A Joyous Ode to an Illustrious Singer
On a day filled with melody and memories, K.J. Yesudas, the revered Carnatic music maestro and beloved playback singer, graced the completion of his 83rd year. An emblematic figure in the cultural tapestry of Kerala, Yesudas embraced his 84th birthday on Wednesday amidst an outpouring of love and admiration from a worldwide congregation of fans and fellow artists. Known reverentially as ‘ganagandharvan’ (celestial singer), his admirers express deep affection by calling him ‘Dasettan.’
Pantheon of Wishes
As tributes cascaded across various media platforms, Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala, joined prominent actors, renowned singers, esteemed composers, and people from all walks of life in delivering heartwarming wishes. Social media platforms buzzed with celebratory messages and tributes, attesting to the singer’s monumental impact on countless lives.
Tribute in Print and Broadcast
Newspapers dedicated special pages swathed in feature stories and pictorial retrospectives paying homage to Yesudas, while television channels aired exclusive programs and interviews. Eminent figures from the music industry recalled their cherished moments spent with the legendary vocalist.
In a heartening Facebook post, Mr. Vijayan lauded the singer’s enchanting oeuvre, recognizing its pivotal role in democratizing the realm of classical music. Once secluded within the ‘agraharas’ (Brahmin housing colonies) and learned courts, the classical art form found its way to the masses through Yesudas’ divine renditions. The Chief Minister also highlighted Yesudas’ endeavors to shape a secular society.
Virtual and Visual Celebrations
Amidst the festivities, industry giants, such as superstar Mohanlal and the renowned singer K.S. Chitra, shared video messages expressing their heartfelt wishes. Shreya Ghoshal, another esteemed vocalist, reminisced about her performances alongside Yesudas on a Malayalam channel, proclaiming herself a ‘hardcore fan’.
Devotional Homage Disrupted
A notable absentee in this year’s festivities was Yesudas’ traditional birthday visit to the Kollur Mookambika temple in Karnataka. Following his long-standing custom of rendering musical offerings at the sanctuary, his inability to attend, owing to his stay in the U.S. with family, marked a divergence shaped by the constraints of the COVID-19 era and rare visits to his homeland.
Engaging in the Celebrations Remotely
Despite the physical distance, Yesudas was virtually present at a Kochi-based celebration, which drew stars across the spectrum of the film industry. Clad in his signature white kurta, he expressed his gratitude for the felicitations, sharing his belief that the unity transcending caste and creed was sweeter than any birthday cake. His son, Vijay Yesudas, took to the stage cutting the cake on his father’s behalf.
A Legacy Beyond Borders
Yesudas’ illustrious career boasts a staggering 25,000 songs across film soundtracks, Carnatic music bhajans, and devotional anthologies. His melodious voice crossed linguistic barriers, enchanting listeners in an array of languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, Bengali, Odiya, and touching souls in Arabic, English, Latin, and Russian.
His accolades include the exalted Padma Vibhushan in 2017, 8 national awards, 25 Kerala State awards, alongside honors from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. He began his journey in 1961 with ‘Jathi bhedam matha dwesham,’ and has since touched hearts with many Hindi hits, such as ‘Jab Deep Jale Aana’ and ‘Gori Tera.’
Epilogue
In blending the reverence for tradition with the contemporary allure of cinema, K.J. Yesudas has crafted an enduring saga of musical excellence. His birthday resonates as an annual ensemble, celebrating the life of a man who sang not just with his voice, but with his soul, bringing the expanse of Indian music to the world’s stage.
