CHENNAI: The whole auditorium rose to welcome K J Yesudas when he arrived at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium – a few to honour him and others to catch a glimpse of the singer who delivered their favourite songs on Sunday, at the function commemorating his 50 years in the film industry, organised by Lakshman Sruthi and Raj Events.
His son Vijay Yesudas, prominent playback singers and a live orchestra were already in the midst of their tribute to the singer. Clad in his trademark white dhoti-kurta and sporting a beard — a look his fans are familiar with — Dasettan or Dasanna, as he is fondly called, started off with Vizhiye, Kathai Ezhuthu, alongside the playback singer with whom he rendered the original – P Susheela.
As he glided through the notes of the song, the audience were spellbound to find the same timbre intact in his voice. With no indication of ageing, Yesudas sang the song as he had sung it, decades ago. “One can’t believe he is 75. It is common knowledge that his voice possesses a quality that would stand out for eternity but it is wonderful to find his youthfulness unchanged,” said Revathi S, an ardent fan. Thereafter, the musical night was filled with Yesudas’ songs that weaved the magic in his audience across three generations. They swayed their heads enjoying KJY’s rendition of Kalyana Thennila, Athisaya Ragam, Oru Penn Pura and a few others.
His focus on the songs was evident not only while he was singing but also in his rapt attention and appreciative nods while other playback singers (budding and established) – delivered his songs.
As the evening progressed, the songs took the star of the show and the audience back in time, as he narrated a few anecdotes connected with their making, the music direction, and the sequence of the related visuals in the film. For some of the older listeners, these songs from the 80s — their youth — and it was a nostalgic recollection of memories for them. One among them was overheard saying,” I was in the prime of youth when Eeramana Rojave came out. These songs stand the test of time. Look at the youngsters enjoying them now!”