KOCHI:
Heart–warming renditions of theatre songs by the gifted trio of Nirmala Ravinath, Saritha Jajil and Yahiya Azeez spiced up the 133rd episode of the weekly Arts and Music programme at the General Hospital.
The selection of “Nataka Gaanangal” evoked a sense of nostalgia, harking back to the days when theatre played a pivotal role in the socio-economic and political lives of the people in Kerala.
The audience consisting of patients, bystanders and staff appeared to enjoy the theatre songs as much as they do the usual genre of film/popular music presented at the music programme, which is held every Wednesday at the hospital.
When asked about their experience at the General Hospital, the singers said it was a blessing to be part of the popular show.
Fifteen songs were rendered by the artists with orchestral accompaniment, including two duets by Saritha and Yahiya. Famous drama songs including Cheppu kilukkana changathi, Chillu medayil irunnennae kalleriyalle , Ambili ammava thamara kumbilil enthund were sung at the musical show.
“We are trying to revive an art form which has lost its importance in recent years and using that platform to console ailing people as an experiment, but it was worth the effort,” said Nirmala.
Nirmala, a light music vocalist specialising in Nataka Gaanangal, has worked for All India Radio and has vast experience in music.
Saritha, a trained classical musician and music teacher, is also an avid stage performer. She has participated in various television shows.
Yahiya Azeez, a popular singer in Kochi, also actively participates in stage shows .
‘Arts and Medicine’, the initiative to provide solace to the patients, is organized by the Kochi Biennale Foundation in association with Lakeshore Hospital and Research Centre Limited and Mehboob Memorial Orchestra.
