Cinema, Carnatic music have strong ties

CHENNAI: Recalling several music legends who tried their luck in films, writer Vaali asserted that the Tamil film industry had strong ties with the music industry, and was not to be considered an untouchable area by carnatic musicians. He said this at the inauguration of the 69th annual Tamil music festival of Tamil Isai Sangam at Raja Annamalai Hall on Wednesday.During the event, singer Sudha Ragunathan was conferred the title of Isaiperaringar, while the Pann Isai Peraringar title was conferred on Thiruthani N Swaminathan. Both received Rs 10,000 and a silver plate, along with the citation.“Prominent singers and musicians like MS Subbalakshmi, GN Balasubramaniam, ML Vasanthakumari have all been part of films too, that too, in lead roles. Also, Violinist Chowdiah and T R Mahalingam started a film production house. Musicians Musiri Subramanya Iyer, Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer, KP Sunderambal – the list of musicians foraying into filmdom is huge,” Vaali pointed out. Though a lyricist in films, Vaali had himself accompanied Madurai Somu for a concert in Tiruchy six decades ago,” he recalled.  Dr PR Gokulakrishnan, president of the Tamil Sangam, Dr A C Muthiah, honorary secretary of the Sangam were also present at the event. It was followed by a concert by Seerkazhi Dr G Sivachidambaram.  Tamil Isai Sangam’s music festival is on till January 1, 2012.