The release of Viswaragam – Part II marks a profound musical tribute to the enduring legacies of Vani Jairam, S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, and M.S. Viswanathan.
AudioVerse Music has officially announced the release of Viswaragam – Part II, a reverential musical project dedicated to the memory of three giants of Indian cinema and classical music. Launched on February 4, 2026, the album coincides with the third death anniversary of the legendary playback singer Padma Bhushan Vani Jairam. The project serves as a bridge between generations, preserving the intricate melodic heritage of the late composer M.S. Viswanathan, affectionately known as MSV, while featuring the iconic voices of Vani Jairam and S.P. Balasubrahmanyam. The album is now available across major global digital platforms, including YouTube, Spotify, and Deezer.
The ambitious project was conceived, written, and produced by the acclaimed filmmaker and lyricist Sumathy Ram. A central figure in the realization of this tribute was the three-time Grammy Award winner and Padma Shri recipient Ricky Kej, whose involvement ensured that the technical and artistic quality of the recordings met international standards. According to Ram, the album is a “distilled expression of emotion” where melody, silence, and meaning coexist with a rare grace. The compositions utilize a unique Haiku-styled lyrical structure, allowing the veteran vocalists to explore deep philosophical themes within concise, evocative musical frameworks.
The tracklist of Viswaragam – Part II is structured around ancient Sanskrit concepts, grounding each musical piece in a specific spiritual or emotional state. The opening track, “Jyoti,” is described as a luminous invocation that mirrors the concept of sacred light. Vani Jairam’s performance in this piece is noted for its purity and steadiness, rising like a lamp lit at dawn. Following this is “Vandhai,” an exploration of Svikara, or acceptance, based on the sacred hymns of Saint Thirumangai Alwar. These tracks set a contemplative tone for the collection, emphasizing the spiritual depth that defined the careers of the featured artists.
One of the most significant aspects of the album is the presence of the late S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, whose voice features prominently in tracks like “Vandhazh” and “Vayadhu.” In these recordings, the singer moves beyond mere nostalgia, performing with a sense of wisdom and quiet acceptance. The album also showcases instrumental mastery through “Veena Sa Ri,” featuring the celebrated Rajesh Vaidya. This track bridges the gap between vocal artistry and classical instrumentation, echoing the sophisticated touch of MSV’s original compositions. The seamless blending of voices in “Kan Moodi” offers listeners a rare opportunity to hear a legendary vocal partnership in a new, experimental context.
The emotional range of the album extends into the domestic and personal spheres with tracks such as “Lullaby” and “Enn Kanmani.” The former is highlighted as one of the most poignant moments in the collection, where Vani Jairam’s voice is said to gently cradle the listener, embodying the concept of Lalanagitham, or a nurturing song. “Enn Kanmani” presents a tender monologue marked by affection and melodic grace. Other tracks like “Thaagam” and “Vetkamum” delve into the subtle nuances of longing and demureness, capturing sensibilities that are deeply rooted in traditional Indian aesthetics while remaining accessible to modern global audiences.
Sumathy Ram’s creative foundation for the Viswaragam series is deeply personal. Her long-standing interaction with Vani Jairam, which began during the production of the film Vishwa Thulasi, informed the emotional core of this project. Ram fondly recalled a cherished meeting where Jairam, often called the “Meera of Modern India,” presented her with a personal portrait as a blessing. This intimate connection is reflected in the album’s title track, “Viswaragam,” which encompasses multiple moods and serves as a formal Shradranjali, or homage, to the masters who shaped the landscape of Indian film music for over half a century.
The release of Part II follows the successful launch of Viswaragam – Part I during the Pongal festival earlier in 2026. This ongoing series is part of a larger initiative to keep the musical heritage of MSV vibrant and relevant in the digital age. By releasing the tribute in a monthly series, AudioVerse Music aims to provide a sustained period of reflection on the technical brilliance and emotional resonance of these artists’ bodies of work. The use of modern digital distribution ensures that the “treasure cove” of memories contained in these rare recordings reaches the global Indian diaspora and new listeners alike.
In addition to the Viswaragam series, Sumathy Ram announced her next major project, Meera – Madhuram, scheduled for release later this year. This upcoming album draws inspiration from the 16th-century mystic saint Meera Bai and will present traditional Bhakti poetry through a modern devotional soundscape. Ram described this new direction as “Bhajan Clubbing,” an emerging idiom where sacred music finds renewed resonance through the integration of subtle global textures and contemporary classical crossover elements. This project seeks to continue the philosophical continuum established by Viswaragam, blending traditional devotion with modern musical innovation.
The technical production of Meera – Madhuram will involve collaborations with diverse musicians, including experts in symphonic and Western classical arrangements. The goal is to create a “modern devotional soundscape” that remains firmly grounded in India’s spiritual heritage while appealing to evolving global tastes. Ram emphasized that the legacy of Vani Jairam remains a primary influence on her work, particularly in how the late singer balanced classical rigor with popular appeal. The upcoming album is conceived as a tribute to the values of grace and musical elegance that Jairam epitomized throughout her career.
As the music industry continues to evolve, projects like Viswaragam – Part II highlight the importance of archival preservation and creative reinterpretation. By bringing together the works of MSV, SPB, and Vani Jairam, AudioVerse Music provides a comprehensive look at an era of unparalleled artistic achievement. The album stands as a final, definitive gazette of their collective genius, offering a sense of warmth and continuity rather than finality. For scholars of Indian music and casual listeners alike, the collection is a vital record of a golden age, ensuring that the voices of these icons continue to inspire and nurture the cultural landscape for generations to come.
The 2026 release cycle marks a definitive moment for the AudioVerse label as it consolidates its position as a primary curator of high-quality Indian musical tributes. Through the vision of Sumathy Ram and the technical expertise of collaborators like Ricky Kej, the Viswaragam series has successfully transitioned from a collection of rare recordings into a major cultural event. As the series moves forward, it remains a testament to the belief that true artistry is timeless, transcending the physical absence of its creators to remain an active, living force in the world of modern music.
