Potpourri of titbits about cinema - T. R. Mahalingam

Kittappaa’s echo

T. R. Mahalingam established himself as a hero and singer in the film Srivalli, directed by A. V. Meyyappa Chettiar. Mahalingam’s songs and acting talent, both became hits. The popular song “Kaayaatha kaanakathe …”, sung by Mahalingam in the film earned him laurels and the name ‘Kittappa’s echo’ by his rendition of the song exactly like Kittappa who had sung the original song in the stage play. Mahalingam continued to occupy his special place as superstar in the Tamil cinema after P. U. Chinnappa and Kittappa.

Mahalingam, born to Ramakrishna Ganapadigal of Cholavandaan was introduced to Tamil cinema as a child artiste in the film Nandakumar in which he acted as young Krishna. After his debut film, he appeared in a few more films but it was Srivalli which won him recognition and fame. Naam iruvar, produced by AVM was the film that diverted the taste of the Tamil cine-goers from mythological films to social films. Mahalingam’s heroine was T. A. Jayalakshmi. V. K. Ramasamy was introduced in this film only. Mahalingam, who had many hits in succession, founded a production company in his son Sukumar’s name and produced the film Macharekai. The next film Mohanasundaram was a detective story. Chinnadurai happened next. S. Varalakshmi was his heroine in all these three films. But all the three films flopped. When Mahalingam, incurring heavy losses, was caught in the web of debts, ‘Kavignar’ Kannadasan produced the film Maalaiyitta mangai with Mahalingam in the lead role. The film helped Mahalingam to recapture his lost position as he was shot to the pinnacle of fame. The song “Senthamizh then mozhiyaal”, sung by Mahalingam, the highlight of the film, is popular even today.

“Kambadasan turned into Madhudasan”

‘Kavignar’ Kambadasan was a senior to lyricists Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram and Kannadasan. His given name was Appavu. He exhibited his talent as a lyricist even during his early years. When he got the job of a molder in Gemini Studio, he simultaneously pursued his career as a stage artiste. And, he was introduced to the film industry as a lyricist for the film Srinivasa kalyanam. He wrote all the songs for the film Venughanam in the year 1940. Then, he became very busy as a lyricist. His meaningful lyrics won him laurels and recognition. His songs in Gyanasoundari and Mangaiyarkarasi have stood the test of time and are still looked upon as living proofs for his talent as a lyricist nonpareil. His married life was not happy despite the fact that his was a love marriage. He married the Kerala dancer-artiste Chitralekha and he took to alcohol to forget his disappointment. In course of time, he became addicted and he died as an orphan at the Government Hospital in Chennai in the year 1973.