Seen with Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar and his wife Alamelu -March 1973
Born in a family which
had hoary connections with music and musicians, I had heard Bhagavathar’s
concerts even when I was very young. My grandfather FG Natesa Iyer had close
connections with all musicians, and Bhagavathar was one of them. His voice,
like a melodious bronze bell, rang loud and true. His music went straight to
the listener’s heart and mind and needed rapt attention as it traversed an
amazing range. He had a huge fan following and students of all ages, caste, and
creed regardless of gender. He gave music generously. His home in Chembai
village or at Santhome in Chennai was always full. I met him in Chennai for the
first time in 1970, when my fiancé took me to visit him. My in-laws had a close
connection with him and were considered family. My fiancé was a special
favourite of Bhagavathar. He sat in the thinnai, the patio of his bungalow and as
our eyes met, there was a spark. He was profusely affectionate. I was
overwhelmed in his presence, and I could feel his divinity touch me. A
steadfast devotee of Guruvayoor Sri Krishna, you may have read stories about
his mission to complete one thousand Udayasthamana puja in his lifetime. He
completely approved of me! My fiancé and his family were not keen to support my
passion and training in Bharata Natyam, but Bhagavathar openly defied them and
reprimanded them.
Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar synonymous with Shri Krishna Guruvayur Temple
He
was in Mumbai once for a concert with his prime disciple Shri. Yesudas who was
learning classical Carnatic music although he was a hugely popular star
playback singer.
Our
home was blessed with his presence for three days. Our humble two room flat was
crowded with visitors, and he held court like a king, speaking to everyone,
acknowledging their gifts, blessed those who prostrated before him and regaled
them with his sparkling sense of humour. I was thrilled to cook for him, and he
praised me for my newly learnt skill. His favourite dish was Keerai Molakkuttal
(dal with spinach). Shri Yesudas also
walked in, humbly bowed to his master and stood in a corner. Despite persuasion
he refused to sit in Bhagavatar’s presence. Then they both went to the other
room and shut the door as they rehearsed together for almost an hour.
Early
in 1973 we went on a road tour to the south in a Premier Padmini Fiat. Most
people we met were celebrities for others, but family for us. In Chennai it was
T.N. Krishnan, his father Narayana Iyer and family and MD Ramanathan.
We
then reached Palghat where Mani Iyer and many other family relatives met me for
the first time. We finally reached Chembai village and were guests of
Bhagavathar for two weeks. He chased us out after breakfast to see the temples
and other relatives but waited to have lunch with us. He and his sweet wife
Alamelu would not have their meal without us.
The
home and the garden were always full of students, organisers and fans. He had
four concerts during the time and one prestigious award ceremony at Ottapalam.
Wherever we went he was greeted like a divine being, streets were lined with
fans, all palms joined and raised above their head. He could have had Plymouths
at his disposal, but he preferred to sit in the front seat of our little Fiat.
In other cars behind us were Jayan and Vijayan, Parameswaran Namboodiri and
other relatives.
A
remarkable concert was at Poomulli Illam from where his eminent student Raman
Namboodri hailed. Here he was to perform with Shri Yesudas. We had just reached
after an uphill drive. Within minutes, another car came up, this one was being
pushed by none other than Shri Yesudas himself. He had folded his lungi and was
panting as they reached. So unassuming and humble, I could not believe he was
such a great internationally recognised star.
Our
stay came to an end and as we took leave, Bhagavatar looked at me and said, “I
have not given anything to you. Tell me what you want.”
I
had noticed a small tanpura collecting dust in their attic. I had already set my
heart on it. I pointed to the attic and the tanpura. Taken aback, he said, “That
was used when I and my brother sang together. Take it.” So that is how I had
the precious tanpura in our house all these years, proudly displayed in my
living room, worshipped at Vijayadasami and used regularly.
After
all these years, I had planned to return this precious heirloom to the family
and had the opportunity to do so in January 2023.
Handing over the heirloom Tanpura to Shri Prakash Subramanian-8/01/2023
He could not attend our
wedding due to prior commitments but in March 1973 came for the Shastiabdapoorthi
of my father-in-law. We had arranged Bhagavathar’s concert with Palghat Mani
(mridangam) and T. N. Krishnan (violin). It was an attempt from our family to
unite Mani Iyer and Bhagavathar who had fallen out and did not speak to other
for many years. He gifted a gold
pavitram ring to my father-in-law which was passed to Ranjan, my son. I
presented this too to Prakash Subramanian, grandson of the family.
