K J Yesudas, the Celestial Singer
BY RAVI HARI
Hyderabad: K J Yesudas, God’s own voice, often referred to as Gaana Gandharvan, who has a number of golden hits in various genres in many languages of our country, turned 82 on January 10. The legendary Padma Vibhushan recorded more than 80,000 songs in his divine voice.
It is really tough to choose his best songs as most of his songs have impacted listeners positively in so many ways. While he is a voice of solace with a healing touch for some, his many classical and devotional songs have comforted some others. Soundtracks infused with his charismatic aura; he has consistency delivered spellbinding songs for the world to take notice of him.
A versatile singer, his – lullabies, romantic melodies, philosophical themes, classical ragas, devotional songs invoking Gods – are majestic and unparalleled in evoking an intensity of emotion in listeners. Millions are enraptured by his songs every day. The finest multi-language vocalist continues to mesmerize even the younger generations. His voice is loved in equal measure beyond Kerala, beyond South, beyond Bollywood, and beyond India.
The gifted heavenly voice has given innumerable hits in Telugu. We revisit some of the wonderful songs of Dasettan whose contribution to Indian music is invaluable. Let’s celebrate the living legend by looking back at his songs that have left indelible experiences to millions of Telugu people.
There are many melodious songs that have become classic and are remembered for Yesudas’ soulful rendering. While ‘Saagara Theera Sameepana’ (“Mary Matha”) is a marvelous meaningful song that we have been hearing since childhood, ‘Lalitha Priya Kamalam’ (“Rudraveena”) is evergreen. And, a song that is hugely impactful is ‘Ye Naava Di Ye Teeramo’ (“Sankeertana”) due to its super melody and great meaning. ‘Harivarasanam’ and ‘’Swararaga Ganga Pravahame’ (“Sarigamalu”) are the songs forever.
K J Yesudas excelled in singing lyrics that had a philosophical and emotional meaning. And, these are the songs which evoke pathos for being haunting and they would hold a listener spellbound. While ‘Gali Vanalo’ (“Swayamvaram”) expresses powerful meaning on life, ‘Srushtikarta Oka Brahma’ (“Amma Rajinama”) is a heart-touching mother’s-love-for-her-children song. And, as ‘Konda Kona Palaina’ (“Soggadi Pellam”) is just refreshing for its emotional meaningful lines about husband-wife relation and values, timeless classic ‘Sukkalley Thochave’ (“Nireekshana”) makes us nostalgic due to it evoking pain in the heart. “Nuvvemi Chesavu Neram’ (“Pellichesukundam”) sends a very strong message to mankind. ‘Idele Taratarala Charitam’ (“Peddarikam”) is a tragic touching-the-soul song giving best lesson for those who have lost their happiness and families due to anger and ego. ‘Kadile Kalama’ (“Pedarayudu”) is simply fantastic for its great lyrics and beautiful singing. ‘Akasa Desana’ (“Megha Sandhesam”) is also a fabulous song for countless times.
And, ‘Pachani Chilukalu’ (“Bharateeyudu”), ‘Musi Musi Navuulalona’ (“Bramha”), ‘Singarala Pairullona’ (“Dalapathi”), ‘Muddabanti Navvulo’ (“Alludugaru”) and ‘Andamaina Vennelalona’ (“Assembly Rowdy”) are the unforgettable happy melodious songs that elicit so much of life and emotion in listeners, also elevating their mood invoking positive vibes.
All the songs of Dasettan will stay till eternity. There are too many songs to list here. The wonderful songs of the man with God’s voice will be heard by his admirers forever.
Happy Birthday to the owner of the greatest voice in the world!
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