SRS Naidu: Compere, Mimic, Ventriloquist (Part II)

2nd and concluding article about SRS Naidu:

Entitled, Meet Malaysia's Most Wanted Compere, the short introduction in the souvenir programme highlighted the difficulties the organisers experienced when they tried to get the services of Naidu for the dinner and dance they were organising because he was "the most sought-after compere" in Singapore.

It also explained that "SRS, as he is popularly known to many of us, is one of the very few in Singapore or even in the East who can compere or tackle any social or sports event. He is always at his best."

"Last year (possibly 1964) he was invited to a Grand Ball at Tapah, Perak to compere the visit of H.H. The Sultan of Perak. He had also compered the world famous Don Yada and His Latin Follies Show, the Johnny Nakamura Show, the recent Miss Singapore contest, a Hindi pop show featuring 60s Bollywood Legend MGR and hundreds of others in his fifteen years as Master of Ceremonies."

In his working life, SRS was popular with the nurses in Singapore hospitals when he was attached to the Singapore General Hospital." When he left GH he secured a "good post" in the Car Parks Divison of the Ministry of National Development.

The article again emphasised his ability at "big fun fairs (where) he plays a leading role" because, as an "organiser of socials and sports, (he) is known to many. A natural baritone, with an American accent, we are proud that he accepted our invitation and we know that you are going to enjoy his wit."

I had occasions to meet this man on stage when he formally introduced singers who were about to perform. He was good. So why was he called The Birdman? Because SRS was a ventriloquist who could mimic bird calls. It was the 60s remember?
Image from Squidoo: Bluebird Bag by maggieO2.

SRS Naidu: Victoria School Birdman MC (Part I)

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/