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Subbu Arumugam - Part 2

N S Krishnan provided the necessary comforts to Subbu Arumugam in Chennai. His first Villupaattu was about the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, under the title 'Gandhi Mahan Sarithiram', which he presented in the august presence of Kalki Sadasivam and M S Subbulakshmi. That was his first programme in Chennai.

Slowly, he came into the limelight and became popular. He conducted a Villupaattu programme on Mahatma Gandhi on Sundays, in AIR Chennai, and the duration of the programme was 55 minutes. His programmes are being broadcast even now. Through his Villupaattu, he promotes many ideas on various subjects.

While talking about the Kanchi Paramacharya, Subbu Arumugam narrates his experience with utmost reverence and devotion. He says that the Paramacharya always had a soft corner for him. When he once invited the Paramacharya to his Villupaattu programme, he agreed to attend.

On the day of the programme, everyone had assembled but there was no sign of 'Periyavar'. He was asked to start the programme, but Subbu Arumugam refused to do so and told them that he was sure that the Periyavar would make it. And true to his word, the Paramacharya came to attend the programme. This was an unforgettable incident in his life, he says with emotion.

'Chinnanjiru Ulagam' was the first film through which Subbu Arumugam entered the tinsel world. The story and the comedy track of the film were contributed by him. The movie, which had popular stars like Nagesh and K R Vijaya, was a big hit. Later, he penned the dialogue for comedy scenes of several films.

Subbu Arumugam was presented the 'Kalaimamani' award by the Tamil Nadu Government and later he was approched by the Annamalai University to teach Villupaattu. He says that a person learning Villupaattu should necessarily follow the six commandments namely, Individual Discipline, Patriotism, Sense of Humour, Mastery in Prose, Music and Drama.

He was conferred with D.Litt degree by the 'World Academy of Arts and Culture', California in 1995.

He confirms that there is no slackness as far as Villupaattu is concerned and that even now many organisations like TVS Company spread their new ideas through Villupaattu. The troupe is also invited to perform in marriage functions. He reiterates that neither movies nor television had affected the popularity of Villupaattu.

He conducts part-time classes in many colleges. Eric Miller, who came to Chennai to learn Villupaattu, will present his research work in Pennyslvania University. Subbu Arumugam and his son Gandhi are amazed at the interest shown by Eric Miller.

His entire family is involved in the art of Villupaattu. Son Gandhi and his daughter Bharathi accompany him to his programmes and sing with him. A post graduate in Tamil Literature, Gandhi has submitted his research on the topic 'Humour in Poet Subbu Arumugam's Villupaattu' to the Madurai Kamaraj University.

His eldest daughter is a post graduate both in Tamil and English Literature and is at present working in S M S Matriculation school. She too has submitted her research work in English titled 'Education through Folk Arts with special reference to Villupaattu'. His youngest daughter Bharathi is a post graduate in Tamil Literature and has done M.Phil, her research work is titled 'Desapatru', meaning love and patriotic fervour that one has towards one's country. Not to be left out, his wife has compiled a book called 'Unmaiyulla Kavignan' based on the facts written by Subbu Arumugam in his diary. This book was released ten years ago by Justice K O Venkatasami.

The pot required for Villupaattu is made in Karakurichi while the bow is made in Tirunelveli. Gandhi says that the bow used by N S Krishnan is the one that his father uses even now.

Apart from programmes on Gandhi and Nehru, he has also conducted programmes on the History of India's Independence at the Rosary Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai.

The subjects handled by him are many -- Kanchi Paramacharya, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Annai Saradha and subjects useful to the society like Family Planning, Prevention of AIDS, Rain Water Harvesting, to mention a few, thereby creating awareness among the public.

He says that the growth of Villupaattu is assured and that a lot of youngsters are coming forward to learn the art. Popular arts like Lavani and Ambanai have become extinct now, but Villupaattu is still alive and popular thanks to artistes like Subbu Arumugam who add glory to our culture.