SP all praise for Malayalis

The Hindu, By Our Special Correspondent, August 24, 2002

The noted playback singer, S.P.Balasubramaniam, has praised the Malayali for his ability to appreciate art. In a short speech, which he made before his ganamela organised as part of Onam celebrations in the city this evening, he said that the appreciation level of the Malayali was higher than that of the people in other States. Though people usually give importance to their own languages, the people of Kerala enjoyed art irrespective of language. He expressed happiness at being able to participate in the Onam celebrations. He apologised for not being able to speak fluent Malayalam and thanked the Government for having invited him for the ganamela. He started his ganamela with the song `Ilayanila pozhikirathu...'