This is an original article written and edited by Dr. Anoop Prathapan and first published on the 26th of July 2022
Part 1
The Award, the Controversy, the Support
I was overwhelmed by the best singer award given to folk singer Nanjiyamma for her stirring rendition of the folk song “kalakaatha chandanamere” in the popular Malayalam Movie, Ayyappanum Koshiyum (2020). Though the entire set of awardees this time, felt like “scholars in a half-literate world” to me, this award caught my attention. I was sure that some music biggie in Kerala would feel bad about the title being awarded to a part-time folklore singer, overlooking dedicated, trained singers. My judgments were right – musician Mr. Linu Lal felt that Nanjiyamma should have been given just a special mention by the Jury for her remarkable performance and a formal singer with a proper song should have been awarded the best singer award. As with any post on Facebook, many people protested and many others supported Mr. Linu Lal.
Then came a post from Mr. Rahul Raj, a music director who is not very frequently seen around these days, supporting the decision of the jury and stating that awards are given for the best performance in that context, in that year, for that film, and not for the best-committed singer India has ever produced that year. He says “It has nothing to do with their classical knowledge, virtuosity, lifelong dedication, discipline, commitment to music, whether they abstain from cold beverages, how many hours of sleep they give up for the noble “cause” of uplifting music etc etc etc ! This is the basic technicality for this Award. The song and the artist’s contribution to the film’s narrative should strike a chord with the audience. It’s not an award to find the best singer in the country. So, purists please step back. Nanjiyamma deserves it to the core for the kickass ethnic vibes and sheer rawness that she imparted into the narrative of “Ayappanum Koshiyum”.
I liked this argument. I liked the way he defended his cause. I liked the way he said, talents should be supported regardless of musical pedigree or academic qualifications in music. I liked the way he bolstered the quality of the end-result, regardless of the credentials of the singer.
I think this is how talents should be awarded and acknowledged in every workplace, irrespective of their academic background and lineages.
Part 2
Now let us see how this skilled Nanjiyamma would have fared, had she been in another work environment that I know.
I know personally of a workplace/profession where, things would happen a bit differently.
In that environment, had a “Nanjiyamma” sung this song so beautifully, (so beautifully that it would later fetch a National Award) the music director (who would invariably be some insensible idiot with absolutely no music sense) would come in and replace her with a qualified “Shreya Ghoshal” or “Sujatha Mohan” or “K.S. Chithra”, just because Nanjiyamma is not a formal singer and so “SHOULD NOT be allowed to sing” because she lacks the qualifications for it.
If someone sensible around asks, "Sir, despite she not being a formal singer, isn’t the final output wonderful?" Then he would get a reply, “No no, I think there is scope for improvement. There should be. If an untrained singer like Nanjiyamma could sing it this well, imagine how a "K.S. Chithra" or a "Shreya Ghoshal" who are dedicated and qualified singers can sing it.”
Eventually, that song, however good it might sound in Nanjiyamma’s voice, would be replaced by a trained singer’s voice, the very same day. Soon, Nanjiyamma would have no other option, but to leave the studio in tears.
Another crazy discussion that would happen in that studio after a crying Nanjiyamma leaves, would be, “Do not allow such Nanjiyammas to come up. Why did we all struggle another six years, learning music for? Just nip such people in the bud stating lack of musical qualifications and background. Hang on to that one argument for as many years as you can, disregard their experience, and never allow them to come up." The insensible music director would laugh, and he would be joined by his insecure team members who would also laugh. Later, they would record the track in another "professional" voice, making fun of Nanjiyamma who even attempted to set her foot in the film field where self-proclaimed eminent people like them define the rules.
The most unpardonable among all these is that - the trained singers who are called in, who would naturally listen to Nanjiyamma's recorded track before they start re-recording the same song in their voice, would also never advocate for Nanjiyamma's voice to be retained, for fear of competition.
The maximum that such exceptionally talented Nanjiyammas would be offered when a music show is being held, would be to sit in the front reception welcoming guests who are much less talented than her or to arrange for food and snacks for the invited guests. How more disgustful can a skilled hand be dishonored? A frustrated Nanjiyamma who might have all the skills to perform better than the performers in the ongoing show, would be given no opportunity to display her skills. Never ever will she get on stage to sing a "kalakatha chandanamere" which would later be her masterpiece.
Conclusion
It is quite shameful that there are such disreputable and contemptible souls existing in a particular profession, even in this 21st century who undervalue people with innate skills. The only reason I could find for this is that they are insecure. Insecure to the core - on whether their extra bit of academic hard work might go down the drain. Such insecurities are aptly supported by certain seniors who also do not wish to hear Nanjiyammas sing on stage and win awards. They form committees, teams, and forums where only certain people are christened at the top and certain others are permanent assistants. The seniors are classically skilled in overlooking the capabilities of the assistants so that assistants always remain assistants and are never offered a chance to lead. When the senior goes on leave, the assistant does not get a chance to lead and prove his worth - even then, another one is roped in from elsewhere so that the dynasty remains untouched. What they portray is nothing but shameful selective ignorance.
As Rahul Raj rightly pointed out, "It (winning an award) has nothing to do with their classical knowledge, virtuosity, lifelong dedication, discipline, commitment to music, whether they abstain from cold beverages, how many hours of sleep they give up for the noble “cause” of uplifting music etc etc etc !" It is only the end result that should matter, irrespective of who does the job - if you are capable of doing something - you are capable - and that's it.
Anyways, I wish the real Nanjiyamma all the very best and also pray for the soul of Late Mr. Sachy, not for being a reason for her award, but for being a reason for her to be heard, for the golden opportunity that he gave her, because, an opportunity at the right time is all a right person needs to succeed.
Dr. Anoop Prathapan
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The names/words Nanjiyamma, KS Chithra, Sujatha Mohan and Shreya Ghoshal used in part 2 of this article have been symbolically used to narrate the gross injustice happening in the other environment I described. Such usages are in no way connected to the personalities that behold the names.
opportunity at the right time is all a right person needs to succeed. 🤗