Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Mike Man of the 80s

Anyone who lived through the glorious 80s tamil filmdom cannot forget the face that launched a lot of Ilaiyaraja's golden gems. He caused quite a craze among the teenagers and youth of that decade. And when you remember him, you visualize him with a mike. Such was his fame as a reel singer. Now there is news that he is back.

He was the quintessential singer, who would cough blood (or by any other means) and die at the end of the movie. His broken tooth (supposedly) added to his charm. S, my best friend during that time, was totally crazy about him. She would watch the movies very early on as her dad worked in the film world. The following Monday, we would be subject to the story recitation filled with her own brand of sarcasm. And during that period I never missed watching movies. Yes, during that time I hardly saw movies at the theater. Only dear DD. Anyways, she had this total crush on Mike Mohan and some of it rubbed off on us. She would describe the scenes, costumes, etc and for us, it was like watching the movie. I loved watching oliyum oliyum when his songs came up. And I can't think of him without thinking of her. She taught me a lot about humor.

I have lost touch with this dear friend and would really love to get back in touch with her. I think she is related to Suresh Krishna (SIL). If anyone knows her, please drop a note here.

I am not sure if he can capture the audience as he did decades ago, but he is going to try. Lucky us :-)

PS: Anyone know which sun tv serials he was involved in?

12 comments:

Balaji said...

didn't he already have a comeback a few yrs ago in a movie that he also directed? guess this is the second coming :)

Munimma said...

third, you mean? :-)
And I have a feeling it was the same movie.

Anonymous said...

yayy!!! I could kiss you for posting this info! Either way, all I wanted to know was where in the world he was?!

He still looks the same, not too different no?

Rads

Anonymous said...

Wasn't he called Mic Mohan?

Munimma said...

vbr: athey athey

Anonymous said...

I liked him in Mouna Ragam and Udhaya Geetham. He had his time.

Anonymous said...

Muni: Can't imagine how I liked him (oh yes, I did, way back then)!!! I guess there are some advantages to growing up - can't stand him now;-)

Anonymous said...

oops sorry, above was me. Kiwilax

Munimma said...

kiwilax: yep, part of growing up. Can you believe that I waited to watch for that tea ad he was in? And would jump with joy when he smiled showing his broken tooth? oh well, I am past all that now ;-)

maduraiveeran: welcome. Yes he had his time, ably supported by Ilaiyaraja.

Anonymous said...

He was one actor I could never stand. The female equivalent would be Devyani. Yikes! Bute yeah, his movies had great music.

Me too said...

Machchakaran!! To have had the privilege presenting IR's music in SPB's voice!!

Hasn't changed much looks-wise, huh?

Anonymous said...

Mogan, poor man's Kamal as he was called, had a rash of zits, a neck that had a life of its own, and his shampooed hair was bobbing all over his crown and his dancing on the greens were epileptic.
But the moment he took to the mike, all was forgiven.Thanks Illaiyaraja!