Golden ERA of MUSIC
Evergreen Songs that live beyond their time
OSAI
(Old Songs Appreciating Individuals)
OSAI (Old Songs Appreciating Individuals) is a community of music lovers dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing the rich heritage of Tamil film music from the 1930s through the 1990s.
The group’s primary objective is to appreciate and relive these timeless songs through singing, discussion, and fellowship. Members come together not only to sing, but also to explore the beauty of the lyrics, melodies, orchestration, vocal renditions, and the cultural and cinematic context in which these songs were created.
OSAI seeks to keep alive the golden era of Tamil cinema music by providing a welcoming platform where enthusiasts can gather, learn, share memories, and pass on their appreciation of these musical treasures to future generations.
What unites OSAI members is not musical expertise, but a genuine love for old Tamil film songs and a desire to celebrate their enduring legacy.


Our History
Mission
OSAI was founded on 10 November 2017 by a group of friends who shared a deep appreciation for classic Tamil film songs.
The group was formed as a forum for non-professional singers and music enthusiasts to enjoy singing and discussing old Tamil cinema songs. Beyond the music itself, members often explore the nuances of lyrics, musical composition, vocal performance, historical context, and the deeper meanings embedded in songs by lyricists and composers.
Since its inception, OSAI has met regularly, typically on the penultimate Friday of every month, at various venues including clubs, homes, and other member-hosted locations. On average, about 20 members participate in each gathering, enjoying more than three hours of music, fellowship, and nostalgia.
Group Policies & Guidelines
Membership
- OSAI operates primarily through its WhatsApp group. Membership in the WhatsApp group constitutes membership in OSAI.
- Membership is voluntary and free. There are no joining fees, subscriptions, or membership charges.
- OSAI welcomes individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. The only qualification is a genuine appreciation for old Tamil film songs.
- Singing talent is not a prerequisite for membership. Enthusiasm, participation, and respect for fellow members are valued above musical ability.
- Prospective members are introduced by an existing member and are encouraged to attend at least three meetings as guests.
- After attending three meetings, the prospective member’s interest in joining OSAI will be announced to existing members. If there are no objections, the individual will be inducted into the WhatsApp group and become a member of OSAI.
- Members may leave the group at any time for personal reasons and are welcome to rejoin in the future.
Leadership and Administration
- OSAI is an informal community and does not have a President, Secretary, Treasurer, or Executive Committee.
- As the group does not maintain funds or collect subscriptions, there is no requirement for a formal treasury.
- The group functions through a Group Coordinator who oversees communication and meeting arrangements.
- Mr. Balashanmugham Umapathy (Bala) is the Founder and current Group Coordinator of OSAI.
- Should the Coordinator choose to step down, a successor shall be selected through consensus among the members.
- The Group Coordinator serves as the primary administrator of the WhatsApp group and may appoint additional administrators when required.
Meetings
- OSAI meetings are generally held on the penultimate Friday of each month in the evening, followed by dinner and fellowship.
- Meetings are hosted by members on a rotational basis.
- The host and the Group Coordinator, in consultation with members, determine the venue and meeting arrangements.
- Members are encouraged to host a meeting when it is their turn.
- Participation in meetings is voluntary; however, members are encouraged to attend regularly to maintain the spirit and continuity of the group.
Music and Singing
- OSAI focuses primarily on Tamil film songs from the golden era of cinema, generally covering songs from the 1930s through the 1990s.
- OSAI is not a singing competition; it is a gathering of music lovers united by their appreciation of classic Tamil film music.
- Members are encouraged to select songs in advance to facilitate the smooth conduct of meetings.
- Members are requested to raise their hand and indicate their intention to sing before starting a song. Wherever possible, the song title should be announced in advance so that other members can keep the lyrics ready and join in if they wish.
- Every member should be given a fair opportunity to sing. Members are requested to be considerate and cooperate so that everyone who wishes to sing gets a chance during the meeting.
- Songs sung in previous meetings may be sung again. However, members are encouraged to occasionally select songs that were popular in their time but are rarely heard or performed today.
- Members singing such lesser-known or rarely-heard songs are encouraged to briefly introduce the song and share an interesting fact, memory, or observation before beginning the performance.
- To ensure clarity and an enjoyable listening experience, only one lead male singer and one lead female singer may use the microphones for a song.
- Other members are welcome and encouraged to sing along without microphones.
- This practice helps avoid multiple voices overlapping through the sound system and allows the lyrics and melody to be heard clearly.
- Appreciation of music, lyrics, composers, lyricists, singers, and cinematic context is central to the OSAI experience.
- Mutual encouragement, support, and respect are expected during all performances and discussions.
Conduct and Etiquette
- Members shall maintain a friendly, respectful, and inclusive atmosphere at all times.
- The WhatsApp group should primarily be used for matters related to music, literature, OSAI activities, and information relevant to the group.
- Political, religious, offensive, controversial, or unrelated forwarded messages should not be posted in the group.
- Administrators reserve the right to moderate discussions and remove content that is inconsistent with the group’s objectives and values.
- Members are expected to conduct themselves with courtesy and consideration during meetings and group interactions.
Hospitality
- Meetings are generally accompanied by refreshments or dinner arranged by the host.
- OSAI gatherings are intended to be family-friendly events.
- Alcohol is generally not part of OSAI-hosted events. Members who choose to consume alcohol are expected to make their own arrangements and do so responsibly.
Special Events and Guests
- In addition to regular monthly meetings, OSAI may occasionally organize “Interlude” gatherings dedicated to fellowship, entertainment, quizzes, karaoke sessions, and family participation.
- Immediate family members may be invited to participate in such events.
- The expenses for Interlude events are shared equally among the participating members.
- OSAI may also organize an annual outbound gathering or excursion.
- Participation in such events is entirely voluntary, and members may bring immediate family members with prior intimation to the Group Coordinator.
- From time to time, the Group Coordinator or members may invite distinguished personalities from the worlds of music, cinema, literature, broadcasting, or the arts to attend OSAI meetings.
- Such guests may be invited to share their experiences, encourage members, and be honoured by the group in recognition of their contributions to the cultural and artistic community.
Guiding Principle
OSAI exists to celebrate the timeless beauty of Tamil film music, foster friendships, encourage fellowship, and create an environment where music lovers can gather in a spirit of warmth, respect, learning, and shared nostalgia.
