Chennai beaches have been a constant in my life: Singer Charulatha Mani

Born in Besant Nagar and raised in Valmiki Nagar, the beach has been a constant in my life, says classical and playback singer Charulatha Mani.

Being the daughter of a marine engineer has further cemented my relationship with the seas and shores, she says.

One of my favourite places in Chennai is the beach at Valmiki Nagar.

It was there that I took my first walk with my husband. It was there that I wheeled my twins in their strollers.

The beach in this part of the town wasn’t as populated as it is today. It was cleaner too. Regardless, for me, walking barefoot just by the waterside is almost an addiction.

Marundeeswarar temple in Thiruvanmiyur is a glorious site. I have had the good fortune of frequenting it all my life. Its aesthetic appeal and the thevarams that resound in the evenings continue to enchant me. The sannidhi of Thripurasundari Ambal holds a divine energy and, at every instance, it elicits from me the joyful ‘Thaaye Thripurasundari ’ of Periyasaami Thooran in ragam suddhasaveri .

(As told to Deepa H. Ramakrishnan)