Classics Of A Different Kind

It helps all and sundry to unwind a bit, even if you are dong some highbrow stuff, like the South Indian Cultural Association does. And with the New Year round the corner, SICA chose just the time to do it. So, instead of the intricate, high-pitched ragas and the deft steps of Bharatanatyam, film songs filled the air at their recent program.

The center, which has always patronized staunch classical music and dance, this time got a group of semi-classical and film music singers to the stage, all for a cheerful goodbye to the year 2000. And the audience didn't seem to mind. From the Tamil and Telugu women, clad in Kanjivaram sarees, to the North Indians, as well as quite a few from the younger generation, all had a great time singing along to their favorite chart toppers. Hindi, Tamil and Telugu hits were belted out by the group, led by B Vinay Kumar. He was supported by the other singers - Hanumanth Rao, Anjali and Yashoda. The singers were as jovial as the audience. The pronunciation just took the cake - here the vocalists were perfectly at ease, whether it was an intricate Tamil song, or a light Hindi classic.

The melody, rhythm and pace carried just the spirit to pep up the audience. Interestingly, the SICA audience, which is often seen coming out of the auditorium with entranced minds and souls, reverberating with high octaves and crescendos, was seen humming the latest hits!

Just goes to show that popular music like this is often important to lighten up one's spirits.