When I opened today's newspaper, the news that Viji Manuel " the keyboard player par excellence " is dead hit me rather badly. After reading the news item, tears rolled down my cheeks. Somehow, his death struck a raw chord in me. It is not as if Viji Sir (as he is respectfully referred by his fans) is a complete stranger. Given his popularity and his association with Maestro Ilayaraja, Viji Manuel is a household name in many Madras homes, including mine. I first met - rather watched Viji Manuel in action at a concert at Music Academy. There he was, with his long flowing hair, french beard, colourful suspenders in complete contrast to the crisp white shirt he wore. What struck me at that moment was the energy and confidence, almost bordering on arrogance that he exuded on stage. It is the kind of aggression that you associate with the swagger of Sir Vivian Isaac Richards as he scattered the cricket balls and fast bowler reputations out of the park or the audacious prec...