Life lessons from the “Sowcar” of them all - Janaki

You are truly wealthy when you have been enriched by Life’s lessons – when you have gotten better and not bitter with Life’s experiences!  

Sowcar Janaki: Picture Courtesy - Internet

Last evening, as part of the Madras Week celebrations, we had an opportunity to interact with Sowcar Janaki, the South-Indian superstar of the 50s and 60s. Janaki made her debut in 1949 in the Telugu film, opposite N.T.Rama Rao, Shavukar (the title means wealthy person; and its corrupt version in Tamil is Sowcar) – the film was a big hit, it was remade in Tamil, and she has since been known as Sowcar Janaki!

Janaki, at 84 (she will be 85 this December; she shares her birthday with Rajnikant – December 12), oozes charm, is full of energy and is, simply, alive to the moment. Her career spans 67 years and she’s still active – she’s currently shooting for a Telugu film in Hyderabad.

After the story of her Life and films was presented by noted film historian Mohan Raman, Sowcaramma shared some nuggets of wisdom in response to questions from the audience. Each answer of hers is a learning, a Life lesson for us to reflect upon and imbibe:

Q: Has being a linguist (she knows several Indian languages and speaks impeccable English with a proper British accent) helped you through your career?

A: Absolutely. But it is not about just knowing languages. It is about your willingness to learn. I am still learning.

Q: Your immediate family did not allow you to join films when you were still unmarried. You proved everyone wrong by joining films after your child was born. What were the naysayers’ reactions to you after you became a star?

A: Survival teaches you many things. Among them is the need to be true to yourself and not worry about what others have to say. I simply shut myself out to the opinions of others. I needed to join films because I needed to earn money to provide for my family. As long as I was doing what I was good at to be a bread-winner I did not see any value in considering what others had to say. Yes, they all flocked to me after I made it big. But by then my experiences had taught me how to not put down people while still keeping them at a distance.

Q: How does a day in your Life look like?

A: Why? (Laughs) I am just an ordinary human being. I work in films. Just as others work elsewhere. I learnt early on not to cling on to fame and name. I know one day you will be stripped off everything – your name, your fame, your money, your glory – all this will go. I cook. I potter around my garden. I don’t have anyone do anything for me that I can do myself. So I lead a fairly active day. I always count my blessings – fortunately at my age, I don’t have a sugar factory (diabetes) or an oil factory (cholesterol). And I have this audience in front of me. Aren’t these blessings? I consider myself very lucky!

Her nickname may be Sowcaramma. But she’s wealthier than the most materially rich person in the world. Because she has the wealth of wisdom gained from a lifetime of experiences! If you internalize the essence each of her answers in the context of your Life, you too may just grow a wee bit richer than you already are!

Irrespective of the circumstance you are placed in, play on

Life is a great teacher. She will humble you till you learn your lessons. And then when you are humbled, she will enlighten you.

All of us live through our nightmares before we live our dreams. And if we are living our dreams, know that the peaks will give way to valleys, and then to abysses only to find that when we have hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up. Soon, we will reclaim our lost honor, succeed yet again with our craft and regain our glory __ only, the second time around, on the rebound, we are a lot more fulfilled, a lot less anxious and see each moment of Life, or what remains of this lifetime, as a blessing. This cycle of Life, with its inscrutable up and down patterns or down and up ways, plays itself out, time and again, from person to person, incessantly, ceaselessly.

One such co-voyager in Life, a genius in his own right, an emperor of his craft, is Tamil music composer Ilayaraja. During the 70s, 80s and well into the 90s, Ilayaraja, remained king. His was the music that mesmerized listeners and sold movies. For over a decade, well actually 15 years, no Tamil movie was released that did not have Illayaraja composing music. Such was his genius. Such was his command that he was unbeatable. Not that anyone even tried. And then came along A R Rahman, the prodigal genius, who with Roja, in 1992, swept the world away! His music was different and Ilayaraja’s hold on Tamil cinema was challenged deceptively. One tune at a time, one movie at a time. By 1997, Rahman had become staple in the entertainment business down south and Bollywood filmmakers too were counting on the Mozart of Madras (Rahman) to sell their films.

It was at this time that I met Ilayaraja at his home. A beautiful shrine-like place in T Nagar, in South Chennai, where music, moods, fragrances and floral patterns made the simple white walls and furniture in the house come alive almost surreally. Taking me to his studio on the first floor, Ilayaraja, playing a new tune he had just composed, asked me, “What do you think of it?” And I remember replying: “It’s out of this world.” “What to do,” bemoaned the genius, much to my shock, “the world does not recognize my worth anymore. Everyone wants the new kid, who learnt at my feet and today challenges me.” I was surprised. In fact horrified. I felt Ilayaraja must be proud, not jealous, of his protégé. I felt that the greatest compliment a ‘guru’ can get is when a ‘shishya’ (disciple) outsmarts him at his own craft. But I did not express my opinion; I went on with my meeting and left Ilayaraja’s home-shrine, a tad befuddled.

Kamal Hassan, Sridevi, Ilayaraja, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajnikant
at 'Shamitabh's' music launch
Picture Courtesy: PTI/Hindu/Internet

What began then was, as I came to realize, Ilayaraja’s hibernation, which lasted almost 10+ years. No significant music composition offers, no clamor from interview seekers, no major titles or awards; at least, things were not the same as before! I am not aware how he spent those years. Maybe he sulked. I am not aware how he spent those years. Maybe he sulked. Maybe he grieved. But if that was indeed his state, it well was his own creation. He was, is and will always be a musical genius, to me, and to millions of his fans across the world. That he had to make way for a next generation sensation called Rahman was only a reflection of the way Life is and works, and was no indication of any flaw with his craft. But maybe, just maybe, Ilayaraja missed this point. Until ‘Cheeni Kum’ (2007, directed by Balki and starring Amitabh Bachchan, Tabu) happened, where Ilayaraja made a phenomenal comeback. Balki, a senior professional in Indian advertising (Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Lowe Lintas), says he got into filmmaking only to work with two of his idols__the Big B and Ilayaraja! And Ilayaraja re-used an old tune of his from the 1986 super, super-hit, Mani Ratnam film, ‘Mouna Ragam’ (follow video link here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5v1xOQmcQE) in ‘Cheeni Kum’, along with a couple of other unputdownable compositions. And slowly, very slowly, the King of Tamil music, a veteran of 999 (Tamil director Bala’s up-coming ‘Tharai Thappattai’ will be his 1000th!) films, and 5000 songs, is coming into his own again. He is perhaps, hopefully, in his second innings, realizing that he was always a winner. That the music in him never died. In January this year, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Hassan and Rajnikanth came together in Mumbai to launch the music for Balki’s latest ‘Shamitabh’, which again was composed by Ilayaraja. Talking at a public event in Chennai, some time ago, Ilayaraja said, “I don’t know how the music comes, if I find out, it will stop!”

This is what is happening to all of us. We are born winners. But we stop seeing our own worth, our own value because we expect Life to give us ideal performance conditions. And despite all the wishing that we__you and I__do, that can never be guaranteed. What can be known for sure though is that there’s a lot, a helluva lot, of talent in each in us. Our craft, our work, is our prayer. Irrespective of the circumstance we are placed in, let us keep playing on. Seasons will come, seasons will go, years will wear on, the body will age and wither away too someday, but eventually we will find that despite all of what has happened to us, the music within each of us remains intact. And all that happened, happened to humble us, to enlighten us, to enrich us, so that our music can light up the world!   

Stay humble – interdependency is the name of the game!

The more we think we are exclusive, unique and superior, the more there is

evidence that we are connected, inter-dependent and one.

When an actor's movie becomes a super hit, like Endhiran (ROBOT in Hindi, 2010, Shankar) did, it is easy to assume that Super Star Rajnikant is incredible. That he has caused the success of the film on his own might. But without a credible storyline, music, dialogues or direction, no actor can succeed. And that fact was proven with the flop of Rajni’s most recent Lingaa (2014, Shankar). Ironically, while the Super Star is down-to-earth and is humility personified when accolades are showered on him, and equally non-plussed when his films bomb, we often imagine we are Super Stars, the all-powerful, in-control drivers of our lives.

This is where we get it all wrong. Everything we do and need to live is coming from the toil of so many more people that we hardly think of. You wouldn't be reading this Thought, for instance, had it not been for the folks that maintain the internet, facebook, your broadband carrier and your electricity provider. Here I am not even talking of developing a sense of gratitude, which we must, but am highlighting how inter-dependent we are in this big, beautiful world. Swami Sathya Sai Baba says it so beautifully, "A coffee-shop owner who has a bad cold walks over to his next-door neighbor, the chemist, to buy a Saridon; and the chemist chooses to go over to the coffee shop for a hot, steaming cuppa when he has a headache."

So, there's no one out there who doesn't need anybody. Look closely at how we are connected and dependent on each other. Celebrate this inter-dependency. Stay humble: because there are a lot of people that are working overtime to make you__and me__successful.

On being the light yourself!

Your Life will be as dark as you imagine it to be.

Over these last few days of Diwali fervor, there’s so much talk about darkness and light, on social media that it’s assuming an almost banal proportion. People are mindlessly talking about dispelling the darkness around them with light – ostensibly with candles and diyas, and firecrackers. It’s almost as if a social media status or an utterance or wishing over SMS or WhatsApp can make anyone’s Life brighter. I am not being cynical. I am only calling for a greater degree of reflection. What about the darkness within? How will you dispel it?

This reflection requires that you first understand the meaning of darkness in a Life context. Almost all of us are steeped in worry, insecurity, anxiety, guilt, anger, grief and fear. This is the darkness that grips our soul. And the true message of Diwali is to trust Life and allow your faith to light you up from within. As our lives get challenged by events, people and circumstances, we often tend to worry over what will happen to us, we fear the unknown future – and these are what are causing us to feel that our lives are filled with darkness. In such times, we must learn to keep the faith – and learn to be the light ourselves. Metaphorically, when you find yourself in a dark, endless tunnel and you don’t see the light at the end of that tunnel, your faith can be your light!

Where does such faith come from? It comes from a deeper understanding of Life. It comes from knowing that if you have been created, you will be looked after, cared for and provided for – no matter what the circumstances may be. However, Life’s provisions are never to meet your wants. Yet all that you need will be available to you when you need it the most. I am reminded of a beautiful song from “Panakkaran” (1990, P.Vasu, Rajnikanth, Gauthami, Ilayaraaja), sung by Ilayaraaja. The song goes like this: “Maratha Vecheven Thanni Oothuvan…” meaning “The one who planted (created) the tree will water it too…”. If you follow Tamil, you can listen to the song here.

This song epitomizes the true nature of Life. It reminds us that all our worries, anxieties and fears serve no purpose. That what will happen will happen, no matter how much you worry. And no matter what happens, you will still be taken care of by Life, not the way you want to be, but the way you must be. When you don’t hold this faith in Life, when you don’t trust the cosmic design, you grope in the darkness that you have invited into your Life. So, truly, you are responsible for your Life being filled with darkness. The moment you start trusting that a way will always be born to take you onward, despite all the darkness, you will see the light. And surely you will be that light too! 

A lesson in staying grounded – from a Super Star

An anecdote I heard at the opening Talk of the Madras Week celebrations on Sunday was both heart-warming and a great lesson in humility. The Talk, “Chennai (Madras) and Rajnikanth”, was delivered by the famous actor and film historian Mohan Raman. It was a wonderfully presented story of the Life and times of the legend divided interestingly by Raman into eight parts: Rajni’s youth, his evolution in The K.Balachander (KB) School, his early years as a villain, his ascent to hero-status, his maturity as an actor, his attaining Super Star cult status, his role as a worldly, family man and his spiritual pursuit.

Tales abound in Chennai’s Kollywood of Rajni’s down-to-earth demeanor in public Life. But the one that Raman shared was new, untold and very, very inspiring.

Mohan Raman telling Rajni's story

The story goes that the (then) 8-year-old nephew of Kavithalaya Krishan (a popular actor and key functionary in legendary director KB’s__who ‘launched’ Rajnikanth in Apoorva Raagangal in 1975__Kavithalaya Productions) had come down from Australia and was pestering Krishnan for arranging to meet his (the boy’s) idol Rajni. Rajni had already become a cult figure and though Krishnan had known him well, in Rajni’s early years in Kollywood in the late 70s, he was not sure it would be appropriate to recall those times and get his nephew an audience. But since he worked in KB’s office, Krishnan knew key people in Rajni’s office as well. So, in a few days, an appointment was arranged for the young nephew to meet the Super Star. Krishnan drove the boy and his mother (Krishnan’s sister) to the studio where Rajni was shooting on the appointed day. But Krishnan, not sure if Rajni would recall him, and besides not wanting to impinge on the star’s time, decided to sit out in the car in the parking lot. Only the mother and son went into the studio and the meeting went as planned. The young fan was delirious with delight. Pictures were taken. And, finally, as they were bidding goodbyes, Krishnan’s sister decided to “brag” about her brother’s connection with the film world to Rajni. When Rajni heard that she was was Kavithalaya Krishnan’s sister, he made warm enquiries of his ‘old friend’. Through the conversation that followed Rajni gleaned that Krishnan was waiting in the car. Expressing shock and surprise, Rajni asked his personal assistant to invite Krishnan in and received him warmly – “just the way you would reconnect with a good old friend”.

He asked Krishan: “Why did you not come in with your sister and nephew?”

Krishnan replied matter-of-factly that he didn’t want to ‘disturb’ the star.

Rajni asked: “So, your sister and nephew can disturb me, but you can’t! Isn’t that what you are alluding to?” And he continued: “Krishnan, if you imagine that all this stardom has changed me, you are wrong. I am still the same man you used to help when I entered the industry. How can I forget the innumerable times you have bought me a meal when I was hungry and had no money? How can I forget the milagu rasam that your mother used to serve me at your home? How can I forget the times when KB Sir would be tough on me demanding a ‘perfect’ shot – and how you used to encourage me to keep trying to do better? How can I forget the number of times you have dropped me at my room because I did not have money to commute? Or the times when you have bought me cigarettes when I was out of cash? I am still the same man Krishnan. And if anyone has the right to reach out to me, even unannounced, it is you. My star status has made my Life comfortable, but has not changed who I am!”

Krishnan, reported Raman in his Talk, was left speechless and in tears.

Irish wirter C.S.Lewis (1898~1963) once said: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself, less!” I think the folklore from Rajnikanth’s Life reminds us yet again to not get carried away by the trappings of success, fame and money – all of which are impermanent – in the course of our lifetimes.

Indeed. It is never really about what you are or how much you are worth. What matters is who you are. If you stay grounded, no matter how high you rise, you will have a special place in the hearts of people that continue to remember you – long after you are gone! To be sure, what people will remember you for is how did you lead your Life, how many lives you touched, and, if you at all left this world a better place than you found it – and not necessarily for the millions you made!!

Stay anchored to your bliss, stay focused, stay humble.

To live Life fully, just choose a path to follow, the one that gives you inner joy. And just keep walking, following your bliss! Remember you must keep plowing on regardless of what you have to face or what other people think of you. You will then eventually be successful. And that’s when you must remember to also stay humble.

As I write this, two important learnings come to mind.

One is from the south Indian Superstar Rajnikant, whose birthday it is today.

Rajni: Stays anchored and humble

Owing to his immense popularity and his hysterical following in Tamil Nadu, it has been widely believed, over a period of time, that Rajni will enter politics. In fact each election season, his legions of fans in Tamil Nadu eagerly await his announcement of entering politics with bated breath. Several election seasons have gone by and that elusive announcement has not come. It never well may come either. Dr.Gayathri Srikanth, Rajini’s first biographer, writes in her book, ‘The Name Is Rajnikant’, that Rajni is very clear that his bliss lies in continuing to be, in spirit, the down-to-earth coolie and bus conductor he once was, while also continuing to earn a ‘livelihood’ from acting. Straying beyond these two dimensions of his personal or professional Life, Srikanth explains, summarizing her understanding of Rajni’s thinking, will disturb the man’s inner core. She recounts in detail in her book how Rajni stayed awake all night, about a decade ago, after receiving a call from the then Indian Prime Minister P.V.Narasimha Rao who invited Rajni to join hands with the Congress party and in return offered him Tamil Nadu’s Chief Ministership. Rajni thought through the offer and declined it politely the next morning. I remember from Dr.Srikanth’s book, him being quoted as saying, “It was important to overcome that temptation to succumb to what people wanted me to do. What is important was that I knew I didn’t want to do it. Besides, without anything remarkable about me, I was still enjoying so much adulation by the people. I don’t think I deserved anymore and I did not want to let them down playing a role I knew I was not cut out for.”  Writing today in Chennai Chronicle, Rajni’s wife, Lata, says similarly, “I am often asked about his political move. And I always reply that we must respect his decision for what he wants to do with his Life.”

Important perspective there for us to reflect upon:

•    How often do we succumb to distractions that take us away from our inner core?  
•    And how often do we work for our bliss than play to the galleries doing what other                people want us to do?

Panditji: In India, they thought I was mad!

Pandit Ravi Shankar, the Sitar maestro, who passed away a few hours ago, at 92, has led the way for us similarly too. He was often accused by Indian music ‘purists’ as someone who sacrificed Indian art on the altar of western stardom. Talking to Laura Barnett of The Guardian for an interview in June 2011, Panditji had this to say: “(I am proud of) helping Western audiences to have a better understanding of Indian classical music. In the UK, classical music is composed by individuals, and written down. Indian music is based on certain sequences, called ragas. When I perform live, 95% of the music is improvised: it never sounds the same twice…Well, I'm 91 now, so if I haven't learnt to live with it (the global acclaim and stardom), I never will. But some periods have been more difficult than others. When I started working with George Harrison [in 1966], I became like a pop star myself: everywhere I went, I was recognized. I didn't like that at all. I don't think I have sacrificed anything. But I do think that my Indian classical audiences thought I was sacrificing them through working with George. I became known as the "fifth Beatle". In India, they thought I was mad.” 

Such a brilliant, enlightening point of view. No wonder then that he has been so successful doing what he believed in and what gave him joy! And his humility? Legendary. When Barnett, in the course of the same interview, asked the maestro if he wanted to give any advice for young, aspiring musicians, he said, “I wouldn’t give them advice. I would learn from them.”

That’s really how you may want to consider living your Life: Always doing what you love, what gives you joy, learning and celebrating how miraculous and beautiful Life really is!