Vani Jayaram, Truly Versatile | Photo Credit: Vedan M
In a strange twist of fate, two days later shankarabharanamDirector K Vishwanath passes awayVani Jayaram, one of the lead singers of the film passed away, leaving everyone in shock. For the past two days, the classic songs of the 1980s were still playing on all channels and media and no one had any idea that the voice behind those immortal tunes that won her the National Award for Best Playback Singer, would soon fall silent. Will happen
Vani Jayaram sang in 19 languages - majorly Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Oriya, Telugu. Almost every song sung by him in Telugu films became a popular earworm. Her wide range of songs – from classical and romantic tunes to racy dance numbers – made her a popular pick by directors.
She made her Telugu film debut proud 1973 with song Appatiwale Kadhura., A dance number for which Kuchipudi dancer Shobha Naidu made a rare screen appearance. Telugu audience, who only heard Vani Jayaram’s ‘Boli Re Papihara’ and ‘Suni Thi’ give us the power of mind from hindi movie doll (1971) welcomed her and music directors were more than willing to use her unique voice for special songs in their films.
His song from ‘Enneno Janmamala Bandham…’ Prayer (1975) which she presented along with SP Balasubrahmanyam is an all-time favorite of aspiring singers in music reality shows. His songs ‘Ningi Nela Oktayane’ and ‘Poojalu Cheya Poolu Techanu…’ can be hummed even beyond that generation. Vani Jayaram sang ‘Nuvvu Vishalvani Brindavani..’ under the music direction of Chakraborty. In mallepuvu (1977), a song that stood out in this remake of Guru Dutt’s 1957 film Handi thirsty,
Nuvvadigindi Endaina Kadannan, a composition by Ilaiyaraaja Vysu Peelichindi (1978) showed a change in his presentation from a quiet quality to a bubbly cheer. In ‘Oka Brindavanam…’ Gharshana (1988), in ‘Minneti Suridu’ and ‘Sagar Sangamme’ sitakoka chiluka (1982) are other important songs of Vani Jayaram
A disciple of Cuddalore Srinivasa Iyengar, Vani Jayaram was trained at an early age in the most complex Carnatic ragas and this strong foundation came in handy when she was given classical songs shankarabharanam, His renditions of ‘Dorukuna Ituvanti Seva’, ‘Brochevaravarura’ and ‘Marugelara’ were appreciated by music connoisseurs and won him his first National Award. Another classical rendition of K Vishwanath is his ‘Aanatineyara..’ Swati Kiranam (1992) won him a second National Award.
Maintaining a low profile, the versatile singer expanded her repertoire beyond films and recorded songs in classical, semi-classical, bhajan, devotional, ghazal and light music genres.
Well-educated, Chennai-born Vani Jayaram moved to Hyderabad after marriage and worked at the SBI, Secunderabad branch for a while before devoting her time to singing.
Active in shows and programs on television, Vani Jayaram brought warmth and happiness with her presence and advice for aspiring singers.