Recliner Reminiscences


Working in the service industry offers a unique opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds. With regular interactions, an unplanned rapport often builds up, and it's always refreshing to engage with individuals from various walks of life.
During my time at the front counters, I had the pleasure of meeting a gentleman who worked in a reputed organization. Tall, darkish, and handsome with curly hair, he had a pleasant demeanor and attitude. Our conversations were brief, as he had to get back to work, but he casually mentioned that he was also a music director. As someone fascinated by music and musicians, this piqued my interest.
He revealed that he had started as a music director for stage plays in the late 1960s, a period when stage plays were quite popular. His involvement extended to scoring music for one of the troupes. Our conversation delved deeper, and he hesitantly shared that he had also composed music for a movie that never saw the light of day. Though he mentioned the name of the film, I’ve unfortunately forgotten it.
I distinctly remember the tune of the first four lines of one song from that movie. The lyrics were vague, and despite my attempts to find the song, it has remained elusive. The song had been one of my favorites, often heard on the radio. The memory of this talented, handsome gentleman with his suave manners has stayed with me. Even though we've lost touch, his memory remains vivid.
It’s a lament that a talented music director like him, with such potential, didn’t get the recognition he deserved in the Tamil film industry.
The first two words of the lyrics I remember are "paruvam mattum."
Where to find this lost gem?
This reflection also brings to mind another music director who transitioned from stage plays: V. Kumar. He was known for his delightful melodies and was a favorite of mine. When he became our customer, our brief interactions revealed him to be a very kind and soft-spoken individual. Sadly, he passed away at a relatively young age.
Continued in 138. Sung And Unsung - Part 2