By H Ramakrishnan

Kurai Onrun Illai

Rajaji, Kunjamma and Kadayanallur Venkataraman made it eternal and everlasting. Yes, the Lovely song that mesmerizes all of us, Kurai Onrum Illai (No regrets have I, my Lord, None) penned by Rajaji. Kadayanallur set it to music in a harmonious blend of sparkling Sivaranjani, captivating Kapi and a scintillating Sindhu Bhairavi. Kunjamma or M S Subbulakshmi as she was affectionately known lent her magical voice to render this evergreen great.

On Tuesday, on her 92nd birthday, a few of her rasikas had assembled at her ancestral home at the Hanumantharayar Temple Street off West Tower Street in Madurai to pay homage to the Bharat Ratna. When a few school children rendered this song, it brought torrential tears from the eyes of those who had gathered there. She was Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi.

Kalki Rajendran was there with his wife, to join the homage. He was candid when he said that, while none could sing like her, we can try to imbibe her noble qualities.

Gandhiji and Nehru were among the millions who were fond of her music. Who can forget her concert at the United Nations?

Lata Mangeshkar called her a Tapaswini (the Renunciate). Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan termed her Suswaralakshmi (the goddess of pure musical notes). Her heart was as golden as her voice was. That is why she could give a new character and form to the Bhaja Govindam and Vishnu Sahasranamam.