#2: Pressure Creates Diamonds, Fire Refines Gold!

Yes, pressure is the factor that morphs a piece of coal into diamonds; but remember, diamonds aren't formed overnight. As was the case with the young SVS who enthusiastically joined the Bala Shanmuganandha Sabha. 

Although, his life took a 360 degree turn after he became a part of the drama company. From waking up at the crack of dawn every day to making do with the limited food that was provided, SVS had to struggle to ease into this new way of life. "Only after a bath was I given idlys," recalls SVS in his autobiography. 

From learning about the basics of drama and stage to running errands for the company, no job was too trivial. Obedience had to be absolute, and failure to comply would incur the wrath of the manager or the tutor. 

In his autobiography, SVS also mentions how he used to look forward to Sundays because it meant an extra meal: snacks and tea! When I read this from the perspective of a thirteen-year-old boy whose every aspect of life was rationed, it broke my heart. The path to success wasn't easy by any means. Of course, this also included the actual lessons that he had to undergo every day.

The first lesson was vocal music. Singing! SVS' first tutor, Sattaam Pillai Veerabhadran, was a very hard taskmaster. It took anywhere between three to six months to get the basics right, and SVS was no exception. 

Veerabhadran caned the boys who dared to sing out of tune or beats. Here again, SVS was no exception. As the days progressed, his thighs were laden with scars and bruises. So much so, that one day, he cried in agony. He pleaded with his master to cane him on the other thigh, hoping it would make the pain bearable. 

I wonder, if this experience contributed to the introduction of playback singing (live) on-stage by SVS, later in his life. Isn't it sheer genius to use the strengths of people who had the right skills instead of harping on their weaknesses? 

Anyway, coming back, once the basic tune and beats set in, SVS along with a group of boys were made to dress up and get on stage for the prayer song that was sung before the commencement of the drama. The tutor would watch the boys with a keen eye from the side lines and did not spare anyone who dared to make an error. Not at all! After the song ended, the tutor would remove the wig from the head of the boy who'd made a mistake. His fist would connect with the boy's head in a sharp knock before the older man placed the wig back.

Music apart, SVS also observed all the plays regularly and thereon he started with a small part after several months. His first play was 'Abhimanyu Sundari' where he essayed the role of Surya Bhagavan. Whilst he started with insignificant roles initially, SVS later went on to play prominent roles for the troupe, gaining the admiration of his mentors and fellow actors.

Once, while staging Ramayanam in Sivagangai, SVS recalls an incident where he was badly hurt. The actor who played Ravanan had to endure nine artificial heads made of tin attached to his head. Feeling lightheaded and dizzy because of the appendages, the actor lost his balance. 

SVS, who had donned the role of Indrajit, rushed forward to help the actor. He recalls how his skin was cut in several places by the tin, causing blood to ooze out of the scratches and cuts.

As I assimilated all these life experiences that my grandfather had undergone, I wondered if this was why he didn't want his own children to become actors. For he knew, once the lights were off, an actor's life was far from glitz and glamour. Trials, criticism, humiliation, and failures contributed to a sizeable chunk of an actor's life. It was no wonder that as a father, SVS wanted his son and daughters to have a peaceful and stable life away from camera and lights.

I must mention here that all wasn't gloomy in his theatre life. It was during these initial years that SVS met some noteworthy people who would later serve as major inspirations in his life. The TKS brothers (especially TK Shanmugam) were one of his first inspirations for acting, dialog delivery, and singing. 

His respect and regards for these stalwarts is evident through his autobiography. Although, SVS laments he could not directly work under Shri Sankardas Swamigal, he was happy that he got to learn and work with the TKS brothers who were the direct protégé of the Father of Indian Theatre.

Shri M Kandhaswamy Mudaliyaar was yet another inspiration in his formative years. At a time when drama was being looked down by the elites of the society, this man made a mark as a director, producer, and writer with his Shakespearean influence and social views. Being very well versed in English plays and movies, Mudaliyaar's refreshing approach and nuances to acting captivated the interest of SVS.

Yet another interesting person who influenced SVS was the Maharaja of Ettaiyapuram. SVS has written about an interesting incident in his autobiography. He vividly recalls seeing the old Raja of Ettaiyapuram, referring to him as 'Thatha Maharaja'. It was this man who summoned the young boys in the troupe to talk to them about vices such as drinking. The Raja spoke about the importance of self-discipline for an artist and showed them the oil painting of Kalyana Ramaiyar who was known for his exemplary conduct.

Staring at the life-size oil painting, SVS imbibed what the Maharaja said, following the older man's advice until his last breath. SVS also mentions the Maharaja's simplicity in his attire as well as his living, a trait that he followed and lived through in his life.

While talking about inspirations, one person who requires a very special mention is Shri N. S. Krishnan (NSK). In many of his interviews as well as his autobiography, SVS speaks fondly about his good friend and mentor, NSK. He has quoted and narrated many incidents and anecdotes about his friend. I would be remiss if I did not write about the beautiful bond and the long-standing professional association of NSK and SVS. Their relationship deserves a separate post! One that I will write soon.

Meanwhile, looking back at the struggles and hardships my grandfather had endured, I cannot help but respect and admire how those difficult times shaped him into a finer human being. Decades later, when he founded his own troupe (Seva Stage), SVS was determined his troupe would be unbiased and upright. A feat he very well achieved! In short, SVS was a visionary who understood and lived this life truth— that art is always bigger than the artist!