Karunanidhi’s granddaughter Ezhilarasi Jothimani performed her first veena recital in the Music Academy Hall on Sunday.
A succession war may be raging in Tamil Nadu’s first political family, but when it comes to cultural events it is always a huge show of strength.
Karunanidhi’s granddaughter Ezhilarasi Jothimani performed her first veena recital in the Music Academy Hall on Sunday.
The CM’s huge family comprising his two wives, all their children and the Marans were in full attendance. Ezhilarasi is the daughter of Karunanidhi’s eldest daughter Selvi and son-in-law Murasoli Selvam [brother of late Murasoli Maran].
Karunanidhi always makes it a point to address such cultural functions that he presides over. Most of the times, he makes a subtle political statement. “Ours is an artistic family, not a broken one. It cannot be broken easily. That is my fervent prayer though I don’t believe in god [En kudumbum kalai kudumbum, kalaaitha kudumbum, kalaika mudiyadha kumdumbum],” he said amidst loud applause.
Political undercurrents were clearly visible as family members assembled for the concert and occupied their seats. Though at one point in time Karunanidhi’s warring sons Alagiri and Stalin and their youngest sibling Tamizharasu were seen together, the two brothers made sure they didn’t sit next to each other.
Alagiri sat next to half-sister Kanimozhi while Stalin sat with mother Dayalu Ammal and Murasoli Selvam.
Karunanidhi heaped praises on his granddaughter for her musical accomplishments. He jokingly said, “I can perhaps call upon Ezhilarasi to perform and soothe my nerves when I am mentally disturbed,” but quickly added, “That does not mean I am going to suffer such situations frequently.”
Selvi Selvam is, in fact, credited with bringing about a rapprochement between the Maran and Karunanidhi families after Alagiri’s men attacked Tamil daily Dinakaran’s office in Madurai in 2007.
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