By Shobaraj Yumlembam
IMPHAL, January 4: 24 noted singers of the state are all set to enthrall audiences together on a common platform through a musical program “Sanagi Korbakthakta: flashback live” to be organised by ISTV Network at the auditorium of the Manipur Film Development Corporation.
The singers include popular artistes L Birendrakumar, N Sushila Devi, Ph Iboyaima Sharma, Ch Sanatombi Devi, E Netrajit, A Bimola Devi, Thiyam Chaoba, Yangnu Golmei, Hamom Naba, Arambam Jamuna, Aheibam Bormani, Moirangthem Tiken, S Bishwarup, Thongam Ibochou, P Chandrakumar, Maibam Maimu, Bokulmakhong Imo, S Tijendra, B Netachandra, S Sanaton, Naba Volcano, Lalambung Imo, N Rupachandra and Asem Amarjit.
Speaking to this reporter, General Secretary of ISTV Network, BK Meitei said “We are organizing the event as a tribute to the veteran singers of the state. Since many of the original recordings the featured singers and artistes can no longer be found or retrieved, ISTV will record the event and archive them.”
Eminent musicologist and singer L Birendrakumar who is all of 93 years expressed his `excitement and pleasure` over the forthcoming program. Speaking at his residence in Yaiskul Chingakham Leirak, the veteran singer said, “ISTV`s attempt to keep a history of music through different generations of singers is very commendable and I hope Doordarshan Kendra Imphal and the All India Radio, Imphal commits such initiatives in their programming.”
Another popular singer of yesteryear, Ch Sanatombi Devi (75) expressed her happiness that ISTV Network was remembering long forgotten artists of the state. “The younger generation of singers and their compositions are quite good but I would still like to urge the younger singers to pay attention to the lyrics. Tunes are easy but the lyrics and pronunciation are areas that should be taken care of.”
Saying that the idea of coming together of artistes from an earlier time on a common platform after a long time was an emotional one, the singer added, “We should not lose hope thinking that we are getting old.”
Yangnu Golmei (63) said the ISTV program would “revive the old times”. “I feel years younger thinking over the performances!” added the excited singer who disclosed that she would be taking to the stage despite a throat allergic condition. “I have been taking medicines so that I can participate in the program,” she added while saying that though the younger generation may not like the old songs, people of the old generation still love the melody of old songs. “Young people today cannot deny that they are not touched by the ease of song tunes and the lyrics of the earlier times,” added Yangnu Golmei.