Cult hero and action star of 50s Hollywood movies, Burt Lancaster played the title role as The Birdman Of Alcatraz. It was a hit, drawing thousands to watch the film on the big screen.Similarly Singapore had birdmen who also drew the crowds, but to the dance floors. In fact, two popular comperes on the 60s social dinner and dance circuits had near similar names with similar titles. One was Mr. S. Ragavan Naidu and the other S. R. S. Naidu, The Birdmen Of Singapore. Below is an article about S. R. S., taken from the website of Victoria Secondary School, Singapore.
"Old Victorians who have made their names as radio/tv comperes and DJs include the legendary Tan Swee Leong and the late S. R. S. Naidu, popularly known as the Birdman of Singapore. Both were listed in the Who's Who in Singapore and Malaysia, a publication on prominent personalities. Singaporeans of the older generation would remember with fondness the great voice and witty presentation of Swee Leong first on Rediffusion and later with Radio TV Singapore.
Naidu was omnipresent as a compere at beauty pageants and high profile functions. He was one of those instrumental in organising the VS School Carnival in 1968 which was adjudged as one of the best and most popular carnivals hosted by a school then. He also compered the talentime contest which was a great success. It was no doubt boosted by the presence of the Birdman himself (Edited by blogger and written by: 1960s VIC)."
Why was he known as the birdman? The next posting on SRS will provide the answer.
Information from: http://blog.ova.org.sg/2009/05/satay-night-reflections/
No comments:
Post a Comment