Potpourri of titbits about cinema - Madurai Somu

“Cinema is not my cup of tea…!”

The name ‘Madurai’ Somu will spontaneously bring to our mind the song, “Maruthamalai maamaniyee Murugaiah …” in the film ‘Deivam’. The renowned Carnatic singer had sung the song in a scintillating voice. His name became popular among the filmgoers too through this hit song. I used to feel excited whenever I hear the lines “Devaathi devarellaam thedi varum Maruthamalai …”, sung at a very high pitch because ‘Devaathi’ was the first half of my given name Devaathirajan. Also, I developed strong affinity for him because he belonged to Swamimalai, a hamlet, adjacent to Kumbakonam, my native place.

I met him at Erode when he was there for a program of Sesha Gana Sabha of Seshasayee Paper Mills. He sang the song “Maruthamalai maamaniyee …” at the request of the audience present amidst thunderous applause. The audience repeated the request and he obliged them immediately. After the program was over, I met him at the guesthouse.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: How did you become ‘Madurai’ Somu when you were born in Swamimalai …?

A: My father got the job of bench clerk at the Madurai court and our family settled down there. I got the prefix ‘Madurai’ because of our shifting only! I received formal training in Carnatic music from ‘Chitoor’ Subramaniam Pillai in Chennai.