Director Bharathiraja, "Iyakkunar Imayam" (literally, "The Himalaya among Directors"), Passes Away!

Director Bharathiraja

A multifaceted artist, he excelled as a director, producer, screenwriter, and actor.

Bharathiraja, fondly known as the "Imayam of Directors" (The Himalaya among Directors), introduced the vibrant life and earthy spirit of rural Tamil Nadu to Tamil cinema at a time when theatrical dialogues and elaborate studio sets dominated the industry. Although recent reports about his health had led many to fear that his passing might be imminent, the news of his death has nevertheless come as a profound shock. It is truly a great loss.

Among his films, the ones that have captivated me the most are 16 Vayathinile, Kizhakke Pogum Rail, Mudhal Mariyadhai, Vedham Pudhithu, Kadalora Kavithaigal, Alaigal Oivathillai, Karuthamma, Kizhakku Cheemayile, and Mann Vasanai. These are the titles that immediately come to mind. Such creations will ensure that Bharathiraja's fame endures forever in the world of cinema.

I join everyone who is grieving this immense loss and share in their sorrow.

The Singer and Technological Development

In the early stages of  cinema, only those who possessed singing talent could act as heroes and heroines. This situation was changed by the introduction of playback singing (dubbing technology), where voices were recorded separately and used for actors on screen.

Today, with the arrival of advanced technology, this condition is undergoing further transformation. Artificial intelligence now has the capability to compose music and even sing songs. It can also replicate and sing in a specific person’s voice.

AI technology has made it easier for songs to be rendered directly in the voices of actors. Additionally, some individuals may have a pleasant voice but lack singing ability, while others may be skilled singers but do not have an appealing voice. In such cases, it has become possible to select the best voices and use them to produce songs effectively.

Internet technology has also given rise to a wide range of individuals—social media analysts, writers, journalists, actors, publishers, and editors. Now, a situation has emerged where having just a voice is enough to sing. As artificial intelligence continues to advance, this will soon become completely normal.

“The arrival of the new and the fading of the old” is an inevitable aspect of the passage of time.

Digital Illustration – Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT)

The renowned dancer Kumari Kamala has also passed away. Deepest condolences.

Kumari Kamala in 'Paavai Vilakku': 'Is there a time I don't think of you?' ('Naan Unnai Ninaikkatha Neramundo')

I first learned about Kumari Kamala through my parents. Both had a great fondness for Kumari Kamala. They would always speak admiringly of her dancing skills. I first learned from my father that she was initially married to the famous cartoonist R.K. Laxman, and that R.K.L was the brother of R.K. Narayan, one of my father's favorite famous writers. My father had a collection of R.K.N.'s English novels, along with a collection of novels by Graham Greene, the writer who introduced R.K.N. to the West.

They also recalled Kumari Kamala's excellent performance to Bharathiyar's Indian independence-themed songs in the film 'Naam Iruvar'. My mother even sang one of them, 'Aaduvome Pallu Paaduvome'.

The first film of Kumari Kamala's that I watched was 'Paavai Vilakku'. I saw it as a late-night second show when it was re-released in the seventies at Regal as an old Tamil film. Having read Akilan's novel 'Paavai Vilakku' before watching, I enjoyed the long film with great enthusiasm. Kumari Kamala appeared on screen as the character Sengamalam from the novel. It was a role perfectly suited for her.

The song 'Naan Unnai Ninaikkatha Neramundo' from the film 'Paavai Vilakku' is one of my favorite songs. This is also my most favorite dance sequence of Kumari Kamala's in a film. The lyrics were penned by poet A. Maruthakasi, and the music was composed by K.V. Mahadevan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxTM8X0OprM

A special documentary video compilation about Kumari Kamala is 'Fragrant Petals: Kamala's Natyam'.

Dancer Rama Bharadwaj, one of Kumari Kamala's students, briefly but engagingly describes Kumari Kamala's dance contributions in the forties, fifties, and sixties. This video was produced by another dancer, Anita Ratnam.