Warm opening at MFAC

This seemed like a 'namma aathu' function.
The opening evening of Mylapore Fine Arts Club sabha's 'season' fest on Wednesday evening.

5.30 pm is an early hour to start a function. The hall was half full. And the rasikas seemed to be there for one person. The man who was to be honoured with the festival title, senior vocalist T. V. Sankaranarayanan.

TVS lives down the road. Wonder if he just walked across to the sabha this evening! And he has loads of fans rooting for him. Chief guest Nageswaran delivered a lively speech and the cheers rolled every minute.

"TVS is like superstar Rajnikanth," said Nageswaran referring to the fact that the day was also this film star's birthday. "His music appeals to all generations." Applause.
"The S in TVS is shruti suddham,"said the speaker. Applause.

"He is the first artiste who did 40 concerts in a coast to coast tour," said another speaker. Applause.

The applause got stronger as the hall filled up.

Sankaranarayanan himself had Mylapore anecdotes to share when it was his turn to respond to the felicitations. Of the days when his uncle Madurai Mani Iyer and he and his sister became members of this sabha and attended concerts. Of the memorable times shared with rasikas and managers of this sabha.

"I have received a few great awards but today's title comes from our very own place and I am happy about it," he said.

It was indeed a simple, warm launch.

Sidelights: MFAC is the only sabha which hoists its flag to signal the inauguration. The ceremony was held on Wednesday evening.
Mookambiga Caterers feed the hungry rasikas at this campus. Everyone who dined here on day one got a spoonful of kesari free. Meals are served between 12 noon and 2.30 pm. Costs Rs. 40.

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