Farewell to Sujatha

Thanks to GD for selecting me in the audition, i had the opportunity to act in two plays penned by Sujatha. One was Kadavul Vanthirunthar and the other was Adimaigal. I played Seenu Maama in the former and the eldest brother of the family in the latter. Obviously, having the lead role in both the plays, i had the chance to deliver some of the best dialogues written by Sujatha. The monologue rendered by seenu maama in the climax of Kadavul Vanthirunthar is one of the best.

My knowledge on Sujatha's works were very minimal till i acted in these but i was completely engrossed in the dialogues of these two plays that i started buying a lot of Sujatha's works after that. Though i enjoyed reading all his books, my favourites were ஆ!!! and கற்றதும் பெற்றதும் . ஆ!!! is a story about auditory hallucinations and how a young computer engineer succumbs to that.

கற்றதும் பெற்றதும் talks about interesting events that happened in Sujatha's life particularly in Srirangam and apart from that a lot of other things like how voting system works in America, his experiences with aeroplanes, modern tamil litreature etc.

At a time when we are mourning the loss of one of the most talented and multi-faceted personalities in India, i would like to mention here some of his writings that i have enjoyed.

1. The explanation about Black Money by Rajini in Sivaji(No one could have explained this as simple as what Sujatha did)

2. Madhavan's speech in Srilankan Tamil Sangam(Kannathil Muthamittal)

3. Dialogues in Aayutha Ezhuthu especially between Siddarth-Trisha and Surya-Bharatiraja

4. About Split Personality, Garuda Puranam in Anniyan

5. Details about holography in the teleserial Kolayuthir Kaalam.

6. Dialogues in Indian especially between Kamal-Nizhalgal Ravi on bribery, between Nedumudi Venu and Kamal

One of the main reasons why Sujatha was successful was because generation gap never affected him. Incidentally, Sujatha and Kavignar Vaali are similar in this regard apart from the fact that they were both from Srirangam and Vaali's original name was Rangarajan. I don't know how many writers can enjoy this privilige of creating works that will be read by people of different ages.

As sujatha once said, "People don't die, they continue to live in memories and genes". Yes sir, even after 1000 years from now your name will definitely continue to be around.

Interesting points in Railway Budget

There are lot of "on the way" long term plans in the railway budget this year and having them implemented is going to be difficult unless the same government continues for the next 5-10 years. Nevertheless, following are some of the key areas in the budget where Laloo makes his mark.

1. 50% concession for AIDS patients
2. Ten new Garib Raths and 53 new trains to be introduced.
3. Railway tickets to show 'expected time of arrival'
4. Thirty per cent discount to senior citizens for rail travel and 50 per cent discount for women in all classes
5. Close circuit TV and bomb detecting equipment to be installed at major stations
6. Professional agencies being involved on a pilot basis to ensure cleanliness in running trains.
7.Railways to provide escalators at 50 per cent of the stations in the country.
8.Middle-level and low-level platforms to be upgraded to high-level platforms in several stations to help commuters.
9.More facilities for women and old passengers.

Clearly indicates that the budget has been prepared keeping in mind the parliament elections coming up next year and i am sure the finance budget to be presented shortly will have more surprises in store for the common man. Let's wait and watch.

Kamal and Mohanlal

Looks like Kamal and Mohanlal are coming together for a movie titled Kandahar based on the famous IC-814 flight hijack in 1999. The movie is to be directed by Major Ravi, who directed the Jeeva-Mohanlal starrer Aran(Keerthichakra in Malayalam) and from whom Kamal took inputs for his role as commando in Aalavandhan.

The movie will star Mohanlal and Kamal as commandos who are on a mission to save the passengers caught in the hijacked flight. This is wonderful news as it will see the two top acting powerhouses of India come together. Needless to say, Mohanlal is a director's actor but with Kamal around i am skeptical about how the movie would shape up. Either Mohanlal will walk out or it will be Major Ravi.

Last but not least, "Pity the Producer".

Balakumaran Interview Video in YouTube

Watch this interview in Youtube where Bala talks about his writings, on kadavul thedal and his experience in films.

Balakumaran Interview Part-I
Balakumaran Interview Part-II
Balakumaran Interview Part-III
Balakumaran Interview Part-IV
Balakumaran Interview Part-V