Thu Jan 09 20:10:24 UTC 2025: ## Jayachandran Picks His Favorite Duets: A Master’s Choice
**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:** Legendary playback singer K.J. Yesudas has revealed his favorite among his vast repertoire of songs. While initially hesitant to choose, citing the difficulty of comparing his own creations like choosing a favorite child, he eventually selected two: the solo “Prema Kavithakal” sung by Susila in the film *Aval*, and the duet “Thotte Nee Yaan Manassu Kond Kettipidechene” from *Kottaram Vilkkkaanundu*, sung with Madhuri.
Yesudas highlighted the latter duet as a particularly cherished achievement. The song, with lyrics by Vayalar Ramavarma and music by Devarajan Master, is praised for its poetic beauty and the interplay between Yesudas’s and Madhuri’s voices. Yesudas described Madhuri’s voice as uniquely independent and possessing a depth of emotion rarely found in other female singers of the time. He attributed the song’s enduring popularity to the mutual respect and positive competition between the two singers during its recording.
Devarajan Master himself explained his frequent collaboration with Madhuri on duets with Yesudas, emphasizing her distinctive vocal quality, which combined subtlety and emotional depth, a rare combination in Malayalam cinema. He stated a belief that duets reach their fullest potential when both voices complement each other, avoiding situations where one singer overshadows the other.
The article further celebrates Yesudas’s many successful duets, including notable pairings with P. Susheela, whose voice he compares to the “intoxicating flow of the Periyar River,” and S. Janaki, whose voice he likens to the “serenity of the Nila River.” The article highlights several other memorable duets, showcasing his versatility and ability to harmonize with diverse female vocalists across generations, including Vani Jairam, B. Vasantha, and many more.
The piece concludes by noting the unique quality of Yesudas’s duets, suggesting it’s not just his voice but the infusion of his soul that sets them apart. It quotes Vidhyasagar’s assessment of Yesudas as a singer capable of exceeding the composer’s expectations, contrasting Yesudas’s approach with singers who strictly adhere to the composed tune. The article emphasizes Yesudas’s ability to imbue songs with emotion, showcasing his mastery of conveying the intended feeling, even in challenging situations.
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