Author: Rajaram 'Raj' Gopalan

Few days ago attended a concert featuring noted vocalist Sikkil Gurucharan. The concert was based on the wildly popular “Jannal Orum” concept pioneered by Sikkil Gurucharan who is one of the young, recognized and well received singers in the classical South Indian Carnatic music genre. The concert was enjoyed very much by music connoisseurs and the less knowledgeable alike because of the format 👍. A little background about Jannal Orum origin: In the wake of the COVID pandemic, which affected everyone directly or indirectly, public concerts were not possible because of lockdowns. “Jannal Orum” in Tamil means by the side of the window. The singer found himself standing by (and looking out) the window of his home many days and singing songs, not sure when the situation would return to at least a semblance of normalcy. At that time, in an effort to reach out to eager listeners, he started the Jannal Orum series and posted on youtube. Each video in the series would be based on a theme and Sikkil Gurucharan would identify and explain movie songs on the chosen theme that was based on a classical raga (Raga = melodic framework in Indian classical music). It became wildly popular as everyone, irrespective of their knowledge level of classical music, could understand and appreciate because of familiarity with the movie song. The keys to success being keeping it simple, making it accessible and augmenting by easily understood explanation. 👍

Towards the end of the concert it was time for audience requested songs. One of the requested songs “Aasai Mugham Marandhu Pochey”. Before starting the song Sikkil Gurucharan gave some background information about the song. It’s written by celebrated Tamil poet Mahakavi Subramania Bharati. The poet had lost his mother at a very young age and one of his most prized possessions was a fading black and white photograph of his mother. That picture was lost in a fire at his home. The poem/song is a lament on losing the last physical memory of his mother. It’s a very touching tribute to a person he held very dear to his heart. So, the context in itself lends to pathos. Penned by a great poet the loss almost bestows a quality of personal loss to the reader of the poem or listener when sung. In Sikkil Gurucharan’s rendition the feeling of loss immediately came alive. When great lyrics combines with heartfelt rendering by a very talented artiste bringing the emotions to the fore it creates a moment and a memorable moment it was! 👏 As soon as the song started my eyes started welling up 😢 and as the song progressed, I had to wipe my eyes a few times. Youtube link to song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxoAyj9jzro
This song was followed by another song praising the virtues of South Indian filter coffee, in a lighter vein. I wonder how singers are able to sing a very emotional song with a lot of passion and not choke up. I guess talented professionals have the ability to seize the moment and let it go too! After the concert ended we went up to the stage to compliment the young musicians that accompanied the main artiste, thank the main artiste for a very enjoyable experience and were able to capture a Kodak moment with Sikkil Gurucharan. Emboldened by his accommodation of our request for a picture with him I requested an autograph. I had not planned before on asking for autograph. Desperately I fished out the only piece of paper I could find in my wallet with just enough whitespace on one side for an autograph. 😂 With a bemused look at the scrap of paper I had handed over the well-natured singer willingly gave his autograph. That makes “Aasai Mugham” his signature song for me! 😊