Autographs from Artistes

srinivasrgvn · Post by **srinivasrgvn** » 11 Aug 2009, 11:50

I think we have to confess that most of us(at least some of us!) would have asked for autographs from artistes.

When did this ordeal start?

Do you think this is necessary or do you think this is just a scene put up by the audience?

Older members of the forum, can you please tell us if you had asked for autographs from famous past artistes? Did the artistes agree?

Others, have you asked for autographs from present-day artistes like TMK, Sanjay, Sudha, Aruna Sairam, Bombay Jayashri, Vishaka Hari, Jayanthi, Mandolin Srinivas, NSG, TNS, TVS, Ramani, Kadri, etc.?

How about the accompanists? Do people usually ignore them while asking or are they given equal preference? (calling Erode and mridhangam =) )

Have artistes refused/hesitated to sign autographs? Have you taken photos with the artistes?[I've seen people doing that]

Do you all treasure such autographs and photos and preserve them? Or, do you throw them off the moment you come home? (

)

Members, if you have scanned copies of autographs(Yes, there are people who scan and keep for safety!), can you share them here?

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 11 Aug 2009, 12:07

Maybe there are those who are obsessive collectors; maybe there are those who count it as somehow adding to their own virtue; maybe there are those who consider it a genuine blessing with a lasting memento...

priyaram78 · Post by **priyaram78** » 11 Aug 2009, 12:39

Nice topic to share personal experiences !. Honestly, I love Gayathri Girish's voice a lot, ever since I first heard it. Then I started attending her concerts in mumbai and chennai whenever I visit chennai. I have asked for an autograph and photograph from her only.
I have been a member of Chembur fine arts, mumbai and have attended many concerts of artistes in mumbai and chennai.
But somehow, I really wanted Gayathri Girish's autograph and a snap with her. I like her voice so much. Thanks to her, I have her autograph and have taken photographs too with her, when she visited delhi and mumbai for concerts.
I found Gayathri to be a a very humble person. Thanks to her, she has obliged me when I requested her for an autograph in shankara vidyalaya, delhi and for a snap when she came to chembur fine arts, mumbai.
I came to know about GG only from an audio album of hers but still she obliged for an autograph in delhi. She infact was in a hurry to catch a flight to chennai during the december season, still when I disturbed her

for an autograph, she stopped and gave her autograph for me which I have kept carefully and hope to keep it with me for years to come.

mridhangam · Post by **mridhangam** » 11 Aug 2009, 12:44

This is an excellent topic started by sir. Many students and even avid autograph hunters collect from accompanying artistes also. Popular artistes are always in demand for more autographs and we have nothing to say against tht or nothing to be jealous of. many rasikas even take pictures with their favourite artistes and the artistes also oblige them if they have time after the concert. Normally the accompanists are not ignored as we are considered integral part of the concert. Refused to give autographs may not be taken seriously since it is the lack of time of the artiste which forces him or her to rush away without spending too much time on autographs may be a flight or train to catch for the next destination.

The best autograph collectors seem to be school and college goers who enthusiastically request from all the artistes in turn for their autographs. I try to give some unique ideas while signing and give my autograph. That makes it memorable. We may also come up with little slogans on music which the artistes could use while signing autographs.

J.Balaji

knandago2001 · Post by **knandago2001** » 11 Aug 2009, 12:54

I did collect autographs as a kid - am reminded of Lalgudi's with the violin, Umayalpuram's with the mridangam, loved the flourish on Nedunuri's N, MLV signed her's on my music book (i said thank you and was totally floored when she said "you are welcome!), how tongue-tied i was when i first met Brindamma only to get her autograph... a lot of pleasant memories.

karthikbala · Post by **karthikbala** » 11 Aug 2009, 13:57

I have autographed photos of Anna Moffo and Lisa della Casa, two of my favourite sopranos. By the time I moved on to CM, I became indifferent to memorabilia. Getting one's programme book or album autographed is one thing; but I could never identify with the urge to collect autographs in books meant for that purpose...

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 11 Aug 2009, 14:48

I have, occasionally, asked an artist to sign a CD cover. I have N Ravikiran's autograph in my first notebook of mridangam lessons.

Then, although I love to speak to the artists, and, in a few instances, to ask for their blessing, I forgot about the autograph thing.

Oh! How could I forget! I have a treasured, signed photograph of myself sitting with Pandit Birju Maharaj and Saswati Sen.

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 11 Aug 2009, 22:39

I do not have the autograph of any CM artists! But I do like to go up to the artists and talk to them a bit if the ambiance is right. It is much easier to do that in U.S. CM concerts than in India, I suppose.

A related topic: What do you usually say while requesting the autograph? Simply extend the book and ask for it or say something about the musician, music or the specific performance? If such small talk is attempted, in what language, English or any of the regional languages?

Nandagopal's anecdote about MLV reminded me that MLV's English was very good. In one of her recordings, she introduces the song by bArati along with the ragas in pretty good English.

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 11 Aug 2009, 23:14

Nice topic. I remember that Semmangudi Mama used to charge a small amount for his autograph (around Rs 5 or so/- IIRC). The amount so collected used to be donated to the Sri Thyagabrahmam Mahotsava Sabha. (Possibly he was following in the footsteps of the Mahatma who also used to charge for his autographs, the funds being channelled towards the freedom struggle.)

In his own witty manner, he used to tell the autograph hunter " Dont spread a rumour that Semmangudi Mama is collecting money for autographs ! This is just a token contribution to Thyagabrahmam."

rveeraraghavan · Post by **rveeraraghavan** » 11 Aug 2009, 23:15

I always collect autographs. I have a kutcheri book where I jot down the details and at the end of the event, I get their signatures, this way I kinda make it 'authentic'. So far I have managed to remember to take the book with me. I don't collect multiple times, just the first concert of that person.

mohan · Post by **mohan** » 12 Aug 2009, 05:19

In recent years, I have not sought out many autographs but this thread has got me to dig out my old book which I should seek to update. In 1989 the Music Academy released a diary with a sketched portrait and short biography of a Sangeetha Kalanidhi on every page. The diary also has some historical group photos from the Academy of yesteryear (from the 1930s to the 70s)

I use that book as my autograph book and artistes would seek out an appropriate page (depending on the picture) to sign. Lucky to get a couple of Sangeetha Kalanidhis to sign on their respective pages eg Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer (he insisted on a token donation), TN Krishnan and Dr Balamuralikrishna.

Others have signed on their guru's page for example TM Krishna has signe on Semmangudi's page. On the MLV page I have signatures from three disciples Charumathi Ramachandran, A Kanyakumari and Sudha Ragunathan; Umayalpuram Sivaraman signed on Palghat Mani Iyer's page; while on DKP's page I have DK Jayaraman's signature (signed on the day of his Academy concert - when he got the Sangeetha Kalanidhi 25-12-1990). His son, J Vaidyanathan, has signed on the same page many years later.

On the page with GNB's picture I have autographs by a disciple (Trichur Ramachandran), a nephew (R. Visweshwaran) and a fan (Sanjay Subrahmanyan).

Apart from personal messages, many of the artistes have written nice quotes eg.
- Lalgudi Jayaraman : "Music makes one gentle, soft, reasonable and human'
- Karaikudi Mani : "Music is the nearest way to achieve God"

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 12 Aug 2009, 07:25

Mohan - cool collection!

srinivasrgvn · Post by **srinivasrgvn** » 12 Aug 2009, 07:40

Really superb, mohan. =)

ragam-talam · Post by **ragam-talam** » 12 Aug 2009, 14:54

I have a slightly different take on autographs. While it's nice to get autographs of great musicians etc. I have found it a bit jarring when flocks of young people (mostly girls) crowd around the latest 'star' - it used to be Mandolin Srinivas a few years ago, not sure who it is now - and seek autographs, giggling all the way. Not sure if many of them are all that keen on the music or just imitating what happens with rock stars.

Mind you, this is not an indictment on all young people who attend CM concerts! I have seen several of them focused on just the music.

mohan · Post by **mohan** » 12 Aug 2009, 18:25

ragam-talam wrote: I have found it a bit jarring when flocks of young people (mostly girls) crowd around the latest 'star'

This phenomena will always be there as fans seek out their stars. If this brings more young people to Carnatic concerts, then we need more such artistes!

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 12 Aug 2009, 22:41

In my many moves, I have lost several of my precious possessions which are irreplacable.
I still get my books autographed (the latest is from a star writer--Salman Rushdie).
Used to collect autographs, mainly from writers--few musicians too. I can picture KBS's 'vElum mayilum tuNai--KB sunarAmbAL', even today!

erode14 · Post by **erode14** » 12 Aug 2009, 23:02

if there exists a soft copy of autograph, can it be a share-auto graph..

so that, all of us can enjoy...

mohan · Post by **mohan** » 13 Aug 2009, 05:22

Kalaimamani S. Saraswathi,a dancer and painter, who accompanies Dr Balamuralikrishna on overseas tours has painted a big painting of Saint Thyagaraja. It includes a reproduction of Thyagaraja's own signature which has been taken from an ancient land deed document. I've got a print of this painting so I can claim to have a copy of the great saint's autograph!

VK RAMAN · Post by **VK RAMAN** » 13 Aug 2009, 05:33

Autographs are given at a cost; you buy his/her CD at a concert and they sign the booklet; is this how it works?

mohan · Post by **mohan** » 13 Aug 2009, 06:07

VK RAMAN wrote:Autographs are given at a cost; you buy his/her CD at a concert and they sign the booklet; is this how it works?

No this is not how it works. Artistes are happy to provide their autograph in an autograph book. It is common to get a CD signed because the artiste has performed on the CD. It is similar to getting a book autographed by the author or a cricket bat signed by cricketer!

srinivasrgvn · Post by **srinivasrgvn** » 13 Aug 2009, 07:15

rajaglan · Post by **rajaglan** » 16 Aug 2009, 13:04

mohan wrote:
VK RAMAN wrote:Autographs are given at a cost; you buy his/her CD at a concert and they sign the booklet; is this how it works?
No this is not how it works. Artistes are happy to provide their autograph in an autograph book. It is common to get a CD signed because the artiste has performed on the CD. It is similar to getting a book autographed by the author or a cricket bat signed by cricketer!

I have done this on CDs. They promptly sign. I have TMK. There is no need to buy CD at concert, just remember to take the one you bought earlier.
But not sure whether everyone will oblige as they are busy to catch flights or like to go to sleep or tired or definitely to empty bladder.

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 16 Aug 2009, 13:10

srinivasrgvn wrote:Do any of you have MSS's autograph?

srinivasrgvn

In the book "MS & Radha - Saga of Steadfast Devotion" , you will find a huge collection of Smt Radha's autograph collection over many years, amongst which are also her parent's MS & TS autographs.

cacm · Post by **cacm** » 16 Aug 2009, 23:11

srinivasrgvn wrote:Do any of you have MSS's autograph?

I do. I have it on "MEERA BHAJANS" LP I bought at Sam Goody's in NYC. It has her name signed "M.S.Subbulakshmi 17-11-66 New york"
if you are interested write me an email: [email protected]. I can send you a copy of it. VKV

saianamika · Post by **saianamika** » 20 Aug 2009, 21:51

I have MS amma's autograph in my Vishnu Sahasramam book. She had joined us to chant the sahasranamam one evening many years ago.

vmr · Post by **vmr** » 21 Nov 2009, 15:40

I have been attending concerts since 1973-74 and have collected a few autographs Some on cassettes,whcih were recorded during the artists visit to Hyderabad during 1980s . Thiruchur V.Ramachandran,TVS ,TNS, DKJ & Ganesh Kumaresh have autographed on cassettes.

I also have Autographs of Sri.Sanjay,Prof.Trichy.Shankaran,TV Vasan, Dr.Ramani (Flute) , Sri.Guruvayur Dorai in my Autograph Book.

Latest additions are from Smt.Gayathri Venkataraghavan & Smt.Parasala Ponnamal.

Hope to get some more this season..

Sreeni Rajarao · Post by **Sreeni Rajarao** » 21 Nov 2009, 17:07

Interesting topic!
Reading this now makes me wonder why I did not collect autographs from many musicians who I was fortunate to meet quite frequently in those days as a little boy, while during the same time, I diligently hunted for autographs from my Gods of those days - Prasanna, Chandra, G R Vishwanath, Brijesh Patel, Kirmani, ...........
huh!

jimihendrix · Post by **jimihendrix** » 21 Nov 2009, 21:00

Very interesting topic. Can people who have it, scan it and upload it somewhere so that i can dload it? I would love to have Sri Semmangudi Iyervaal's autograph. Can someone please help?

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 21 Nov 2009, 21:57

jimihendrix wrote:Very interesting topic. Can people who have it, scan it and upload it somewhere so that i can dload it? I would love to have Sri Semmangudi Iyervaal's autograph. Can someone please help?

Semmangudi Mama made an unannounced visit to our house in Madras on Jan 2nd 2003, late evening . He was 95 years old at that time !
This was soon after the Sadas at the Music Academy. He was accompanied by Sri Meenakshisundaram.

The main purpose of his visit was to see my mother. (Radha, Onae Pathu Yethana Nal Aachu.!)

He was as usual his witty self and had all of us roaring in laughter . He told Amma "Na Onodaya Appave Pathutu Vandhen" (referring to his serious illness a few months back !) ("I saw your father in the heavens but came back to earth!)

One unintended outcome of his visit was his blessing my daughter Aishwarya (who was then 7 years old) after hearing her sing. This was the first and only time he heard her sing.

He later autographed her Music Book(something which Aishwarya now cherishes greatly.)

My family & I left for Bangalore that night. Sadly that was the last time we ever saw him as he passed away in Oct 2003.

I am attaching 2 pictures of the memorable evening.

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 21 Nov 2009, 22:03

Cienu
Semmangudi mAmA certainly only looks like 80+ , not 95. Just curious what your daughter sang? Lovely photo

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 21 Nov 2009, 22:04

WOW
Thanks cienu! This is a collector's item!
Is that amma sitting in front of him? Why did you cut her out?

Ramasubramanian M.K · Post by **Ramasubramanian M.K** » 21 Nov 2009, 22:21

Hey Cienu: Great pic!!! heard Aishwarya and your Mom singing at the Sai Bhabha center inR.A.Puram last year with Murthy Mama and Sriramkumar-- I am sure Aish has improved a lot!! great tenacity on your as well as your Mom's part to come from Bangalore to take lessons --look forward to seeing your Mom in Chennai soon. Would you be in Chennai during the season? Did you tell your Mom about my posts in this forum about Thatha and Patti.I will find out her reactions before I start posting more!!!! By the way Gowri's book with your Mom collaborating was a nice gesture on your part !!
Now for some blackmail: I have some pics of you being " a Bull in a China Shop" during my wedding in Coimbatore!!
Do you want them posted!!!!

Ramesh Mama.

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 21 Nov 2009, 22:36

Sure

Let us meet the demure cienu as a Bull

(...and tell us the story that goes with it...)

Ramasubramanian M.K · Post by **Ramasubramanian M.K** » 21 Nov 2009, 22:44

I can legitimately claim that the last public function SEmmangudi Mama attended was in my father's 90th birthday in August 2003 held at the Kalyananagar Assn hall in Mandaveli.

he was having severe bronchial problems and was advised to cancel all public appearances. I had mentioned to his son Kunjambi(Radhakrishnan) that while we would like to have his father for the function(my father and Mama had known each other for over 70 years and Mama was virtually the pitamahar of our family--Mama sang at my wedding in Coimbatore with Kovai Dakshinamurthy and Palghat mani iyer.),if it was too much of a strain for him we would understand if he (Ambi) chooses not to bring him for the function. Just when the Aseervatham segment of the religious ceremony was on, Mama arrives with Ambi just in time to "bless" my dad and Mom. When he was leaving, I was so excited and grateful that he could make it, I blurted out in an innocent formal way,"Neenga Vandathukku Romba Thanks Mama"--Mama shot back a reply that is still etched in our hearts" Mahadevan functonukku Nan Varamal Iruppena. He died 8/9 weeks later. After my father's function I visited him and in between bouts of coughs he was brilliant as a raconteur. I will share these with forumites in one of the future posts because it will give an insight into the minds of a great sagcious artist.
On a separate post I will narrate our family's 7 decades association with Mama and his family. The whole world may know about Mama's rich legacy and Music in the CM world but there are other more fascinating facets of Mama's life that need to be told.

My Dad-an amateur astrologer used to tell me that Mama's Horoscope was unique with several planets being "Ucchham"-- the apex and his feats and accomplishments are a natural corrollary of the configuration of the planets in his horoscope-.

There is a pic of my brother --M.S.Sekhar-- accompanying Mama and Papa Venkatramiah in 1967 at the Kalki gardens --a concert that TS Mama had arranged in honor of Lord Harewood's visit to kalki gardens. My son found it I think in You Tube- I will try to resurrect it and post it if I can!!

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 21 Nov 2009, 22:51

rajeshnat wrote:Cienu
Semmangudi mAmA certainly only looks like 80+ , not 95. Just curious what your daughter sang? Lovely photo

Aishwarya sang "angai koDumalar " a Thirupugazh of Arunagirinathar in Senchuruti & Nadhanamkriya Ragams in a complicated 19 beat talam ! (misra jampa + kanDa tripuTa )
A composition which my Grandmother learnt in the early 1930's from the late Kanjira Maestro Dakshinamurthy Pillai. (probably set to tune by him)
(Notice Semmangudi Mama carefully observing her Talam !)

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 21 Nov 2009, 22:52

cmlover wrote:WOW
Thanks cienu! This is a collector's item!
Is that amma sitting in front of him? Why did you cut her out?

Yes CML, it is Amma.

Since the picture was taken from behind she could not fit in the frame.

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 21 Nov 2009, 22:57

Ramasubramanian M.K wrote:Hey Cienu: Great pic!!! heard Aishwarya and your Mom singing at the Sai Bhabha center inR.A.Puram last year with Murthy Mama and Sriramkumar-- I am sure Aish has improved a lot!! great tenacity on your as well as your Mom's part to come from Bangalore to take lessons --look forward to seeing your Mom in Chennai soon. Would you be in Chennai during the season? Did you tell your Mom about my posts in this forum about Thatha and Patti.I will find out her reactions before I start posting more!!!! By the way Gowri's book with your Mom collaborating was a nice gesture on your part !!
Now for some blackmail: I have some pics of you being " a Bull in a China Shop" during my wedding in Coimbatore!!
Do you want them posted!!!!

Ramesh Mama.

Dear Ramesh Mama,

Namaskaram,

I have been reading your posts with great delight and have told Amma about the same. Your posts are a wealth of information presented in great style.

It would be lovely to see my pictures at your wedding in Coimbatore. Do however "erase" the horns before posting the "bull"

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 21 Nov 2009, 23:09

Ramasubramanian M.K wrote: There is a pic of my brother --M.S.Sekhar-- accompanying Mama and Papa Venkatramiah in 1967 at the Kalki gardens --a concert that TS Mama had arranged in honor of Lord Harewood's visit to kalki gardens. My son found it I think in You Tube- I will try to resurrect it and post it if I can!!

I have already resurrected the picture a few months back

This can be seen in "Vidwans and Vidushis" under Semmangudi. However I was not aware that this concert was performed before Lord & Lady Harewood.

I have suitably edited the details in the post below.
http://rasikas.org/forums/post124360.html#p124360

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 21 Nov 2009, 23:53

Lovely!
We are ready for more exciting stories especially of Pithamaha whenever you are ready!

cienu

Aishvarya has come a long way! Blessings!

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 22 Nov 2009, 09:15

Ramasubramanian M.K wrote: On a separate post I will narrate our family's 7 decades association with Mama and his family. The whole world may know about Mama's rich legacy and Music in the CM world but there are other more fascinating facets of Mama's life that need to be told.

MKR Sir
Please post that in semmangudi mama's thread in vidwans and vidushis topics

srinivasrgvn · Post by **srinivasrgvn** » 22 Nov 2009, 15:31

Nice photos, cienu sir. =)

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 22 Nov 2009, 18:54

Cienu - LOVELY picture. Thanks for sharing!

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 22 Nov 2009, 23:01

Thanks Ravi and srinivasrgvn

jimihendrix · Post by **jimihendrix** » 23 Nov 2009, 00:53

WOAH!!!!! Thanks cienu... Amazing stuff!!!! :O :O :O :O :O :O :O. I am so grateful

bilahari · Post by **bilahari** » 23 Nov 2009, 11:32

What lovely photos, cienu sir. Thank you! I love how intently SSI is staring at Aishwarya!

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 23 Nov 2009, 11:41

Thanks Bilahari and Jimi.

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 04 Dec 2009, 08:53

My, such fascinating posts on this thread the past two weeks and I had not seen them!

Cienu,
Lovely pictures, and Aishwarya is a doll (I see Soundarya there!). Enjoyed reading the anecdote too. koDumait tALam for me, and that little one winged it with no difficulty, I am sure. When she puts her mind to anything, it's a breeze for her, it seems!

Ramasubramaniam,
Waiting eagerly for your stories on SSI and the little bull's picture--horns and all.
Cienu, After all, you were a kid then

srkris · Post by **srkris** » 04 Dec 2009, 15:12

Musicfan_4201, you are requested to keep away from slanderous remarks on artistes. I have removed such posts from this thread in your interest but I cannot monitor each post that you make.

bhamah · Post by **bhamah** » 08 Dec 2009, 22:18

srinivasrgvn wrote:Do any of you have MSS's autograph?

I have the autograph of MSS. Contact me [email protected]
Bhamah