CHENNAI: The release of the biography of renowned vainika and filmmaker S Balachander saw rich tribute paid to the maestro. The book, Voice of the Veena: S Balachnder, a Biography, by Vikram Sampath was released by Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah to a packed audience at the Durbar Hall in Raj Bhavan on Thursday evening. Speakers at the launch heaped praise upon the colourful Balachander, who was as much in the news for his path-breaking work on the veena, as he was for controversies. They recalled various experiences with Balachander.
“Balachander established himself not only as a veena artiste, he was also an actor, a director, a music director and producer too. He was a self-taught artist. His interest and the urge to learn things were really great. Budding artists and youth should emulate such qualities,” said the Governor, after handing over the first copy of the book to the late maestro’s wife, Shantha Balachander.
Danseuse Vyjayanthimala Bali, renowned vocalist and Carnatic guru R Vedavalli and film ace Mani Ratnam were the guests of honour, who recalled their associations with Balachander with fondness.
“If you are wondering why I am here, so am I. I am not here because he was a great musician. I am not hear because he was a groundbreaking filmmaker. I am here because he was my classmate’s father, and I knew him since my youth,” said Mani Ratnam. Recounting the effect Balachander’s music had on his life, he added, “I have been a non-believer since my school days. But when I heard Balachander play to himself in the dead of the night, it bought the idea of divinity. He also sent me to my first film festival, which sparked my interest in films,” said Mani Ratnam.
The book release was attended by rasikas of Carnatic music and members of the Madras Book Club. The book has been published by Raintree, an imprint of Rupa & Co.