Das is 70!

Yesudas turns 70 tomorrow. Every year brings to the mind of every Malayalee the inexorable passage of time which may eventually make this melodious voice falter. My dabbles with agnosticism and atheism are the only things which hinder me from terming his voice ‘divine’. No wonder, the society of Kerala considers any criticism of Yesudas’ voice and style something akin to blasphemy!

The great asset of Malayalam started his career 48 years ago, in 1962, with a philosophical quartet of Sree Narayana Guru in the film, ‘Kalpadukal’. He has won 7 national awards and 23 state awards for the best singer. Other states have also honoured themselves by presenting him several distinctions. The inclination towards music runs hereditary in his family, as it has produced three generations of singers, including Augustine Joseph, his father and Vijay, his son whose voice shows great promise of things to come.

Das’ songs and voice has entrenched themselves deep in to the Malayalee mind. For the sizeable Keralite diaspora, he is the symbol of what they have missed. There are at least three generations now, who have heard (and entertained by) Das’ voice more than their own parents! Not an hour goes by, even now, without one of his songs playing in any of the stations of radio or TV in Kerala. The aged and the young alike love his songs. I distinctly remember etching the message “Das is 50!” on the college desk 20 years before when we were in the graduation class. Das keeps the charm even now! Students now in that class might still be writing similar messages on this 70^th birth day! At that time too, his meridian splendour had eclipsed lesser mortals in the music arena. People encourage other singers for a while, just like one takes a quick taste of pickle after savouring a lot of ‘Payasam’! We note with delight and hope that the voice remains impeccable even in the latest movie, ‘Pazhassi Raja’.

Unnecessary it may seem, but Yesudas had his unfair share of contoversies in the past. Demanding royalty for repeating his songs was one of them. Even though legally viable, the argument was not politically correct in a country where copyright laws are observed more in their breach. The ensued debate causes a slur on the popularity, but as the sun is unaffected by sun spots on the disk, the juggernaut moves on. Discouraging newcomers to music was an accusation prevalent in the late 70s and early 80s. We may safely dismiss this proposition as unfounded on fact, because there was nobody who could even remotely compare himself with this great man.

In this fast paced world where everything changes at break neck speed, Yesudas reigns supreme in the Malayalee psyche. So it was for the last 48 years, and so it will be, for many more years to come! We shudder from looking forward to a time when this sweetest voice would be silent. We absolutely don’t want to think about it. Instead, we hope that this colossus will keep his head high among the clouds so that the whole world can see and admire him. No singer has become such an inseparable part of the society’s collective memory as Yesudas.

So, happy birth day to Das and wishes for a bright career which will continue for several more decades!