[Raja Music Thread - Tribute to Puru] Puru, short form for Purushottaman, was a conductor and drummer with Raja. He was one of the people who was very close to Raja, having worked with Raja even before Annakili times

He and his guitarist brother, Chandrashekar, started playing for Raja when he turned music director with Annakili. Chandrashekar is the guitar player for the famous 'Illaya Nila' song. He later went on his own

Puru, though, remained with Raja. Initially as the main drummer, later as drummer and conductor. You would have seen him in Raja live concerts. He used to conduct often until he had problems with his health. Later concerts of Raja had Prabhakar as the conductor

Guitar Prasanna once wrote about Raja's music. In that he made a special mention, "Mention also to some brilliant acoustic drum work (a lost and ancient art in India) on Raaja’s songs". This acoustic drumming was mainly of Puru. Link: https://musicmavericks.blogspot.com/2014/01/guitar-prasanna-about-ilaiyaraaja.html

Noel Grant, I think was the drummer for Raja initially. He passed away in an accident during the 'Deepam' time I think. After that Puru was the main drummer, though Shivamani too played the drums for Raja for a short while.

Puru's drumming was of the highest order. I remember reading Violin Vicky and other talking about his drumming in various Raja groups. Particular focus was on how delicate was Puru's drumming

After that preamble, let us start listening to some songs in which Puru was the drummer. We start with the song in which he appears. 'madai thirandhu' from 'Nizhalgal'

Should I say something about the drumming here? The talent of the drummer is obvious. The way he uses the hi-hat is his trademark. The drumming is powerful as well as delicate. His drumming was never in-your-face kind

I will be quoting a few incidents from Suka's article on Puru once in a while. When Suka played this to Raja in a hotel, Raja listened to the full song and said, "Puru has played so well for this song". Can those who haven't read Suka's article guess which song it could be?

I know it is difficult to guess for there are so many amazing songs of Raja which have terrific drumming. The song in question was 'santosham inru santosham' from 'Manidhanin Marupakkam'

The subtle changes in the charanam are top class. Once again what a delicate playing. No wonder Raja was impressed.

Next we will play a song which Puru himself had said was a major challenge. 'megam kottatum' from "Enakul Oruvan'

Translating that part of Suka's article for those who cannot read Tamil. Puru says, "Sasi and Sada, bassist and lead guitar, holding their breath follow SPB. I too do the same. At the end when the mridagam joins, I have to give a reply"

"Even today when I hear this song, instead of feeling happy I feel scared. If I am asked to play this now, I will make some mistake"

Man, that song was an amazing combination of outstanding lead, excellent bass guitar and incredible drumming. Each one was a master. I can confidently say that with Viji Manuel on the keyboard, these four were the best in their in Indian film music at that time.

Next up is this 7/8 (or misra nadai) composition. 'kangal rendum' from 'Unakkagave Vazhgiren' Another amazing orchestration and incredible drumming. Violin Vicky says no one other than Puru could have drummed for this.

As far as drumming goes, along with 'Madai Thirandhu' everyone will immediately remember 'Senorita' from 'Johny' The hit hat playing in this is so good.

That should read hi-hat

Another song which Violin Vicky highlights is 'thodadha thalam' from 'Anand'. The bass drumming and the hi-hat playing are exceptional.

The sax playing is amazing in this song. Ofcourse the tuning is super and Janaki/SPB hit it out of the park.

Another amazing song in which drumming is an important component. 'idhu oru nila kalam' from 'Tik Tik Tik' It is drums all the way in this song

Not easy to drum. So many changes. I have seen this level of playing only later in Ferec Nemeth's drumming, when he played for NEPV

'kavidhai padu kuyile' from 'Thenral Ennai Thodu'

Once again, what a delicate drumming by Puru. You can hear each of the syllables perfectly

Let's play one song from Telugu. 'nee meedha naaku idhamo' from 'Rakshasudu'

Generally Raja freaks out in rhythm in Telugu songs, especially if it is a Chiranjeevi song. What superb drumming here.

Now to this amazing song, 'innum ennai' from Singaravelan.

Another rhythm masterclass. 'kanni ponnu' from 'Ninaivellam Nithya'

A song which is not heard much nowadays. 'nandavanam poothirukkudhu' from 'Illam'

This is an amazing song and must be more famous.

The ever popular, 'vanitamani' from 'Vikram'

What a bass and drumming in this song.

'appappa thithikkum' from 'Japanil Kalyanaraman' The drumming needs special mention in the song for sure

Let me close the song selection with this final song. The super hit, 'oru poongavanam'

This is sort of representative of the feather touch that Puru brought to the drumming. Listen to this particular youtube version of the song. You can hear every note/syllable clearly. (The Maha channel is amazing. Extraordinary clarity in all sons that he uploads)

Here is Puru talking only a bit about him and more about Raja in an interaction with fans

In this video, we have many of Raja's regulars talk about him. Puru talks around 13:09 Others include Viji and Sada

With this, let me end the thread. Puru was an outstanding drummer, conductor and very humble man. May he attain the lotus feet of the Lord. Om Shanthi.