Arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Carnatic composers (other than performing vidwans)
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arasi
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Joined: 22 Jun 2006, 09:30

Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by arasi »

Nick,
Now, let's be realistic. ;) . The VVS you are thinking of isn't old enough to be my uncle! The one CML is referring to is V.V.Sadagopan whose centenary year is around the corner!
I also think that you have taken this for theTwitter thread?

CML,
Great to know your good news. Sorry I've not written (hoped that you would get my news from the forum). Life as you know was a whirl with music, music, music. Paid for it by getting sick but now I'm better!
Keep your fingers crossed. As for my 'coming out', I owe it to you, to your encouragement and to that of other friends here.

rshankar
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Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 22:26

Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by rshankar »

Nick H wrote:.Or dances, in this case, perhaps, as dance follows song in January. Am I saying some of our dancers are a little plump? Never! ;))... ... ...
Nick - may be it is time for you and everyone to say so :) ....Among the leading dancers in India, RAMP (to use Ms. Anita Ratnam's acronym to describe the quartette of Ms. Rama Vaidyanathan, Ms. Alarmel Valli, Ms. Malavika Sarukkai and Ms. Priyadarshini Govind) seem to be some of the exceptions...

Nick H
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by Nick H »

Arasi: I have reached an age when I am entirely confused about ...age! All the generations seem to be merging :)

rshankar, indeed: I have heard remarks about the "shape of bharatnatyam," in particular, although the person who most often used to remark on this was a beautifully slim kuchipudi student.

And I posted all that in the wrong thread: it was supposed to be in twitter! Will edit and shift it

cmlover
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by cmlover »

O tempora! O mores! ( O altered times and manners! (for those who don't know Latin :D )
During my younger days 'plumpiness' was equated with beauty (since leanness and emaciation was equated to starvation! (for those who may remember the famous Bengal Famine or the Royalaseema Famine!), and I cursed my fate for getting married to one of the cutest 'vAmAngI' :D (and who is till one in her ripe old age!)

vgovindan
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by vgovindan »

Is it 'vAmAngi' or 'vAmAnki'?

venkatakailasam
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by venkatakailasam »

There is another thread on Smt. Arasi under Abum review. Can they be merged?

venkatakailasam

rajeshnat
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by rajeshnat »

arasi wrote: Two more of my CDs (one already recorded) are coming out early this year. Also a book of 50 notated songs.
Arasi
I hope there is a function planned in bangalore to release the 2 CD's and notated songs. Just let us all know few weeks back so that we could plan.
arasi wrote:Veteran vocalist Jayalakshmi Santhanam sang SaradE a few days ago and it sounded very good. She has sung Charukesi, Bilahari and kAnaDa (the last two not in the CD).
Arasi
Your bilahari is "mayilERi", dont know the kAnadA one . I suggest you put the kAnadA lyrics of yours , kind of preparatory till you have the function. kAnadA suits a lot as every singer will generally like to grab it.

arasi
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by arasi »

Rajesh,
MayilERi oyilAi is in Charukesi. VaLLi nAyakanE in Bilahari and vEngaDavA in kAnaDa--not to be confused with the other vEngaDavA in SAma which is in the first CD! So, kAnaDa is not going to be there I'm afraid, except in a rAgamAlikai if that is Sumitra's choice between the two I've given her.
The release will be in Chennai, I think.

rajeshnat
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Joined: 03 Feb 2010, 08:04

Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by rajeshnat »

Arasi's second cd release function and discussions on Smt Neela ramgoplal concert of Arasi's composition is there in this thread
http://www.rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic. ... 49#p190449

rajeshnat
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by rajeshnat »

Arasi's Third cd -Inide VandarulvAn release function is there in this thread
http://www.rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=17937

rajeshnat
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by rajeshnat »

Arasi was interviewed by Nivedita in the 2011 season time and Arasi told me that it would be telecast some time this month or next .
Can either nivedita ,arasi or any one post us about the telecast date and time of Arasi's interview in doordarshan.

cmlover
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by cmlover »

Kindly post the video of the interview as well when aired...

arasi
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by arasi »

Rajesh,
It was going to be shown today, but they informed me that it's postponed to next Saturday. You did see me that day, and knew how tired I was! Don't remember half of what I said, I'm afraid :(

CML,
Hope I haven't made a fool of myself:)
Nivedita and the producer Viji Bharathi were simply sweet!
Last edited by arasi on 28 Jan 2012, 21:28, edited 1 time in total.

rajeshnat
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by rajeshnat »

Arasi,
Can you let us know What time is the programme aired this saturday - feb 04th,2012. Please post so that our Venkatakailasam sir can record and upload.
Last edited by rajeshnat on 31 Jan 2012, 14:11, edited 1 time in total.

cmlover
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by cmlover »

arasi
Nivedita is a kind seasoned interviewer
She would never let you make a fool of yourself...perhaps an angel!

venkatakailasam
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Joined: 07 Feb 2010, 19:16

Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by venkatakailasam »

# Is it possible for you to record the video from podhigai and post the upload links here.
rajeshnat

There is no problem for me to record..I am not able to get the time of the interview..

can this be helped?

vk
Last edited by venkatakailasam on 31 Jan 2012, 15:18, edited 1 time in total.

CRama
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by CRama »

Welcome back Venkatakailasam. Happy to see your post after a long hiatus.

arasi
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by arasi »

Vkailasam,
Thanks! Seven thirty in the morning--is what I heard. I have no idea if they repeat all their programs the same time at night.
Anyway, I'm not sure if I can watch it. I used to get Podigai here until a few days ago. Now, I cant!

rajeshnat
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Joined: 03 Feb 2010, 08:04

Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by rajeshnat »

arasi wrote:Vkailasam,
Thanks! Seven thirty in the morning--is what I heard.
07:30 AM on Saturday, Feb 04th,2012 right in DoorDarshan - Podhigai TV Channel
Last edited by rajeshnat on 01 Feb 2012, 12:06, edited 1 time in total.

arasi
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by arasi »

Rajesh,
That's my understanding.

sridhar_ranga
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by sridhar_ranga »

I have a rare Saturday off this 4th Feb and would like to catch this program on TV. Will be a pleasure waking up before 6 am on a holiday just to watch Arasi's interview.

Which TV channel are we talking about? If it is podhigai TV we don't get it here in our Dish TV bouquet :( in Muscat.

arasi
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by arasi »

Sridhar,
It is on Podigai. Looks as though we both are going to miss it ;)

cmlover
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Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 22:36

Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by cmlover »

To be confirmed doubly read the message from Nivedita
http://www.rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic. ... 5&start=50
We can expect some 'juicy' stories from her after the telecast about our
Royal Highness :D

rajeshnat
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by rajeshnat »

Venkatakailasam SIr
With the date and time known (07:30 AM on Saturday, Feb 04th,2012 in DoorDarshan - Podhigai TV Channel), hope u can record it sir

cmlover
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Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 22:36

Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by cmlover »

The program must have been telecast.
Eagerly awaiting the posting of the video
Thanks in advance...

rajeshnat
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Joined: 03 Feb 2010, 08:04

Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by rajeshnat »

The telecast just got completed now. I saw that fully. Arasi , an usually expressive personality having humility shell was in full flow . A bit tired she was after intense hopping of sabhas, nevertheless the tiredness gave the humility a extra lift.

Topics covered were her early days with renaisssance man V V sadagopan , how she wrote her first krithi on Lord vinayaka in sAveri after seeing some exhibition in NY city, getting first prize in writing a small article where she got thamizh books,her interest in general with literature and writings, Mahakavi bharathiyAr and Arasi taking the route thru that brilliant girl yAdugiri and talking about English translation of the book, concert hopping and longing to hear concert , mention about rasikas.org , the contemporary vaggeyakkara in line with mostly nature, mentions about few people who have taken her composition (smt neela ,suryaprakash and Sumitra Nitin). I did not get that song that she sang , arasi madam I wish you had taken a peppy number like inru varuvAnO or uNNai ninaindhu innisai pAdi.

Nivedita
Good show , repeating perhaps again , you have a knack of asking right questions with minimal words and giving space to the guest to answer is a point that has to be learnt by lot of those who interview . I dont know how feasible it is , in future try bringing few snippets of photo slides , it would have been lovely to see say Arasi in Madurai with Smt Ambujam Krishna , possibly some photo in London and a photograph of her with family and extended family in say NewYork.

Arasi,
What always fascinates is u have spent 45 +years outside India , but you have maintained your intense indianness , if I could drill a bit intense southindianness , no no if I could still drill "intense carnatic southindianness ", which is unfortunately a haley's comet with many women of this generation.

You have gone a long way as a vaggeyakkara , but it looks like musicians only have to catch up with you.

venkatakailasam
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by venkatakailasam »

The Interview is here:

An Interview with Arasi-(Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcDgd9sxrOI

venkatakailasam

bilahari
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by bilahari »

Just watched the interview - great questions from Nivedita and great answers from arasi! I was also curious about several of the things Nivedita asked, like how arasi composes, how she got her name, and the tidbits about her youth and her interest in writing were all fascinating as well.

Now I'm off to read her BharatiyAr book translations that I'd missed last year amidst grad school applications.

rajeshnat
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by rajeshnat »

Venkatakailasam Sir
Thank you for uploading arasi's interview. WIth that everyone has a chance to catch up.

cmlover
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by cmlover »

Many many many thanks vkailasam..
This is 'arasi' revealed - what a child-like innocent personality who speaks her heart out naturally!
In spite of her extraordinary musical and literary background she is so simple without a tinge of pride.
As she has stated, the kritis, kavithais and novels simply bubbled up inspirationally for her own delight as she never wanted to bring them out into public for years. Our Rasikas.org can legitimately claim providing the encouragement that has brought out this lamp hidden in a bushell (குடத்தில் இட்ட விளக்கு)
for the whole world to see and enjoy. I am happy there is many more yet to come and with the cooperation of the performing community we Rasikas will have the unique opportunity of honouring an Uttama Vaggeyakara during her lifetime.

Thanks Nivedita for the excellent interview!

rshankar
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by rshankar »

Great job, Nivedita...you're on your way to becoming the Charlie Rose of the CM world! Congratulations!

Arasi - it was wonderful to hear all your experiences in one go, rather than collecting them in snippets as I've done over the past few years. It is indeed our pleasure and honor to have you as a fellow-member, and friend!

PS: I was amused to see that the onscreen credits still referred to Nivedita by her maiden name (Narayanan), while she was referred to by her married name (Subramaniam) in the online write-up!

cmlover
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by cmlover »

Let me not forget to add that the 'inspiration' of arasi is the consequence of her family milieu - her loving son and daughter and affectionate grand children in UK and USA. Above all it is the unassuming man (Sri Krishnan) behind the woman who is to be complimented for the creative genius of this Lady. I fully agree with Rajesh that Nivedita should have added family clips - provided she had more time! Of course this is just the first of many interviews since arasi has now become a 'carnatic celebrity' from being just the Star of Rasikas Org. My humble request to her at this point is that she should publish a book of lyrics (of all the songs rendered so far in the CDs) - no notations are needed since the audio is available...

sridhar_ranga
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by sridhar_ranga »

Managed to catch it on youtube, thanks a bunch for the upload Venkatakailasam sir. Arasi - it was most interesting to hear that the kritis just "come" to you/ happen by themselves - when you are in the garden/ kitchen/at any other random moment. I am sure your musical background, the phenomenal amount of reading you have done since childhood including works of poets like Bharati, your own experience as a poet, writer and journalist all have created the perfect environment within you for this creative process. Thrilled to be a fellow rasika and friend of such a gifted composer.

arasi
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by arasi »

VKailasam,
Thanks again for your bullet-speed upload which came within an hour! A great help it was, for the friends at the forum and to my family which couldn't view it when it was aired.

Rajesh, my champion,
Thanks for the special brand of caring you have for me. And, It's a joy to imagine you in a loving father's role!

What can I say about all my other friends chez RasikAs? You get carried away (CML in particular) and lavish me with praises. No, I'm not modest--perhaps I know my worth ;)
Ravi, you are a good friend, Sridhar and others too--you are all kind to me...

Bilahari, thanks for going to the Bharathi threads. Makes me very happy, my young pal!

Speaking of Nivedita, she's something special. Plays the role of an interviewer perfectly.
Last edited by arasi on 05 Feb 2012, 23:06, edited 3 times in total.

venkatakailasam
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by venkatakailasam »

"karmany evadhikaras te
ma phalesu kadachana
ma karma-phala-hetur bhur
ma te sango ’stv akarmani" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Two verse 47)

venkatakailasam

cienu
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by cienu »

Could not see the live telecast. Thank you Venkatakailasam for the upload. :)
Arasi, It was so wonderful to hear you and your experiences :) When you said that the compositions just came to you all of a sudden, I could understand that, as I have seen Indira Devi bringing out (so to say) the compositions on Krishna in a trance like state in the Kalki Gardens in the mid 70's (and my mother used to take notes in Hindi sitting beside her ! )
Your replies to Nivedita's thought provoking questions were a treat to hear indeed.

mohan
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by mohan »

Enjoyed watching this episode that took us into the heart and mind of Arasi. The insights were wonderful to hear and Nivedita has done an excellent job as an interviewer. Thanks vk sir for the upload.

Arasi ji you should publish your compositions with meanings given in English!

vasanthakokilam
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by vasanthakokilam »

Excellent episode. Nivedita is a natural interviewer. Thanks venkatakailasam for the upload.
Arasi, wonderful job in sharing your life experiences and explaining how the compositions come to you along with the tunes.
Your enthusiasm for bhArathi is so infectious and ebullient and I am sure you inspired a lot of listeners. Congratulations.

mahavishnu
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by mahavishnu »

very nice interview!

rajeshnat
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by rajeshnat »

Arasi
Just curious there , may I know the rAgam in the song snippet that you sang.??

I do know that V V sadagopan, is your maternal uncle. May i know how Smt Ambujam KrishnA is related.

Also may I know your appa and amma's name too?

arasi
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by arasi »

Cienu,
I am touched by your warm response, though I cannot be compared to a spiritual lady like Indira Devi. I am not sure if your mother has watched the interview. Considering her exposure to the world of great men and women in the arts and in the history of India--as her mother's daughter and with your grandfather's house being a stopping place for gems of men and women, mine is a small world, indeed.

VK,
Thank you for the 'kUvudal' !

Mahavishnu,
Thanks ;)

Rajesh,
Lakshmi and Bangaruswamy, my parents. AK, my father's cousin's wife.

cmlover
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by cmlover »

Rajesh
I guess it is Revathi (if my guess is right)...
She was quite nervous for an impromptu rendering :D
Though Chennai can claim her as her own her pUrvIkam is Tinnevely AFAIK!
But being an "expatriate" she belongs to the world...
Did you notice the purity of her expressions in Tamil (natural and unrehearsed) compared to many from TN
who cannot speak except in Tanglish!

arasi
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Joined: 22 Jun 2006, 09:30

Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by arasi »

A composer who cannot sing her jujAvanthi right ;(
My tired voice didn't do much, and the unexpectedness of it made it worse! I had asked them if they could edit it out, knowing how poorly I performed. I think I did a better job of the RitigowLai when Sumitra asked me to sing at the CD Release, out of the blue!
The reason I speak better tamizh is because we took the tamizh of our days along with us, wherever we made our homes. We saw films of Sivaji rather than the kind that are screened today. What little I catch of them on TV as I seek a channel, is sometimes beyond my comprehension.Our language has changed so much in expression and without doubt, pronunciation.

Our native village is near TinnEli, not far from where Bharathi and HMB hail from!

srkris
Site Admin
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by srkris »

Just watched... very nice. Thanks Nivedita for interviewing the star.

venkatakailasam
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by venkatakailasam »

kindly see post number #96 at http://www.rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic. ... 4&start=75

Smt. arasi's birthday was on 11-02-2012 her platinum year had commenced-She had turned 75.

Though late still can greet her as this is a year long event..

kindly do not skip posts..

thanjavooran
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by thanjavooran »

Better late than never. Arasiji my pranams to you.
Bless me.
with wishes,
Thanjavooran 04 03 2012

arasi
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Joined: 22 Jun 2006, 09:30

Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by arasi »

Thanks, VKailasam!
Aging does have its perks ;)

Thanjavooran,
Yes, all the best to you from my heart--but let blessings come from the Almighty and the great ones!

Lakshman
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by Lakshman »

Belated birthday wishes Arasi. I have almost at the end of my visit to India and will return home day after tomorrow. Will be in touch later.

venkatakailasam
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Joined: 07 Feb 2010, 19:16

Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by venkatakailasam »

Yes.. I tend to agree..Combat the signs of aging…”
“Who said that we have to age…”
“Defy the aging process…” All reads well..
What I’ve discovered as many... is that there are two basic requirements of graceful aging.... Graceful aging requires the “serenity to accept the things we cannot change; ability to change the things we can; and wisdom to know the difference.”
Certainly acceptance of aging is a key to aging gracefully – changes that commonly come with age are the “things we cannot change” and
the “things we can change?”
Relaxation...Attitude and Lifestyle...

Have a nice relaxed time..

and, what is wink..about..

cmlover
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Re: arasi (Smt. Rajee Krishnan)

Post by cmlover »

Wise counsel for all of us Vkailasam...

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