D. K. Pattammal
Damal Krishnaswamy Pattammal | |
---|---|
Kancheepuram, Madras Presidency, India | |
Died | 16 July 2009 Chennai, India | (aged 90)
Genres | Carnatic music and playback singing |
Occupations | singer |
Years active | 1929–2009 |
Labels | HMV, EMI, RPG, AVM Audio, Inreco, Charsur Digital Workshop etc. |
Damal Krishnaswamy Pattammal (
Early life and background
Pattammal was born in a
Pattammal did not receive formal training in a systematic manner beginning with the basics.
As a child, Pattammal sat through Carnatic music concerts, and on returning home, notated the kritis she heard,[10] and key phrases of ragas.[7] Her brothers D. K. Ranganathan, D. K. Nagarajan, and D. K. Jayaraman – later her vocal accompanists, helped her in this task.[7] She also sang simple devotional hymns and songs her father taught her.[4][8] There was no radio or recorded music which was available in those times.[1]
After she married R. Iswaran in 1939,[4] Pattammal continued her pursuit in music while fulfilling the domestic duties of a traditional housewife, getting up as early as 4am to begin her day.[1]
Singing career
At age eight, Pattammal won first prize for singing
In 1929, at age 10, Pattammal gave her first radio performance for Madras Corporation Radio (now known as AIR).[5] In 1933, at age 13, Pattammal gave a full-length public concert at Madras Rasika Ranjani Sabha; she is considered the first woman from a Brahmin-caste family to do so.[1] In the same year, her music was first captured in recording discs by the Columbia Company, as it was then known.[1] One year later, she moved to Chennai to become a regular performer in concerts and gave her first performance at the Mahila Samajam (the Egmore Ladies Club), and won acclaim.[4] She quickly rose to stardom, and her musical career spanned more than 65 years. In 1936, she gave her maiden performance at the Madras Music Academy.[1]
D. K. Pattammal's knowledge was encyclopaedic;
Pattammal started a few revolutionary trends in Carnatic music.[4] She was the first Brahmin woman to have performed this genre of music publicly. Brahmins ranked as the highest in the caste hierarchy prevalent in India in the early 20th century, and society considered it taboo for a Brahmin woman to perform on stage.
Pattammal was also the first woman to have performed Ragam Thanam Pallavi in concerts.[8] Ragam Thanam Pallavi, which was classed as a male stronghold, is the most difficult concert item in Carnatic music, as it calls for great skill and a high degree of concentration to handle the rhythmic complexities involved.[4] Pattammal went further to perform very complex Pallavis in intricate talas (rhythmic cycles); impressing and earning the respect of her male peers, connoisseurs and fellow-musicians.[4] Her singing of pallavis was technically perfect, and aesthetically pleasing.[11] For this reason, she became dubbed "Pallavi Pattammal".[5] She learnt a few pallavis and compositions from Naina Pillai, and several from Vidyala Narasimhalu Naidu, the nephew of Tirupati Narayanaswami Naidu, a prominent composer of javalis.[4][11] Today, many female Carnatic musicians perform Ragam Thanam Pallavi as the main item in their concerts.
Films
Pattammal was one of the earliest Carnatic musicians to sing in films, and was introduced in this medium by
Pattammal popularised several patriotic compositions of
Pattammal sang in other films including Mahatma Urangaar (1947), Pizhaikkum Vazhi (1948), Laavanya (1951). The last song Pattammaal sang in film was at the age of 80 for the Tamil film, Hey Ram (2000).[8] Ilaiyaraaja and Kamal Haasan carted recording equipment to her home and had her sing "Vaishnav Janato", a favourite of Mahatma Gandhi, for the film.[10]
Year | Film | Language | Song | Music | Lyrics |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1939 | Thyagabhoomi |
Tamil |
Desa Sevai Seyya Vaareer | Papanasam Sivan | Kalki R. Krishnamurthy |
1946 | Tyaagayya | Telugu | Purandaradaasa Devara Nama | Chittor V. Naagaiah | Papanasam Sivan |
1947 | Nam Iruvar | Tamil | Vettri Ettu Dhikkum | R. Sudarsanam | Subramania Bharathiyar
|
Aaduvome Pallu Paduvome | Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharathiyar
| ||||
1947 | Mahathma Utthangaar | Tamil | Kaana Aaval Konden Iru Vizhigalal | S. V. Venkatraman & T. R. Ramanathan | Papanasam Sivan |
Kunchitha Paadham Ninainthu Urugum | Papanasam Rajagopala Iyer | ||||
1947 | Miss Maalini | Tamil | Sree Saraswathi Namasthudhe | S. Rajeswara Rao & Parur S. Anantharaman | Kothamangalam Subbu |
1948 | Raama Rajyam | Tamil | Enakkun Irupadham Ninaikka | R. Sudarsanam | Arunachala Kavirayar |
1948 | Vedhala Ulagam | Tamil | Thoondir Puzhuvinaipol | R. Sudarsanam | Subramania Bharathiyar
|
Theeradha Vilayattu-p- Pillai | Subramania Bharathiyar
| ||||
1948 | Pizhaikkum Vazhi | Tamil | Engal Naattukku Endha Naadu Eeedu Perinba Gnana Veedu | G. Aswathama | T. K. Sundara Vaathiyar |
Kottai Kattathedaa | T. K. Sundara Vaathiyar | ||||
Mudhalai Vaayil | T. K. Sundara Vaathiyar | ||||
1949 | Vaazhkkai | Tamil | Bhaaratha Samudhaayam Vaazhgave | R. Sudarsanam | Mahaakavi Subramaniya Bhaarathiyar
|
1950 | Jeevitham |
Telugu | Aandhra Yugakka Neevi Jayamuraa | R. Sudarsanam | |
1951 | Lavanya |
Tamil | Pazham Bhaaratha Nannaadu | S. V. Venkatraman | Papanasam Sivan |
Thanga Oru Nizhal Illaiye | Papanasam Sivan | ||||
2000 | Hey Ram | Tamil | Vaishnava Janato | Ilaiyaraaja | Krishnaswamy Iyer |
Pattammal was one of the artists in
Tours
Pattammaal has performed in all major states, sabhaas and venues throughout India, as well as numerous destinations around the world, including the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sri Lanka and other countries.[16]
Disciples
Pattammal's style of singing attracted many students, foremost among them her younger brother
Death
Pattammal died of natural causes in Chennai on 16 July 2009 at 1:30 pm. She was survived by her two sons I. Sivakumar and I. Lakshmankumar,
Awards and titles
D. K. Pattammal received several awards and titles throughout her career, including:
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1961)[22]
- Sangeetha Kalanidhi (1970; highest accolade in Carnatic music)[22]
- Padma Bhushan (1971; from the Government of India)[22]
- Sangeetha Kalasikhamani (1978) by The Indian Fine Arts Society, Chennai.
- Fellow of Sangeet Natak Akademi (elected in 1992)[22]
- Padma Vibhushan (1998; India's second-highest civilian honour)[22]
- Postage stamp from India Post (2014)[23]
Year | Honour | Honouring bestowed or presented by | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
"Gana Saraswathi" (title) | Tiger Varadachariar | [22] | |
"Sangeetha Samragni" (title) | Bharath Kalachar | ||
Aparajitha Award | BHEL Ladies Welfare Society, Bhopal | ||
"Isai Arasi" (title) | Madras Citizens Felicitations Committee, Writers' Circle Vidwat Sadas Scholar Assembly (Chennai) | ||
"Tiruppugazh Mamani" | Vadapazhani Tiruppugazh Sabha, Chennai | ||
1957 | President's Award | Government of India | |
1960 | Deva Gana Sudha Varshini | LIFCO Award, Chennai | |
1961 | Sangeet Natak Akademi Award | Sangeet Natak Akademi | |
1970 | Sangeetha Kalanidhi | Madras Music Academy | |
1971 | Padma Bhushan | Government of India | |
1973 | Isai Per Arignar | Tamil Isai Sangam | |
1976 | Sangeetha Kala Sagara | Visaka Music Academy, Vishakapatnam | |
1978 | Sangeetha Kalashikhamani | Indian Fine Arts Society, Chennai | |
1991 | Distinguished Service Award | Rotary Club of Madras | |
1992 | Gayaka Rathnam | Swati Tirunal Sangeetha Sabha, Tiruvanantapuram | |
1992 | Fellow of Sangeet Natak Academi | Swati Tirunal Sangeetha Sabha, Tiruvanantapuram | |
1994 | Avinashi Lingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women | ||
1994 | Manoranjitham Award | Manoranjitham, Coimbatore | |
1994 | Bharathi Award | Vanavil Panpattu Mayyam | |
1994 | Sangeetha Rathna | T. Chowdiah Memorial National Award, Academy of Music, Bangalore | |
1995 | Sangeetha Rathna | Wisdom Star of India Award | |
1995 | Nallisai Nayaki | Tamil Nadu Nallisai Mandram | |
1996 | Sangeetha Kala Rathnam | Sankara Mutt, Kanchipuram | |
1996 | Rasika Ranjani Sabha Award | Rasika Ranjani Sabha, Mylapore, Chennai | |
1997 | Desiya Kuyil | Hindu Vidyalaya | |
1997 | Sangeetha Sarva Bhowma | Academy of Indian Music and Dance,Rajalakshmi Fine Arts, Coimbatore | |
1997 | Sangeetha Samrat | Bharatiya Vidhya Bhavan, Coimbatore | |
1997 | Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiyar Birthday Award | Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiyar Birthday Award | |
1998 | Kala Rathna | Rasika Ranjani Sabha, Mylapore Chennai | |
1998 | Stree Rathna Award | Bharatiya Vidhya Bhavan & Director K Subramaniam Memorial Trust, Chennai | |
1998 | Isai Narkalaignar | Sankaradas Swamy Ninaivu Mandram,Chennai | |
1998 | South Indian Cultural Association | South Indian Cultural Association | |
1998 | Kalidas Samman | Government of Madhya Pradesh | |
1999 | Desiya Isai Arasi | Tamil Nadu Nalvazhi Nilayam | |
1999 | Lion Award | Lioness Council Lion's Club International | |
1999 | Padma Vibhushan | Government of India | |
1999 | Swati Puraskar | Kerala Sangeeth Natak Academy, Government of Kerala | |
2003 | Gottu Vadhyam Narayana Iyengar Birth Centinary Award | Gottu Vadhyam Narayana Iyengar Birth Centinary Award | |
2003 | Sangeetha Sagara Rathnam | Rajalakshmi Fine Arts, Coimbatore | [11] |
2004 | Probus Award of Excellence | Probus Club of Madras, Scroll of Honour International Women's Day | |
2005 | Sivan Isai Selvi | Papanasam Sivan Rasikar Sangam, Chennai | |
2005 | Life Time Achievement Award | Gayana Samaj Centenary Award, Gayana Samaj Bangalore | |
2006 | Sangeetha Vidyanidhi | Andhra Music Academy | |
2006 | Sangeetha Saraswathi Award | Guruji Viswanath, founder of Manava Seva Kendra | [24] |
2008 | Layakala Nipuna | Pazhani Subramaniya Pillai Memorial Centinery Award,Percussion Arts' Centre, Bangalore |
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Manna Srinivasan (2009). "D.K. Pattammal (1919-2009)". India International Centre Quarterly. 36 (2): 104–109.
- ^ Smt. D.K.Pattammal. Chennai Online. Archived 6 October 2006 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Chords and Notes". The Hindu. 4 August 2003. Archived from the original on 30 August 2009. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Lakshmi Ramakrishnan (April 1998), "Music with feeling", Frontline, vol. 15, no. 8, The Hindu Group, archived from the original on 25 June 2009
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ a b c d e D Ram Raj (18 July 2009). "Enough if I get 100 discerning listeners". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Pattammal passes away". Deccan Chronicle. 16 July 2009. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
- ^ a b c Gowri Ramnarayan (17 July 2009). "Elegance, not flamboyance, was her forte". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 27 August 2011. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
- ^ a b c d e Asha Krishnakumar and N. Ravikiran (August 1999), "A lifetime for Carnatic music", Frontline, vol. 16, no. 16, The Hindu Group, retrieved 11 April 2015
- ^ "The voice that touched the skies". The Hindu. 18 July 2002.
- ^ a b Gowri Ramnarayan (August 2009), "Matriarch of music", Frontline, vol. 26, no. 16, The Hindu Group
- ^ a b c d "Perfect and aesthetic". The Hindu. 23 March 2007.
- ^ a b c d "Front page: Pattammal passes away". The Hindu. 17 July 2009. Archived from the original on 19 July 2009. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
- ^ a b "Dignity personified". The Hindu. 22 June 2001. Archived from the original on 28 October 2010.
- ^ "A progressive film-maker". Frontline. 21 (14). The Hindu Group. July 2004.
- ^ a b c d Randor Guy (31 July 2009). "Memorable voice, evergreen songs". The Hindu. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
- ^ Elizabeth Sleeman (2002). The International Who's Who of Women 2002. London: Routledge. p. 438.
- ^ "Life time bond with music". The Hindu. 21 September 2007.
- ^ "Pattammal touch evokes nostalgia". The Hindu. 18 July 2002. Archived from the original on 19 October 2003.
- ^ Sangeetha (31 July 2009). "Musical legacy – The Hindu". The Hindu. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
- ^ "From the diary of a disciple". The Hindu. 12 April 2018.
- ^ "This Chinese sings in Sanskrit". Rediff. 25 August 2005.
- ^ a b c d e f "D.K.Pattammal". indiansarts.com. 12 September 2015. Archived from the original on 12 September 2015.
- ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 22 December 2022.
- ^ "'A momentous occasion for the music fraternity'". The Hindu. 26 June 2006.