Justice for Lalgudi

[lgj_rasika]

I came across this post last night: http://www.maamallan.com/2012/12/blog-post_19.html and lost my sleep over it.

The gist in English for the ones who cannot read Tamil:

Almost two decades back 42 sessions with Lalgudi were recorded with an intention of making a documentary on him. This project funded by Shriram chits was spear-headed by Ms.Padmasini (singer Chinmayi's mom). A public announcement was made in the newspaper calling out for interested students who may want to utilize this opportunity to interact and learn from the legend. Today's stars such as Visaka Hari and Sakethraman came under Lalgudi sir's tutelage through this scheme.

As a part of this venture, several photographs of lalgudi from his personal archive were passed on to Ms. Padmasini.

After all the work was done, Ms. Padmisini parted ways with the producer. It is claimed that there was a dispute in her compensation. For the past two decades Lalgudi sir, his family and his well wishers have been trying to gain access to this rare treasure trove. After all, no one deserves more than lalgudi sir himself to possess these materials.

Ms. Padmasini has been evading, refusing and even threatening the legend (suicide threat) and once even claimed that she has burnt all that was in her possession.

For the benefit of the art world, it would be great if efforts are made to bring out this treasure to public (in the process aptly compensating Padmasini for her efforts).

I am registering my appeal here. I hope other rasikas would join me.

[varsha]

1. Do you have the approval of maestro himself to bring this dispute into public ?
2. If yes ,I am sure the Maestro couldbe informed that this method of yours will not be the most effective.
3. If no , Please don't drag him into a public scene
4. As far as posterity , I can say that no other artist has been as well recorded as him .Over the longest span of his career .

[sureshvv]

The blog indicated in the link reeks of yellow journalism

[ramamantra]

But, why would Sriram chits not pay her off? If padmasini seems obstinate, the company seems to me more so...and then, keeping it pending for two decades?