Melody Queen mesmerizes

P. Suseela feted by cultural academy

IN TUNE: Playback singer P. Suseela being felicitated in Vijayawada on Sunday. Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar

VIJAYAWADA: She came, she crooned and she conquered the hearts of the hundreds of music lovers at the తుమ్మలపల్లి కళా క్షేత్రం ( Thummalapalli Kala Kshetram ) on Sunday night. The melody queen of the film industry, P. Suseela, along with veteran music director J.V.Raghavulu was felicitated by the Dilip Kumar Cultural Academy.

Suseela responded to the requests of the audience and sang songs such as తిరుమల మందిర సుందర ( `Tirumala Mandira Sundara' ), అడుగడుగున గుడివుంది ( `Adugaduguna Gudivundi' ), పుట్టిన రోజు జెజ్జెలు ( `Puttina Roju Jejelu' ) and హిమగిరి సొగసులు ( `Himagiri Sogasulu' ).

Momentous occasion

Though the signs of aging were evident in her voice, the sweetness was all pervasive. It was an occasion to relish and cherish for the many music lovers. They thronged the stage to take a glimpse of the singer who kept generations going with her mellifluous voice. Some got their photographs clicked with her to preserve as souvenirs, while many touched her feet and took her blessings.

"It is like taking the blessings of Goddess Saraswati. I grew up listening to her songs and I am still listening to them," said 50-year-old Varaprasad, a music teacher. The organisers felicitated J. V Raghavulu, who composed hit songs such as `Ee Jeevana Tharangalalo.'

As a tribute to the master music director, BSNL employee Harikrishna rendered the song and earned warm applause from the creator himself. For local singer D. Chandrasekhar, a railway employee, it was a memorable day as he was blessed to share the stage with Suseela. Interesting anecdotes

Journalist Turlapati Kutumba Rao shared several interesting incidents in the five-decade-long musical journey of the melody queen and lamented that the Government did not confer a Padma award on her. Mayor Tadi Sakutala, former mayor Jandhyala Shankar, music director Premji, corporator Narasa Raju and others were present at the felicitation function.

Courtesy: The Hindu