Vani Jairam (born Kalaivani; 30 November 1945 – 4 February 2023) was an Indian playback singer in Indian cinema.[2][3] She is fondly referred to as the "Meera of modern India"[4][5] Vani's career started in 1971 and has spanned over five decades. She did playback for over one thousand Indian movies recording over 20,000 songs. In addition, she recorded thousands of devotionals and private albums and also participated in numerous solo concerts in India and abroad.[6][7]
She was well versed in various forms of music, including Carnatic, Hindustani, thumri, ghazal and bhajan. Apart from singing, she was also a songwriter, composer and painter.[13]
Early life and education
Vani was born as Kalaivani in Vellore in Tamil Nadu, in a Brahmin family of classically trained musicians as a fifth daughter in a family of six daughters and three sons. Her parents Duraisamy Iyer–Padmavathi, trained under Ranga Ramunaja Iyengar, enrolled her in his classes where he taught her a few Muthuswami Dikshitar kritis. Later she was given a formal Carnatic training under the guidance of Kadalur Srinivas Iyengar, T. R. Balasubramanian and R. S. Mani. Vani was glued to the Radio Ceylon channel and was attracted to Hindi film songs to the extent that she used to memorize and reproduce the entire orchestration of the songs that used to repeatedly play on the Radio.[14][15] At the age of 8, she gave her first public performance at the All India Radio, Madras.
Vani did her schooling at Lady Sivasamy High School, Chennai.[16] She then graduated from the Queen Mary's College, Chennai.[17][18] Post her studies, Vani was employed with the State Bank of India, Madras and later in 1967, she was transferred to the Hyderabad branch.[19][14]
Early career in Mumbai
After her marriage to Jairam in 1969, she moved to Mumbai to set up her family. Upon her request, she was transferred to the Mumbai branch of her bank. Knowing her singing skills, Jairam persuaded Vani to get trained in the Hindustani classical music and she enrolled under Ustad Abdul Rehman Khan of the Patiala gharana.[14] Her rigorous training under him made her quit her bank job and take up music as her profession. She learned the nuances of various vocal forms such as Thumri, Ghazal and Bhajan under Khan's tutelage and gave her first public concert in 1969.[20] In the same year, she was introduced to the composer Vasant Desai who was recording a Marathi album with singer Kumar Gandharva. Upon listening to her voice, Desai chose her to sing the song "Runanubandhacha" for the same album along with Kumar Gandharva. The album released to much popularity among the Marathi audience and the duet song was well received. She sang with the veteran vocalist Agra Charan Pt. Dinkar Kaikini in the 1979 film Meera. The music was given by Pt. Ravi Shankar.[15]
Career
Tamil cinema
While Vani's popularity continued to soar in Bollywood cinema, she started getting offers from the South Indian film industry. In 1973, she recorded her first Tamil song for the film Thayum Seiyum under the music direction of S. M. Subbaiah Naidu. However, the film remains unreleased to date and the song remained in the cans.[14] Her first released song was a duet romantic song with T. M. Soundararajan for the film Veettukku Vandha Marumagal (1973).[14] The song "Or Idam Unnidam" was composed by the duo Shankar–Ganesh, with whom, Vani went on to record maximum songs in Tamil cinema. Immediately after this, she was employed by one of the most successful director-composer duos, K. Balachander and M. S. Viswanathan, for their successful film Sollathaan Ninaikkiren for a solo song "Malarpol Sirippathu Pathinaaru". Thus began her long association with the top-rated music directors in Tamil cinema. Her biggest break came through the song "Malligai En Mannan Mayangum" from the film Dheerga Sumangali (1974), again composed by M. S. Viswanathan.[21] Vani recalled that it was a challenging song and "he (Viswanathan) trusted me with it". She sang many songs composed by M.S.Viswanathan and Shankar–Ganesh. M.S.Viswanathan by seeing her amazing grasping power and ability to write swaras immediately mentioned her as 'Blotting paper'.[22] When Vani was in Madras (now Chennai) for two music concerts at a Bhajan Sammelan, Viswanathan, who was the chief guest, was impressed by her performance and gave her the opportunity to sing the song.[23] The song received laurels and accolades for both its composition and vocal rendition. It was in the same year, she recorded a duet song with S. P. Balasubrahmanyam for music director Vijaya Bhaskar for the film Engamma Sapatham. It was later reported that Vani's voice featured in all the films which had Vijaya Bhaskar as the composer in both Tamil and Kannada film industries.
Jairam recorded thousands of Tamil songs both in solo and duet formats. Many of her duet songs have been recorded along with T. M. Soundararajan, P. B. Srinivas, K. J. Yesudas, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Jayachandran. Songs like "Ezhu Swarangalukkul", "Keliviyin Nayagane", "Ennulil Engo", "Yaaradhu Sollamal", "Megamae Megamae", "Kavidhai Kelungal", "Nadhamenum Kovililae", "Aana Kana" and "Sugamana Raagangale" are considered amongst the best compositions to be recorded in Vani's voice. The first Ghazal type song in tamil movies was "Megame magame" written by vairamuthu was sung by Vani jayaram.
Telugu cinema
Vani's contribution towards Telugu cinema and devotional songs have been extensive and widespread. She recorded her first Telugu song for the film Abhimanavanthulu (1973).[24] The song "Eppativalekaadura Naa Swami", composed by S. P. Kodandapani, was a classical dance-based song. Her songs for the film Pooja (1975) brought her to the forefront of Telugu cinema. The songs "Poojalu Cheya" and "Ennenno Janmala Bandham" became household hits and cemented her position. It was for the K. Viswanath's musical film Sankarabharanam (1979), Vani increased her popularity by singing five songs and winning her second National Film award for all the songs collectively. She was also awarded the Andhra Pradesh government's Nandi Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the same songs. She went on to collaborate with director Viswanath and music director K. V. Mahadevan for many films like Seetamalakshmi (1978), Sruthilayalu (1987), Sankarabharanam and Swathi Kiranam. Later in 1990, the same team produced the film Swathi Kiranam which was again musically noted; all the songs sung by Vani were received well. She received her third National Film Award for the film.
Vani's good professional association with Vasant Desai resulted in her breakthrough with the film Guddi (1971) directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Desai offered Vani to record three songs in the film amongst which the song "Bole Re Papihara", featuring Jaya Bachchan in the lead role, became a talk-of-the-town song and gave her instant recognition. Composed in Miyan Ki Malhar raag, the song showcased her classical prowess and subsequently fetching her many laurels and awards including the Tansen Samman (for best classical-based song in a Hindi film), the Lions International Best Promising Singer award, the All India Cinegoers Association award, and the All India Film-goers Association award for the Best Playback Singer in 1971. Her other song Humko Mann Ki Shakti Dena; Mann Vijaya Karein [O God! Please give us strength to conquer our weaknesses] became a school prayer since the release of the song in 1971 and continues to be even now.[25] She toured the entire Maharashtra state, accompanying her mentor, Desai, and taught many Marathi songs to school children.
Some of Vani's Malayalam songs including "Olanjali Kuruvi", "Pookkal Panineer", "Etho janma kalpanayil", "Poo kondu poo moodi" (Palangal), "Manjil chekkerum" (Raktham), "Onnanam Kunninmel" (Airhostess), "nanam nin kannil" (kelkatha sabdham),"Manju pozhiyunnu" (Uthradarathri) "Thiruvonapularithan" (Thiruvonam), "Dhoomthana" (Thomasleeha), "Seemantha Rekhayil" (Aasheervaadam), "Naadan Paatile", "manjani kombil", "Nimishangal", "Thedi Thedi", "Moodal Manjumai Yamini", "Ee Raagadeepam", "Mandhaarapoo", "Taarake", "Hrudayathin Madhura", "Neelambarathile", "Navaneetha Chandrike", "Oru Raaga Nimishatil", "Thechi Pootha", "Yamini Nin Choodayil" amongst others are widely popular and considered among the best hits.[29] Most of Vani's duets in Malayalam are recorded with K. J. Yesudas and P. Jayachandran.
The title song "Marathe Marikurumbe" in the film "Puli Murugan", rendered by Jairam, was short-listed in 70 songs which were considered eligible for nomination to the 2018 Oscar Award, under the category of "Original Song".[citation needed]
Music director Vijaya Bhaskar who worked with Vani in Tamil films introduced her to Kannada cinema in 1973 for the film Kesarina Kamala. She recorded two songs in the film, which was immediately followed by her breakthrough song "Bhaavavemba Hoovu Arali" from the film Upasane (1974). This song cemented her position in Kannada films which lasted for three decades. After Vijaya Bhaskar gave her a career break, she was employed immediately by top-running composers such as G. K. Venkatesh, M. Ranga Rao, Rajan–Nagendra, Satyam, Upendra Kumar, T. G. Lingappa, L. Vaidyanathan and Hamsalekha. The combination of Puttanna Kanagal (director) - Vijaya Bhaskar - Vani Jairam produced many popular songs backed by strong female-centric themes. She modulated her voice and accent for the song "Happiest Moment" from the film Bili Hendthi (1975).
With her contemporary singer S. Janaki, Vani recorded few female duets, notably "Madhumasa Chandrama" (Vijaya Vani 1976) and "Teredide Mane O Baa Athithi" (Hosa Belaku 1982). She recorded many popular songs in the 1980s with the legendary actor-singer Dr. Rajkumar. Most of her duet songs in Kannada have been with Rajkumar, P. B. Srinivas, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Jayachandran and K. J. Yesudas. Some of her most memorable songs include "Ee Shatamanada Madari Hennu", "Besuge Besuge", "Belli Modave Elli Oduve", "Jeevana Sanjeevana", "Deva Mandiradalli", "Haadu Haleyadaadarenu", "Kannada Naadina Karavali", "Priyathama Karuneya Thoreya", "Sada Kannali Pranayada", "Endendu Ninnanu Marethu", "Hodeya Doora O Jothegara".
Odia cinema
Vani Jairam sang in many Odia films of 1970's and 1980's and became household name in Odisha.[30] She recorded most songs with the films of music composer Prafulla Kar as well as in the films of Odia and Kannada composer Upendra Kumar. Some of her works in Odia cinema include mega hits like "Chhota E Ghara E Sansara" in Krushna Sudama (1975)," Mukunda Murari Hey Chakradhari"and "Jogire Khoju Kahin" in Mukti (1977),"Keun Nama Dhari" ,"Tuma Sadhira Ranga" and "Adine Malli Mahaka" in Sindura Bindu (1976)," Megha Barasila Tupuru Tupuru" and "Hayere Haye Garaje Megha" in Sesha Shrabana (1976), "Maa Go Mamatamayee Mata" and"Na Jaa Sajani" in Bandhu Mohanty (1977), "Mo Bhaina Bhaina" in Punarmilan (1977), "Ei Gaanra Maudamani", "Paichhi E Jibane" and "Ki Sundara Aha Ki Anandamaya" in Gouri (1978), "Aahe Dayamaya Biswa Bihari" ,"Holi Holi Re Holi " and "Chikilika Bambalika" in Balidana (1978),"Bhagya Mora Sate Ki", "Ei Jhiatira Pada Talamala" ,"Kuhu Kuhu Bane Kuhu "and "Hey Nagadeva" in Sati Anasuya (1978)," Aliali Kain Sunagori" and "Pirati Chori Chori" in Jay Maa Mangala (1980),"Dhali Dia Saraa" and Jhuli Jhuli Khele Doli" in Tapasya(1980), "Akhila Brahmanda Pati" and "Mo Manara Chadhei" in Ram Balaram (1980), "Aaha Sita" in Ramayan (1980), "Jhumi Jhumi Nupura Baje" in Hira Moti Manika (1980), "Nadire Nadire" ,"Tui Malmali" ,"Emiti Bi Nadi Achhi" and" Hip Hip Hurray Gadi Jae Gadire" in Pooja (1981), "Aha Ki Badhia" in Alibha Daga (1980). Her other films include Patipatni(1978), Pipasa(1978), Sita LavaKusha(1981), Debjani(1981) Astaraga (1982), Pratidhwani (1984), Para Jhia Ghara Bhangena (1985),Palataka(1985),Gruhalaxmi(1986) etc. For Devajani she has won Odisha State Film Award for Best Female Playback singer.
Vani was married into a family which supported music. Her mother-in-law, Padma Swaminathan, a social activist and Carnatic music singer, was the last surviving daughter of F. G. Natesa Iyer. N. Rajam is her sister-in-law.[31][32][33] Her husband Jairam was a student of Pandit Ravi Shankar[34]
Popularity
Jairam made her debut in Hindi film "Guddi" ,from which 'Bole re papihara' was a very big hit all over India.Within overnight she became very popular.Previously her first song with Kumar Gandharva in Marathi also became hugely popular. Similarly, In Tamil her first song with msv 'malligai en mannan mayangum',in Malayalam 'Sourayudhathil' followed by Telugu,Kannada,Odia,Gujarati all became very big numbers. Her first song itself in all languages became very popular making her recognized by the state people as their own state singer.[15][24][26]
Jairam specially recognised for unique voice and versality in singing all languages and all types of songs as the own language people.[35] She is always opted specially for any kind of difficult compositions, some examples are "aanathineeyara" from Swathi Kiranam,"brochevarevarura"from Sankarabharanam, "yezhu Swarangalukkul" and "Kelviyin nayagane" from Apoorva Ragangal, "Kavithai kelungal","kanchi kamachi" etc.[10]
Death
Vani died following a fall on 4 February 2023, at the age of 77.[36][37] Taking note of late Vani Jairam's contribution and influence on the music industry, political leaders and music industry icons expressed their condolences.[38]
The P. Suseela Trust honoured Vani Jairam at a function in Hyderabad, with a citation and a purse of one lakh. The event was widely covered on television. On 28 May 2014,[40] Vani was felicitated in Bhubaneshwar for her contribution to Odia cinema.[35] Preceding it was the PBS Puraskar Award in Hyderabad, instituted in memory of the inimitable P.B. Srinivas. On 30 July 2014, Yuva Kala Vahini, an organisation in Hyderabad, presented her with the 'Pride of Indian Music' Award.[41]
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↑ "Coimbatore: Fans, family celebrate Padma Swaminathan's hundred and first birthday". featured her famous musician daughter-in-law Dr N Rajam, her daughter Sangeetha Shankar, and her grandchildren Ragini Shankar and Nandini Shankar giving a brilliant violin concert accompanied by Kedar Kharaton on table. That was followed by another world-famous musician Vani Jairam, another daughter-in-law, rendering two compositions.
↑ "Padma Swaminathan's 100th birthday". Sruthi Magazine. 15 May 2018. Archived from the original on 12 June 2021. The two-day celebration of Padma Swaminathan's 100th birthday on 1 December at Brindavan Hill, Coimbatore was attended by her family including (L to R): Nandini Shankar (great granddaughter), Shankar Devraj (Sangita's husband), T.S. Jairam (son) and Vani Jairam, Padma Swaminathan, N. Rajam and T.S. Subramanian (son), Sangita Shankar (granddaughter) and Ragini Shankar (great granddaughter). It was followed by a violin concert by N. Rajam (daughter-in-law) with Sangita, Nandini and Ragini accompanied by Kedar Kharaton (tabla). Vocalist Vani Jairam (daughter-in-law) rendered a few compositions.
↑ C D S Mani (13 December 2012). "Maestro asked Vani to escort George Harrison". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 February 2023. "I first met Pandit Ravi Shankar in 1970 in Mumbai immediately after my marriage to Jairam who was a student of Pandit Ravi Shankar's Kinnara School of Music.
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