A  special musical feature was brought on the stage on the second day of the 30th year celebrations of ‘Surabhi Gana Kala Mandira’ of Mysuru, recently at Jaganmohan Palace. The show ‘Nannolage Neevu… Nimmadidaaveregalalli Naanu’ was received with great appreciation by the audience on account of the uniqueness of the subject, narration and more than anything; the role portrayed by the same personality whose memories were the core of the drama; the city’s famous music guru Vidu. Dr. Sukanya Prabhakar.

One of the greatest exponent of Karnatak classical music, M.S. Subbulakshmi; called fondly as ‘MS’, lived true to her greatest civilian award; ‘Bharat Ratna.’ She is remembered for her divine music, simple and pious selfless life, contributions to music and society, with an ever positive personality.

Dr. Sukanya Prabhakar, a girl in her teens in the sixties, was passionately impressed by the soulful sweet voice of MS. Wondering about the achievements of MS, she tried to build her musical life on her footprints. The theme of the drama was inspired by one of the sweet memories of her life; receiving appreciation and award from her role model MS, in the presence of M.L. Vasanthakumari and D.K. Pattammal at the Madras Music Academy, as a small girl.

Vidu. Sumana Vedanth, who played the role of MS, mesmerised the audience by her melodious rendering of a few kritis widely sung by MS in her times. With her accomplished singing, one could easily feel the soulful singing of MS. Dr. Sukanya Prabhakar, who played her own role of real life; gave voice to her dreams and feelings affectively, proving her another ability on the stage.

Imaginations, dreams and realities of life were gracefully brought and beautifully woven together in the script penned by Lalitha Srinivasan, depicting the way of a matured mind attaining bliss and contentment through music and sacred life. The simple stage arrangements with traditional Tulasi plant, Krishna idol, old time radio and the burning earthen lamps created a complementary ambience.

Surabhi Gana Kala Mandira, which is always innovative in its activities, proved it once again.

—Vijayamala K. Saralaya