J Jayalalithaa blames Centre for denying awards to Tamil film veterans
In 1965, dressed in a pink sari, actor J Jayalalithaa danced to the famous melody, "Kannan ennum mannan perai solla solla", composed by M S Viswanathan and T K Ramamurthy for the film 'Vennira Aadai'. On Wednesday, the actor-turned-chief minister felicitated and heaped praises on the composer duo, who ruled the Tamil film world with their evergreen tunes for decades.
Speaking during the14th anniversary celebrations of Jaya TV, she said the duo managed many hits and scaled greath eights when the music industry was devoid of technological sophistication. "There were no televisions, computers or tape recorders. Yet it is amazing how they managed to achieve such great fame. Many of the numbers they composed are eternal," she said. Jayalalithaa said it was regrettable that the "Melody Kings " were yet to be awarded the country's top honour.
"I had recommended their names to the Central government for the Padma awards last year. But the Centre, which has adverse views against the state government, did not pay heed to that," she said at a felicitation function. As part of the function, Jayalalithaa selected a few songs to be performed as an honour to the composers.
"Since they (Viswanathan and Ramamurthy ) have composed thousands of super hit songs, I dont know what to choose and what not to. However, I have selected a few songs. I will enjoy hearing these songs with you all," she said. The function was attended by several stalwarts of the film industry.
Among those who attended thef unction were actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, director K Balachander and music director Illayaraja.