Malayalam music is slowly but steadily getting back to meaningful poetry with the arrival of a number of young poets who care about and nurture the essence of the language. This was said by popular Malayalam lyricist Vayalar Sarat Chandra Varma.
Varma was answering queries of journalists at a briefing organised by the hosts of ‘Upasana’, a music show to be held tomorrow (April 8) at Birla Public School. “While there are some directors who insist on [their vision for the] musical compositions, there are others who grant all the freedom to lyricists and music composers and are prepared to accept changes based on their suggestions,” said Varma.
The veteran Malayalee lyricist said that though there have been repeat requests from music lovers for rollicking numbers at music concerts, such songs last only for some time before fading away. “Whereas melodies remain forever,” he said while describing why songs composed by Devarajan Master based on his father’s lyrics are still remembered by music buffs.   
Varma, who has penned scores of quality songs for the Malayalam film industry and several poems for publications has come to Doha on an invitation from Changanassery NSS College Alumni Association (CHANSS-Qatar), which is staging a four-hour music concert in honour of his father and legendary Malayalam poet Late Vayalar Rama Varma at Birla Public School.
Varma added that he felt great that his father is still remembered abroad, even 40 years after his death. He also thanked CHANSS-Qatar for holding a music concert based exclusively on the songs penned by his father and himself. “Such concerts are very rare these days and it becomes so special to me as this is happening in a country that is thousands of miles away from my homeland,” he said. 
Upasana — the title is derived from one of Ramavarma’s famous songs — will be anchored by Varma. About six singers, led by playback singer Nishad Kumar will perform.