#13 by jhnlasik » 14 Aug 2006 18:04
Vocalist- here is the story
" In one of the post-conference meetings, Semmangudi spoke about Balamuralikrishna in a filthy language.The entire proceedings of the above said meeting including the indecent remarks of Semmangudi, got recorded by someone secretly and the tape fell into the hands of Balamurali.
Nobody could expect that a person of Srinivasa Iyer's stature would have used such an indecent language. Balamurali found no other way but to file a defamation suit against Semmangudi to the tune of rupees two lakhs. He felt that Semmangudi's action had damaged his professional career. As usual the case dragged for a considerable time. Semmangudi, in a state of impasse, felt, he could not escape out of the entanglement, for he had already started to repent, as soon as he came to know that the recorded version of his remarks in the meeting was now safe in the hands of the plaintiff.
Some of his friends were appalled and derided him for his rash statements. They offered to mediate and settle the affair. When they approached Balamurali, be bluntly replied that it was not at all fair on the part of such an old and senior musician, to have spoken, in an irresponsible manner, that too in the presence of many and therefore it was only right for the doyen to apologise. Without knowing what to do , Semmangudi, finally, came to Balamurali's house , accompanied by two of his friends.
Balamurali readily consented to withdraw the case provided Semmangudi comes to the court in Saidapet and gives it in writing. Semmangudi had to go to the court and gave an apology written, before the presiding judge who heard the case. The suit was withdrwan. Source:" Splendour of Swaras "An authorised Biography of Balamurali by B.M.Sundaram.