Thursday, December 31, 2009

Ilayaraaja 2009

Thought of giving a list of Ilayaraaja's music which got released in the year 2009 and also discuss briefly about my favorite song of 2009.

Ilayaraaja has given a lot of gifts for us in 2009 unlike previous years.

*Dubbed ones not numbered in the list.

Tamil


1. Naan Kadavul
2. Nandalala
3. Azhagar Malai
4. Valmeeki
5. Kadhal Kathai
6. Jaganmohini
7. Kannukulle
8. Mathiya Chennai

*Pazhassi Raja came in Tamil too

I think IR is the composer who has got most number of Tamil albums released in 2009

Hindi

1. Paa
2. Chal Chalein

Malayalam

1. Bhagyadevatha
2. Pazhassi Raja

Telugu

1. Om Shanti

*Jagan Mohini, Naan Kadavul (Nenu Devudni) and Pazhassi Raja (?) were also released as dubbed version in Telugu

Kannada

1. Nannavanu
2. Bhagyadha Balegara
3. Prem Kahani
4. Suryakanthi

*Pazhassi Raja had a Kannada version too(?)

It is very difficult to tell one favorite 2009 IR song. Anyway let me try to discuss one song which inspired me a lot.

It is the song Koodavaruviya from Valmiki.

Wow! What a song! Fresh!

Percussion sounds are interesting to hear.

Interludes are soothing.

Bela Shende has such a wonderful voice.

This song deserves a better reach.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Sabarimala - Why do men flock in?

With 45-50 million devotees going every year, the world's 2nd largest pilgrimage (after Hajj in Mecca), me questioning why people put Mala and visit Sabarimala in large numbers may sound silly.

Yes, Lord Iyyappan may be a powerful god (Other Gods have less power and are in need of glucose eh? [;]) but there should be some more attractive things. One could be the kind of clean feeling which Individuals get with 2 times bath, sandal thilak etc. It could also be the respect (at least orally) which others show calling 'Saami'.

No no, I am not satisfied. There should be something more.

Yeah, now I got the clue.

It is the restriction to women (typically aged between 13-50) which should be one of the most important attracting feature of Sabarimala.

"What?? Karthik, Are you crazy?"

Any man would recall he being Bachelor as the best part of his life. Post marriage life is hectic to the core. Wife, children, electricity bill, telephone bill, motor pump repair, aging parents...... Hoof.....Men just get stuck up with all these commitments. Don't we see men telling "It has been years since I saw a movie in theatre". Of course, even women get equally(or even more) committed and become busy. It is unfortunate that women don't get any opportunity to hang out.


For men, Sabarimala is the savior. More than Sabarimala, it is the tour they plan which gains importance.  Free from office. Free from doing driver duty for children dropping them and taking them back from school. Free from scoldings of wife [:P]. Free from mother's complaints about wife [;)]. 1 week Bachelor life. Enjoy!!!!!!

Some one is going to stand on me shouting "You are an atheist". I can't say anything but "Swamiye Saranam Iyyappa!" [:)]



P.S: I have never put Samarimala Mala (may be because I am not yet married [;)]). So my views are completely secondary. I have taken typical middle class family as example (not people who go in car, take short route and finish Sabarimala dharshan in 1 or 2 days)