I recently read in some context, “Notes meet heart,” and that is how I felt after the performance on 11th October. And music is for those who believe in a power above them.
You can increase the Surface area of serendipity by associating with like-minded people, which is what I understood after being part of the Anuragam group. I’ve learned a lot about music and different kinds of songs over the last one and a half months. I was added to this group thanks to my apartment friend, who mentioned we could join a chorus. That person inspired me by suggesting that we could join to experience it as a chorus. That said, I decided to sign up. He will correct me if I have sung anything out of tune or if any mistakes are made, and he communicates them instantly. His ability to sing the fast scores was noticeable. I got the opportunity to create a certain vibe along with the tribe.
The lead singers, along with the team, came together to discuss a variety of songs before finalising those two segments with a chorus. The whole process of finalising the songs was an interesting lesson. Not every song we put out made it to the list. I understood that not all songs are meant for a chorus. I started understanding the rules of the game. Those songs that were cut were finalised and fixed in the sequence, which was not an easy one for them. The two categories of Melody and Peppy numbers were just the right ones for the occasion. In fact, I remembered some of the songs from our old college days, and it was a God -given opportunity to sing with the group.
Countless hours of effort by the team leads in fixing the lyrics and tracks were the foundation, and I want to thank the lead singers for doing a great job. The second part was the practice sessions. I must say that initially I was in two minds whether I would be able to fit in because the group’s standard was to stand out. I want to thank all the members for accepting me, giving me the chance to be part of the group, and ensuring that the chorus is choreographed to the highest level so that all the voices submerge together in rhythm and harmony.
Now, to some of the interesting anecdotes. We had two segments, and while preparing for the practice session, we came across some interesting events. One singer was so keen on singing the song, Ente Kalbile, with whole heart and soul. He, in fact, wanted more stances to be included. The romantic hero in him was on display during those practice sessions. It was a request too late for the singing jury to consider. I was not getting the lyrics of Rasathi properly. So I had to go through the songs multiple times and started appreciating the music of Ilayaraja and singer Jayachandran, which I hadn’t been aware of before. I had a real challenge singing two stanzas from Jiya Jale.
Punjirithanji Konjikko, Munthiri Muththoli Chindhikko, Vanjani Varna Chundhari Vaavae, Thaanginnakkath Thakadhimiyaadum Thanganilaavae Hoi (X2)
He Kuruvaani Kiliyae, Kuruvaani Kiliyae, Kukkuru Kurukuru Koovik Kurugik Kunnimanaththai,
Ooyal Aadi Kooduvagukkik Koottu Vilikkunnae, Maaran Ninnaik Koogik Kurugik Koottu Vilikkunnae (X2)
While I was on travel, I was taking these two sets of stanzas and practising. In fact, during one of my internal meetings, I mistakenly took the printout of those lyrics instead of another official document and shared it with my boss. I had to pick Robin Williams’ famous lines to convince him to add music to it.
Now coming to Ande Arabi Kadaloram, we literally start shaking our legs. Remembered the song which made us swing with joy in the 90s. The most interesting part was waiting for the prompt for “Yeh Dosti” and remembering to pause for the following line of “Anuraaga Vilochananaayi“. Our Lead singer was tested on singing a few lines of “Kuttanaadan Kaayalile” before the karaoke started playing, and it was a treat to watch on stage when we began that segment with such precision. My favourite song was Kaanthaa. The crescendo of the segment was when the audience went wild with “Kuttanandan Punjayil“. One thing is for sure. These songs will be etched in our lives for posterity, and whenever we hear them, we will feel that bonhomie and remember those Anuraga group days. So apt that we had this special song as well “Yeh dosti hum nahin todenge Todenge dum, magar tera saath na chhodenge, Yeh dosti hum nahin todenge Todenge dum, magar tera saath na chhodenge….
It’s been a riveting experience. “Anuragam” (or Anurāga) is a Sanskrit and Hindi word meaning affection, attachment, love or deep devotion. The specific nuance is subjective. It implies a warm and intense emotional connection, a deep-seated feeling of closeness or passion. I was going through the year-end rigmarole of business closures. My wife noticed that this time of the year, I was not stressed to those levels which I used to be in the last few years. The real difference was having that interaction with everyone in the group, and I want to thank all of you for the support. Anuragam made me feel that ” You can calm down” in life, and that was a blessing. Music was the boat which carried me through a highly pressurised year-end closure in September.
Anuragam was an Anugraham for me…Jaanguchakku chajakkujhakku , Jaanguchakku ja
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