a beautiful woman—she was also a brilliant actress. She was the first actress to win an Oscar for Best Actress in a film that was not in English. 

The film Two Women is based on a novel of the same name (La Ciociara) by Alberto Moravia, one of Italy’s most famous novelists. Moravia’s novels often deal with sexual themes quite candidly. The black-and-white film Two Women brought Sophia Loren 22 international awards. This film, directed by the renowned Italian filmmaker Vittorio De Sica (whose films have won four Academy Awards and who also directed the famous The Bicycle Thief), movingly portrays the impact of war on ordinary people.

"Abinaya Saraswathi" (Saraswathi of Expression) Sarojadevi has passed away. Deep condolences.

The news of actress Sarojadevi's passing spread across the internet. Deep condolences. True artists never perish. They live on through their art. Sarojadevi too will remain eternal through her performances.

She was one of my favorite actresses. The first film I can remember watching was "Enga Veettu Pillai," starring MGR and Sarojadevi together. After that, only a few more films featuring both of them were released. Among those, "Anbe Vaa" particularly captivated me.

The era of MGR–Sarojadevi gradually faded as the MGR–Jayalalithaa phase began to dominate Tamil cinema. However, that very shift created space for several films that showcased Sarojadevi's acting prowess. Films like "Thamarai Nenjam," "Kulavilakku," and "Panamaa Paasamaa" are worth mentioning.

As for me, I am an ardent fan of MGR. Many of the films released between 1958 and 1965, starring MGR and Sarojadevi, were later re-released. Whenever I had the opportunity, I would watch them. It is noteworthy that many of the songs from those films, sung by T.M. Soundararajan and P. Susheela, became hugely popular.

Another unforgettable memory for Sri Lankan Tamils—when "Enga Veettu Pillai" was screened in Sri Lanka, Sarojadevi accompanied MGR on the visit. Everywhere they went, thousands gathered to welcome them. If one searches old newspapers and magazines, the scale of the reception they received can be seen clearly.

In her memory, here are some of my favorite songs from films she starred in:

Mother of refuge! Long live! – V. N. Giritharan -

- Today, July 1st,  is the birthday of Canada, our nurturing mother of refuge. Let us celebrate! - (Art by AI)

On this sacred land where people of all races live as one,
This is your land, O blessed soil!
Let virtue flourish and the world revere,
Long live you, the noble mother, forevermore!

To those who left their native lands seeking refuge,
We call you our Mother of Refuge!
O Mother Canada! You are the embodiment of compassion!
We have survived because of your love!

This day is the dawn of your birth!
Not just today, but always, we will sing your praise.
May your compassion overflow like today, forever.
We wish you well, and a life of grace!

An Evening with Writer Vavuniyoor Ira. Uthayanan!

Today, I had the opportunity to meet the writer Vavuniyoor Ira. Uthayanan, who is visiting Canada for a family event. I thank my childhood friend Thirunavukkarasu (from Vavuniya) for making this meeting possible.

Writer Devakanthan and social-political activist Ellalan also joined us for this gathering with Uthayanan.

We all had a lively discussion at “Santhosh Spice Palace,” a restaurant located in the town of Stouffville.

Writer Mikhael Sholokhov, a member of the Communist Party who accepted the Nobel Prize, and writer Sartre, who refused it!

 

Tamil writer Sugan had shared the following statement by writer Ambai on Facebook:

“In 1964, Jean-Paul Sartre refused the Nobel Prize for Literature because he believed that accepting it would turn him into an institution and would limit his ability to act independently as a writer and intellectual. He had always refused official distinctions and said he did not want to be ‘institutionalized.’ Furthermore, he expressed concern that the Nobel Prize was mostly awarded only to ‘Western writers or rebels from the East,’ and he did not want to be seen as someone who fit that mold.” – (Ambai)

As far as I'm concerned, Sartre refused the prize — that was his right. But using that instance to generalize the issue is not acceptable. Just because one person refused, it doesn't mean everyone else did too. Those who accepted it should also be acknowledged.

The famous Russian writer Mikhael Sholokhov also received the Nobel Prize. His works had earlier earned him the Stalin Prize and the Lenin Prize. In 1965, he was awarded the Nobel Prize. He was also a member of the Soviet Communist Party. Sartre refused the prize in 1964. Sholokhov accepted it in 1965. That doesn’t lessen my respect for Sholokhov.

"Muththa Mazhai" – Sung by Dhee, Music by A.R. Rahman

The song that was supposed to be featured in the film "Tugh Life Life" was sung by singer Dhee. At the movie's "audio launch," it was performed on stage by singer Chinmayi. I listened to this song in both their voices.
Among the two, I was most captivated by singer Dhee. I felt that the emotional expressions resonating and evident in her voice were lacking in Chinmayi's rendition. Dhee’s voice feels more suited to the contemporary era.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LuKdo3Rgnk

Tamil Literary Garden Celebrating 25 years of Awards

The 2024 awards of the Tamil Literary Garden have been announced. The information was sent by the writer A. Muthulingam. I am sharing it here. Congratulations to all the award recipients.

Tamil Literary Garden  Celebrating 25 years of Awards

Iyal Awards

Satchithananthan Sugirtharajah
Yuvan Chandrasekar

Fiction – Ravi Arunachalam

Fiction – Ravi Arunachalam

Nonfiction – T. Pitchandi

Poetry – Ravi Subramaniyan
Poetry – Riyaza M. Zavahir

Translation – Nedra Rodrigo 
Prison of Dreams (5 Parts) - Published by Mawenzi House
(author Bala Devakanthan)