Kalabhavan Singers Trigger Musical Nostalgia at Biennale Weekly Show

KOCHI:
More than two decades after Malayalis first heard it, ‘Akashamake Kanimalar’ elicited a typically warm response again today when the timeless classic was rendered for listeners at the weekly Arts and Medicine show organised by the Kochi Biennale Foundation at the General Hospital here.
Kalabhavan Binu Damodaran, who set the tone for the programme with the acclaimed K J Yesudas number from the 1986 movie ‘Namukku Parkaan Munithirithoppukal’, drew a long round of cheers and applause from the audience.
Binu and fellow singer Nisha Verma led the 174th edition of the programme, which is organised every Wednesday by the KBF in association with Mehboob Memorial orchestra and CAFS (Casino Air Caterers & Flight Services) with the aim of provide solace to patients through therapeutic music.
Spurred by the feedback, Binu went on to croon ‘Chandana Manivathil’ from 1988 movie Marikunnila Njaan (originally sung by G Venugopal). Nisha recreated some old chart-busters including ‘Rajahamsame’ and ‘Moham Kondu Njan’ sung by K S Chitra and S Janaki respectively.
Together they sang 14 Malayalam songs. Vocalist Binu began his career in music after joining Kalbhavan. Later he served as the director of KPAC Music troupe, Kayamkulam. He has marked his presence in many television music shows and albums.
Nisha is a playback singer and has been in the industry for the past 25 years. The upcoming edition of ‘Arts and Medicine’ will witness a Ramadan special episode.