Sarojini Naidu Death Anniversary: When She Introduced MS Subbulakshmi As Meera. Watch

'Meera' was a South Indian film released in 1941, and was again produced in Hindi in 1947, where Sarojini Naidu introduced Subbulakshmi by saying, "She is not any replica of Meera, but Meera herself."

A Glimpse Of Sarojini Naidu Introducing MS Subbulakshmi As Meera

Source : You Tube

New Delhi: Sarojini Naidu was a freedom fighter and a political activist, who took part in the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement. She was known for her oratory skills and was called the 'Nightingale of India', because of the colour, imagery and lyrical quality of her poetry. She passed away on March 2, 1949, and this year marks the 74th year of her death anniversary.

On the occasion of her death anniversary, let us remember the time she introduced M.S. Subbulakshmi of the South in the film 'Meera'. 'Meera' was a South Indian film released in 1941, and was again produced in Hindi in 1947, where Sarojini Naidu introduced Subbulakshmi by saying, "She is not any replica of Meera, but Meera herself." Later, she also gave up her title of 'The Nightingale of India' to Subbulakshmi.

Introducing the melodious singer in the movie, Naidu said, "I commend Subbulakshmi of the South to the people of the North. She's presenting the Hindi version of her Tamil film 'Meera'. Meera rightly belongs to the North because she belongs indeed to the old world."

She also explained why she was speaking in English and not in Hindi by saying, "I am speaking not in Hindi, but in English for a set purpose, because I want my words of commendation to reach the whole world and not merely Northern India. Every child in India has heard about Subbulakshmi for the beauty of her voice, the magic of her personality, and the gracious charity of her heart. In the North, she is still to be known, to be loved, to be honoured, to be cherished as one of the greatest artists in India and I am sure that whoever hears this wonderful voice, whoever watches the gestures of this wonderful artiste, whoever comes under the enchantment of the great gift will agree with me that she is not any replica of Meera, but Meera herself."

 

Sarojini Naidu was born in Hyderabad and was the eldest among eight siblings. She began writing at a very young age and received accolades for her works which included 'Maher Muneer', which she wrote in Persian.

Later in life, she became close friends with Gandhi, Sarala Devi Chaudhurani and Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and thereby, she joined Gandhi's nonviolent satyagraha campaign after 1917 to protest British rule. As part of her ongoing efforts to promote independence from British rule, Naidu travelled to London in 1919 as a member of the All India Home Rule League. She took part in India's non-cooperation campaign the following year.