Tracing the rise of the prodigy, M.L. Vasanthakumari: The evergreen M.L. Vasanthakumari Chandra. B M.L. Vasanthakumari (1928-1990) redefined the way Carnatic music was presented. MS, DKP and MLV — they formed a triumvirate. But MLV’s penchant for innovation made her a class apart. A disciple of legend G.N. Balasubramaniam, she followed his quicksilver style of rendition but brought to it her own charm and individuality creating a whole new bani. Madras Lalithangi Vasanthakumari was a prodigy, giving a public performance when she was all of 13. Trained by mother Lalithangi, an accomplished vocalist, Vasanthi accompanied her mother in concerts from the age of 11. Her father Koothanur Ayyasamy Iyer was a musician too. MLV stepped in to present a concert in Bangalore when her mother had to withdraw on health grounds. There was no looking back, as MLV grew in stature, her vidwat gaining a Sabhas feted MLV, who at 49 kind of depth that left the lay and the connoisseur mesmerised. Her RTPs, was the youngest woman to in particular, were something special. Her adventurous spirit made her be conferred Sangita launch into delineations of rare ragas, her imagination soaring high, Kalanidhi by The Music leaving the accompanists searching for answers. Audience flocked to Academy, Madras. The listen to her Devarnamas and Dasar kritis. She was heard in every home Central Sangeet Natak during Margazhi through Tiruppavai, which she sang, set to tune by Akademi honoured her, Ariyakkudi Ramanuja Iyengar. Stalwarts, including Ustads, bowed to her Mysore University conferred a genius. All who knew her underline the impromptu way in which she doctorate on her and as icing steered her concerts. on the cake came Padma Bhushan. MLV passed away Sought after across the country and abroad, MLV stood out with her on October 31, 1990, her brilliance, which spilled over to films, where she ruled the roost for legacy safe in the hands of several decades. MLV’s personal life, however, was not as tuneful but she scores of disciples, some of moved on not letting any of it reflect in her public performances, the whom have reached great trademark smile never leaving her face. Warm and generous, she heights, such as Sudha showered friends with gifts. She was married to ‘Vikatam’ Krishnamurti Ragunathan, Charumathi and the couple had two children — Shankar and Srividya. The latter, Ramachandran and A. trained in music and dance, was a renowned film actor. Kanyakumari. A TO Z INDIA ● JANUARY 2022 ● PAGE 6