A.V. Ramanan is a Tamil television host, singer and and actor. He became a household name in Tamil Nadu, during his hosting of the famous Sun TV program Saptha Swarangal. His cheerful style and bass voice endeared him to the audience.

A stage singer on the light music circuit for 34 years (which includes the 30 years of his troupe, Musiano) A. V. Ramanan's achievement in the entertainment scenario of Chennai cannot be overlooked or underestimated. And if people try to brush his efforts aside as just a live reproduction of film numbers, they better think again. For no singer classical, semi-classical or light always renders his own compositions. It is the presentation that matters. One couldn't help thinking on these lines watching the Musiano show at Kalaivanar Arangam, recently. The occasion was the 10th anniversary celebrations of Saravana Kalai Mandram.

Much has been written about Ramanan's light music performances from his astute choice of numbers to Musiano's excellent acoustic skills. To add anything more can only be redundant. This time too, as always the numbers had been chosen with a lot of care to cater for different tastes. However, not much has been said about the way Ramanan has honed his skill as an anchor over the years.

Ramanan's audience almost always comprises people of all ages. From the old to the middle aged, from kids to youth, the cross section is always wide. And Musiano always has something for everyone in its repertoire. Rarely does a Ramanan show fall flat or fail to take off. Talking, joking, chatting and smoothly switching over to singing is no mean task. The rapport with the audience is vital for success. Comments, repartees and subtle barbs have to be spontaneous, humorous, casual and conversational and not hurt anyone. Also they should be absolutely non-controversial. Ramanan did this tightrope walk with élan that evening