A Tribute To S.P.

B
Compiled By Balaji Srinivasan TFMPage.COM Dhool.COM

Dear Mr.S.P.B,

TFMPage (Tamil Film Music Page) .com is the most comprehensive site on Tamil Film
Music. For the last 8 years, TFMPage has been the main page to visit on the net for anything related to film music. The site includes a huge database on singers, music directors, lyricists, song lyrics, notes, raagams and more importantly, has served as a discussion portal for TFM fans. Over the past few years, over 15,000 discussion threads have been started on various topics related to TFM. We try to keep the history of TFM in focus, collect data on rare songs and happenings and on personalities. Ive been running a section called Song Of The Day. Song Of The Day feature was started in June 2002, and has been continued for more than two years, 500 songs and counting. Every day, a song is posted and discussed on. Songs range from the wellknown to rare and forgotten. The following songs are some of the ones discussed in the SOTD section. Some of these may be famous, but most of them are rare gems, waiting to be unearthed and

cherished. Ive picked a collection that includes songs by different music directors like
Shyam, V.Kumar, Vijayabhaskar and M.B.Srinivasan. Ive culled together the analysis of those who discussed these songs from the discussion pages. What you see below is a fruit of labor of several TFM connoisseurs like Saravanan, Udhaya, OISG, Raj and many more. I hope that you like them. Words cannot express our thanks to you for singing these songs. To remember them and anoint them with praises are all that we can do!

Balaji Srinivasan 650 575 7435. Balaji_cheenu@yahoo.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

angum ingum from avargaL........................................................................................... 5 kaNNE en azhagu rani radha from pokkisham............................................................... 7 iravil iraNdu paRavaigaL from soundaryamE varuga varuga ........................................ 8 yaar thoorigai thandha Oviyam from paaru paaru pattaNam paaru ............................... 11 nadiganin kaadhali from thaai illaamal naan illai ........................................................ 13 kadalil alaigaL pongum from magarandham................................................................. 15 maargazhip paniyil from muththaana muththallavO.................................................... 17 maargazhi paarvai paarkkavaa from uyirE unakkaaga.................................................. 18 romba naaLaaga enakkoru aasai from ennadi meenatchi............................................... 20 enakkoru kaadhali irukkinRaaL from muththaana muththallavO.................................. 21 oru paarvai paarkkumpOthu from Nangooram.............................................................. 24 mEgangaLE ingu vaarungaLE from Malligai Mohini .................................................. 28 thoduvadhenna thendralO malargaLO from Sabatham ................................................... 31 iniya thendralE iru kaigaL veesi vaa from amma piLLai ............................................... 34 oru paadalai from malligai mohini.............................................................................. 35 ponnai naan paarththadhillai from KaNNamoochi ....................................................... 37 thendralukku endrum vayathu from payaNam............................................................... 38 mazhai tharumO en mEgam from manidharil iththanai niRangaLaa............................. 39 nee azhaiththadhup pOl oru gnaabagam from thoongaatha kaNNindru ondru ............... 41 mangai oru thingaL from mun oru kaalaththile............................................................ 45 pon enbathO poo enbathO from annap paravai.............................................................. 48 chiththirappoo sElai from pudhu seruppu kadikkum ................................................... 51 3

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41

niththam niththam en kaNNOdu from koottup puzhukkaL........................................... 54 paduththaaL puraNdaaL urakkamillai from vaNdikkaaran magan ............................... 56 naan pEsa vandhEn from paalootti vaLartha kiLi....................................................... 58 vizhiyilE malarndhadhu from bhuvana oru kELvikkuri ............................................... 60 vaanam panneerai thoovum from kaL vadiyum pookkaL ............................................. 62 chinna chinna from kaatrukkenna vEli........................................................................ 64 nenjaththil pOraadum eNNangaL from uNarchchigaL.................................................. 67 naan endraal adhu avaLum naanum from suryakaanthi ................................................. 69 maan kaNda sorgangaL from 47 naatkaL ..................................................................... 72 padaiththaanE brahma dEvan from ellOrum nallavarE................................................ 74 madhanOtsavam rathiyOdu thaan from sathurangam .................................................... 75 mazhaiyE mazhaiyE from amma ................................................................................. 77 kanaa kaaNum kaNgaL mella from agni saatchi ........................................................... 79 What a waiting! from ninaiththaalE inikkum ............................................................. 81 nandha nee en nila from nandha en nila ....................................................................... 82 samsaaram enbadhu veeNai from mayangugiraaL oru maadhu..................................... 84 Thiruth thEril varum silaiyO from Naan vaazhavaippEn .............................................. 85 Manadhil enna ninaivugaLO from PoonthaLir ............................................................. 86 maalai malar pandhalitta mEgam from Akka................................................................. 87

angum ingum from avargaL

Sung by SPB. Music by MSV. I find the lyrics of this song to be pretty interesting. Kannadasan has written such apt lines to fit the storyline: Angum ingum paathai undu indru nee endhap pakkam gnaayirundu thingaL undu entha naal unthan naalo Kallaik kandaaL kaniyaik kandaaL kallum indru mella mellak kaniyum menmai kandaal kadhai ezhudhip pazhagivittaaL mudikka mattum theriyavillai Kannaa endraaL murugan vanthaan murugaa endraaL kannan vanthaan enthath theivam sondham endruk kooRi poojai seivaaL avaL ezhudhum kavithaigaLai vidhi pugundhE thiruththudhammaa.. Simple lyrics, yet it captures the essence of Sujatha's dilemma. She meets her exhusband who wants to get back with her, meets up her ex-lover and also has a poor ventriloquist hopelessly in love with her. What path will she choose today?

SPB-MSV songs esp. of the mid/late 70s period are to be treasured for the melody deprived listeners of today. To me, my favourite TFM combination. As usual, KKD quite effortlessly reaches out to heart and gives it a whirl. INterestingly enough, KB the director of the movie had invited both MSV and KKD to a college program and without prior notice, narrated the situation and requested both to start composing, much to the audience's delight. The entire song was composed on stage. SPB puts the song through with the right reflective tone with precision, though a shade less negative than iLamai enum poongAtrU which is yet another 'background' song. sollavA vENdum. ingitham niraintha sangeetha kalaignan !!! SPB must have been attempting improvisations from day one but the sheer volume of mid seventies TFM and TELFM gave ample scope to him to try out every expression,every modulation under the sun and he came out a winner each time.The TFM MDs' confidence in his improvisations should have been a well-established one by mid/late 70s. A song,composed for the lyrics and he shows of his "vocal"muscles!I always think about this one and Nizhal kandavan from NinaithalE ininkkum together. AvargaL is one of the rare movies wherein both SPB and SJ have 2 solos each,they were the only singers in the film and there were no duets.So an interesting duel on solos.......SJ wins???Ofcourse,SJ's Katrukkenna will always remain the lead song of this movie.

kaNNE en azhagu rani radha from pokkisham

This is a rare, awesome old song, sung by SPB. Music by Sathyam. A thread was started recently about Ilayaraja doing music for a film titled 'Pokkisham'. Reminded me of this film and song. Those who haven't listened to this song before should take the time to hear it out. Sathyam was a singer and composer who was prolific in TeluguFM. He didn't do too many movies in thamizh. I am not sure if Pokkisham was a remake or not. There is no other information on the movie in tfmpage.

iravil iraNdu paRavaigaL

varuga varuga

from

soundaryamE

iravil iraNdu paRavaigaL from soundaryamE varuga varuga (1980/ Sri Bharani Chitra Enterprises) Sung by SPB, Vani Jairam, P.Suseela & Jolly Abraham. Lyrics by Vaali. Music by Vijayabhaskar. In the aftermath of the success of iLamai oonjalaadugiRathu (1978) and azhagE unnai aaradhikkiREn (1979), Sridhar was expected to perform a hat-trick with the ambitious venture to be shot in the U.S. that he announced next. I.V.Sasi had tasted a fair amount of success just then with his orE vaanam orE bhoomi filmed for most part in the U.S. and Sridhar might have thought it opportune to set his story too in the U.S. Titled soundaryamE varuga varuga, the film had Sivachandran, Sripriya, Prakash & Rathi as its lead players. Since in his previous two films Sridhar had struck a magnificent alliance with Ilayaraja, it came as a surprise when Vijayabhaskar was entrusted with the musical score of soundaryamE varuga varuga. Incidentally, in the midst of a great series with MSV, KB had similarly changed track and gone to Vijayabhaskar to compose music for thappu thaalangaL. * * * *

When the radio became an integral part of my routine in the late 70s, I would go to bed at night with the transistor tucked in along with me, the exciting viLambaradhaarar aLikkum nigazhchigaL (Vividh Bharathi) playing softly. I can still vividly recall the night, sometime in late 1979 when L.R. Narayanan announced the promo for soundaryamE varuga varuga. And the magic began with iravil iraNdu paRavaigaL

The wondrous prelude that beckons the enchantmentSPB dreamily beginning the pallaviVJ snuggling in so cozilythe grand interlude painting a pulsating picture of a royal romance within the precincts of an imperial palaceVJ sprinkling drops of nectar in mOhamamudham. I sighed with blissful contentment, and closed my eyes, preparing to be entranced in what appeared to be another dazzling duet by Vijayabhaskars favorite singing pair. But when PS made a startling entry after the first charanam, followed sedately by Jolly Abraham, my eyes were wide open again. Deviating from the path traversed by its illustrious predecessors, the third charanam impulsively embarks on an uncharted trail of its own with VJs paRikkaamal maNakka, panithaamarai sirikka, and the 4th charanam following suit- hark at PS holding back so many delicious secrets in kodukka kodukka and edukka edukkathe song abounds in wonderful surprises at every turn. Stately semi-classical sojourns mark each of the four spellbinding interludes, and the mesmerizing chorus voices add sheen to the composition already polished to perfection. But I was left with a nagging doubtwould such a classical composition befit a song to be shot in the exotic U.S? But when song was telecast in oLiyum oliyum, I saw my misgivings melt. Set against the towering glittering buildings of New York at night, the song was filmed on the two pairs of lovers, and the camera caught the passionate intimate moments that the couples steal as they saunter all over that magnificently lit metropolis. And amazingly, Vijayabhaskars alluring arrangements were in spellbinding sync with the stunning visual sequence. The film itself was a major letdown though. A shoddy tale of separated siblings, hidden treasure and scattered clues, the agony was further accentuated by a pathetic choice of actors. Sridhars calculations went terribly awry, and the film came a cropper at the box office. * * * *

Falling in love with this song on the very first listen turned out to be the easy part. Trying to get it recorded proved to be near impossible. An audio center in T. Nagar had the EP record, but it had only 4 songs from the film: the eternally popular idhO un kaadhali
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kaNmaNi, ivaL manam ini unathu (SPB /VJ), SPBs intoxicating rasam pazharasam ragam palaragam, the mellifluous aagayam thaanE azhagaana koorai (SPB/VJ again), and the rollicking yE sinthamani senthamarai vandhaaLaya aathangarai (MV/L.R.Anjali). And my hunt for iravil iraNdu paRavaigaL was still on. Gradually, the radio too stopped playing this song. Some years later, Inreco came out with a cassette having a compilation of songs from soundaryamE varuga varuga, enakkaaga kaathiru and panneer nadhigaL. Frustratingly, this tape too had the same 4 songs from SVV. It seemed as though such a song had never existed! And as the years went by, I almost gave up on what increasingly seemed to be a futile pursuit. During my articleship years, while waiting for some friends to join me at Virudhunagar Bus Stand, my glance fell on a shop that simply said Recording Center; and more to escape the heat than with any serious hopes, I went inside. I soon realized that I had stumbled upon a treasure trove. As I kept finding one after another elusive numbers, I asked hesitatingly soundaryamE varuga varuga? . The grouchy old man in charge, who was already late for his lunch, fished out an EP----to my despair it was the same EP having the same 4 songs. I persisted, telling him about this song. He brusquely shook his head, but recollecting suddenly, he grudgingly volunteered that there were some old records in the loft and pointed yonder. A swift clamber up a rickety ladder led to some more hidden delights.and at last another EP of SVV, this one having iravil iraNdu paRavaigaL on one side; and on the other side, a VJ solo that Id never heard before azhagaana peNNukkuLLE adayaaLam irukku! Oh, the rapture at this discovery! I ended up buying that thatha his lunch from his favorite 'Burma Kadai', but thats another story altogether :)

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yaar thoorigai thandha Oviyam

pattaNam paaru

from paaru paaru

Sung by SPB and Uma Ramanan. Music by Ilayaraja. I didn't know that I had this rare song till today. I was searching for it all over! I like the way the song starts with Uma Ramanan's humming and a guitar prelude, like a hindi number. This is a delightful song, one that will probably bring back memories for quite a few of us. There is also a solo version by SPB, which is also good. I love the place in the charanam where it goes 'Or aayiram', and also the beautiful charanam endings. 'Thendral varum' (SPB/SJ) is another excellent duet from the film, with IR's piano notes adding to the allure. Paaru Paaru Pattanam Paaru (1986/ Kalaimani Movies) starred Mohan & Ranjini. It was directed by Manobala & produced by Perumal. The songs were: Neram thaan aaguthu- MV/VJ (Vairamuthu) Yaar thoorigai- SPB/UR (Gangaiamaran) Thiravaai nee- SPB (Muthulingam) Thendral varum- SPB/SJ (Vaali) paavai oru ragam- MV/DC/BSS (Gangaiamaran) Nothing great about the film except for the songs. In the year 1991 (i think it is 1991 Jan 1) there was a musical programme in Narada Gana Sabha in Chennai. The title was Thirai Isaiyil Carnatic Ragangal. It was by Raja. I
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was one of the fortunate to attend this live programme. Chitra, Mano,Gangai Amaren, TV Gopalakrishnan, Balamurali, all participated in this program. All the songs were based only on the carnatic ragams. Raja was mentioning about this yaar thoorigai song. He said there was a debate with someone and the topic was In the Sarasangi Ragam, make rishabham as sadjamam, then it is very difficult to compose or sing, something like that. So Raja said he took it as a challenge and composed a song in sarasangi ragam with the rishabam as sadjamam. And that song is Yaar Thoorigai.. Needless to say, yet another master piece song from the Maestro..

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nadiganin kaadhali from thaai illaamal naan illai

Sung by SPB. Music by Shankar-Ganesh. Add one more to the list of heavenly SPB songs. The song is filled with his 'touch'; His nonchalant laugh after "naadagamaa"; His whispering at the end of the charanam "oru mayakkam varavazhaikkum iLam kumaran naanammaa"; Or his second and more playful take on "paLLiyil thuLLidum puLLi maan unnai naan"; Aahaa! The film starred Kamal and Sridevi. The lyrics of this song seem to have Kamal in mind ("kaadhal iLavarasan kalaith thiranai nee ariyaai"). 'VadivElan manasu vachchaan' is another song from the same movie. Thaayillamal Naanillai (1979/Devar Films) followed Thaai Meedhu Sathiyam 1978. Sando MMA Chiannappa Devar passed away while Thaai Meedhu Sathiyam was being completed. And Thaayillamal Naanillai was the first wholly independent venture of R.Thyagarjan B.Com.& C.Dhandayudhapani B.A. The titles, however still credited the story and screenplay to the late Devar. Even till Thaai Meedhu Sathiyam, Devar Films remained a TMS bastion. And though he was slowly losing out elsewhere, (especially for the younger actors) from the mid-70s, Devar Films /Dhandayudhapani Films firmly remained his unquestioned citadel, irrespective of who the actor was. Thus while the younger actors got SPB, KJY & JC to sing for them generally, when they were acting in Devars films, it was still only TMS who sang for them-- Sivakumar (Vellikizhamai Viratham/Sorgam Naragam. Aatukkaara Alamelu), Vijayakumar (Thaai Illakkuzhanthai/Sorgam Naragam), Rajnikanth (Thaai Meedhu Sathiyam) and Kamal (Thaai Illamal Naanillai). In a way Thaayillamal Naanillai marked the end of the TMS reign in Devar Films, and SPB took over in style. (Of course, SPB was no stranger to the legendary company; one of his earliest hits kalyaNa ramanukkum kaNNana janagikkum was for Dhandayudhapani Films Maanavan (1970). However, TMSs swansong for Devar Films was in the film that followed Thaayillamal
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Naanillai the same year- Annai Or Aalayam, when Devar Films went to IR for the first time. TMS got to sing a haunting asareeri amma nee sumandha piLLai, while SPB sang the remaining 3 songs for Rajini. Kamal as Raja, the star performer Raja of Vel Murugan Nadaga Sabha, run by Thengai, and Sridevi as Bhuvanadevi, the daughter of Kalathoor Zamindar Major, who falls for Raja were the lead pair of Thaayillamal Naanillai. Jaiganesh, Bombay Madhumalini, Sukumari, Nagesh, Surulirajan, YGM, Chachu were the others in the cast. Rajini was the surprise addition in a guest role as Pichua Pakkiri. Foremost among the other songs was vadivElan manasu vechaan (TMS/PS). And the grossly overlooked song is a drama ditty- the boisterous Alli Durbaar- SC Krishnan begins with a great vaNakkam vaNakkam vaNakkam -so reminiscent of raja maharaja vendhEnE of yore, TMS (singing for Kamal) follows with salaam vechEn salaam vechEn salaam vechEnE, and PS is not far behind with a nonchalant chal mohana raaNi alli raaNi malligai mEni. SPBs podi vaikkirEn sokku podi vaikkirEn (begins with the hilarious alEk amarnath-vivEk viswanath) and PSs eena meena enadhu vizhi maana thEna were the other songs. nadiganin kaadhali is the song when Raja and Bhuvana meet for the first time. The drama troupe has come to Kalathoor Zameen for staging a play. Bhuvana is in the audience, along with her father and her cousin Mohan ( Jaignesh). Thoongum Azhagi is the drama, and Jaya (Bombay Madhumalini) is shown in a deep slumber. Raja appears as the prince who wakes her up with his passionate song. And as the song progresses, Bhuvana imagines herself dancing with Raja. At the end of the song, Bhuvana is so spellbound that she impulsively runs up the stage, and presents Raja with her gold ring.

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kadalil alaigaL pongum from magarandham

Sung by SPB. Lyrics by Vaali. Music by Shankar-Ganesh. Chitra Productions Magarandham- 1981 was scripted and directed by K.S.Gopalakrishnan. While I can recall Radhika and Aruna being part of the cast, I dont seem to remember who the hero was. There were 3 songs in the film: neeyindRi naanO, naanindRi neeyO- SPB & PS (Maruthakasi) kadalil alaigaL pongum- SPB (Vaali) kaNNE en kaRpagamE- PS (Maruthakasi) * * * *

I think the situation is that of the hero (playing a doctor?) appeasing his distrustful wife, Aruna. Imagining that he is not faithful to her, she throws a tantrum and then sheds copious tears, ravaged by a despair of her own making. He breaks into this soothing song, trying to allay her intangible fears and usher in tranquility to their lives. Vaalis simple lines flow in sympathetic sync with the situation:

Though the waves in the sea may surge uncontrollably, will they cross the shore, enamored by the mere sand? (Similarly) I do have feelings that swell, but would they ever seek release in another relationship? Oh, for such trifling reasons, your cheeks are bedewed with tears- if only you understand me, they will all be transformed into bubbles of joy! My heart is like a lotus, but to blossom and open up its honeyed petals, it yearns for a glorious sunrise in the form of your understanding and trust ---Eloquent lines, hiding behind them the abject misery of a husband who is constantly besieged by the unfounded suspicions of his wife.
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SPB must have thoroughly enjoyed singing this gentle pacific song, and his enjoyment is catching, for his rendition is replete with such fine nuances. And whilst painting a picture of placid repose, he caresses and invigorates, like a cool draft of balmy zephyr in a day of sweltering heat. Sometime back, we had recalled S-Gs memorable collaborations with SPB in the 70s. This time, we are looking at a marvelous instance of their teamwork in the 80s. Particularly appealing are SPBs songs for S-G in the early 80s. Take 1981 as a representative year- look at the amazing variety of songs, besides the SOTD, that SPB got to sing for S-G in that year alone: the emotional paean to friendship in Naanoru koyil neeyoru deivam (Nellikkani), the joyously romantic Paniyum naane malarum neeye (Panimalar), the irreverent touch of the classical in Nayagiye varuga (Vaadgai Veedu), the rollicking mischief in Pournami neram paavai oruthi (Paalaivanacholai), the heartrending sense of loss in Kaaviya mullai poloru pillai (Kanneer Pookkal), the languid enchantment of Maalaiyil pooththa malligai pookale (Engamma Maharani), the naughty enjoyment in Konjum odhungu (Vasantha Kaalam), and to top this list the magical Kadalodu nadhikkenna kovam (Arthangal Aayiram- in fact, it was this song that I had listed, but the Music Center owner recorded Kadalil alaigal pongum instead : ) This endearing song is yet another telling illustration of what S-G could achieve when they tried hard enough. And it is a matter of eternal aggravation that they didnt often strive to stretch their arms towards perfection and were perfectly content to fester in the dreary desert sand of dead habit. Let the wise ponder over the Desh/ Tilak Kamod technicalities; we are free to lose ourselves in the simple enjoyment of this rare treat--

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maargazhip paniyil from muththaana muththallavO

Another gem from SPB and MSV for the weekend. Previous SPB/MSV songs in SOTD are put together in this collection: http://www.dhool.com/sotd2/catlist.php?catid=9 One cannot but fall in love with SPB's rendition of this song. His laid-back manner makes it seem so effortless. Even before the pallavi ends, SPB has given a few enchanting variations of "maargazhip paniyil, mayangiya iravil, oorvasi vandhaaL, enaith thEdi". SPB continues to add surprises in the pallavi, like after the first charanam, where he adds a little bit of yodeling. The second charanam is my favorite, especially the way it starts "maan oru kaNNil". To crown it all, the way he whispers "isaip paadi" at the end of the song catches me breathless every time. As you say, SPB's langurous drawl is something very appealing--listen to the line 'thamarai poigai poloru vaigai paaindhu vara'-- I am caught by surprise each time when he unexpectedly breaks into 'kaarkuzhal kadalil' (after the charanam ending with 'rajayogamum serndhu vandhadho'), where you normally expect the beginning of the pallavi 'maargazhi paniyil'. Jaiganesh (sporting a French beard) sings the song, and this is shown on TV --in the movie, Sujatha and Manorama watch the song on TV- Perhaps the beginning years of TV(as usual when a TV screen was shown in movies those days, the images would keep jumping with blurred lines!) maargazhi paniyil deserves to be digitally remastered as I was suggesting to a musician friend of mine recently. How fresh and exciting it is to hear it even today! There's nothing preconceived about this sandham. It sounds so spontaneous. MSV and SPB have captured lightning in a bottle with this song. Throw this in the timecapsule lest the future judges TFM to be a long parade of predictable pallavi, charanam1 and charanam2 renderings.

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maargazhi
unakkaaga

paarvai

paarkkavaa

from

uyirE

mArgazhi pArvai pArkkavA from uyirE unakkaga. Sung by SPB and S.Janaki. Lyrics by Vairamuthu. Music by Ilayaraja. And before anyone starts wondering if IR composed one song in a film that had music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, let me hasten to clarify that this film is not the Mohan-Nadiya starrer of the same name (1986/ Motherland Pictures). Sri Manickam Films Uyire Unakkaga is destined to lie hidden in the cans forever. It starred Prabhu & Sulakshana. It was produced by Kallakkudi Manickam and directed by S. Kumar. * * * *

It was in Mid-1983 that we came back to India after 3 longs years of living abroad, and I was grateful to be back where I had easy access to tfm! Within one month of joining my 8th std in Chennai, all schools were shut down for an extended period to express solidarity with the Srilankan Tamils. Having nothing else to do, and no friends yet to pass the time of the day with, I fell back upon my old ally- Radio Ceylon. My day started with Pongum Poompunal and ended with Kanavulagam. I can never forget the songs that were aired regularly during that unexpected vacation, and along with songs like Thennankeetrum thendral kaatrum, Ninaivile manaivi endru, Yaaradhu sollamal nenjalli ponadhu, Pothi vecha malligai mottu, Siricha kolli malakkuyilu, O vennilave vaa odivaa, Thendral ennai muththamittadhu; Maargazhi paarvai found place unfailingly in Pongum Poombunal. The other enchanting SPB-SJ duet from this film, Poo enbadhaa pon enbadhaa poo maalai neeye Radha (lyrics again by Vairamuthu) was another favourite among Radio Ceylon listeners. Besides these, Uyire Unakkaga had two more songs: Annakkili
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ammanukku aadiyile maavilakku (MV & SPS/ Vaali) and Thannikkule thannikkule ena irukku (GA, Saibaba & Sundararajan/ GA). * * * *

Vairamuthu, in his, en jannalin vazhiyE, wistfully calls such stillborn songs of his as urangi kidakkum mottukkaL. IR too often put his heart and soul into songs whose films were never released later--Maargazhi paarvai paarkkva is right up there with Kodi inbam maeni engum paaiyndhadhammamma (Nenjilaadum Poo Ondru/ SPB & SJ), Aananda thaen kaatru (Manippoor Maamiyaar/ MV & SPS), Maalai sevvanam (Ilayarajavin Rasigai/ IR & Swarna), Magizhampoove unnai paarthen (Pudhiya Adimaigal/ KJY & PS), Alaigale Vaa (Kavithai Malar/ SPB & Uma Ramanan), Maargazhi maadham mun pani velaiyile (Panchami/ SJ & TVG) and Kanna vaa vaa (Malargal Nanaigindrana/ JC & SJ). The dream ensemble of IR, VM, SPB & SJ collaborate here to put together an exquisite duet. SJs enticing humming is invitation enough, and SPBs pallavi hints at lusty longings hiding behind the air of laid-back romance. SJ joins him well into the charanam - hark at her irresistible exclamation of pleasure at his ullankaiyil thEn irukka --And just when you expect SPB to bring back the pallavi after SJs surging end to the charanam, like an unexpected cascade of summer showers, IR takes you on a mesmerizing musical odyssey--

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romba naaLaaga enakkoru aasai

meenatchi

from ennadi

Sung by SPB and Vani Jayaram. Music by Shankar-Ganesh. The film starred Sivakumar and Sripriya. This song is a favorite of mine for the way SPB delivers. He croons, caresses and gives so many variations! SPB has done a remarkable job,which he always does. This is another nice work from SG-SPB.We can have a hearty laugh even today watching Sivakumar,the "kadhal drohi",vainly trying to bring SPB's emotions on screen.Viraga dhabhama? Burgolax saapitta expression.

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10

enakkoru kaadhali irukkinRaaL

muththallavO

from muththaana

Sung by MSV & SPB. Lyrics by Vaali. Music by MSV. * * * *

Vijayalakshmi Cine Arts Muththana Muththallavo- 1976 starred Muthuraman, Jaiganesh, Sujatha (in a dual role), Thengai Srinivasan, Manorama & others. Screenplay & Dialogues by Vaali, and directed by R.Vittal. The songs, besides the SOTD, were: Maargazhi paniyil mayangiya nilavil Oorvasi vandhaal- SPB Paalabishegam seiyyavo unakku thenaabishegam seiyyavo- JC & PS Punnaimaram onnu thennaimaram onnu- Kovai Soundararajan & BSS Ithu Selathile kaappu kaacha maamabazham- LRE I saw the film ages ago on Madras DD, a usual story of mistaken identity, subsequent suspicion, and things falling into place in the end. I think this song was filmed on Thengai (playing a MD), singing along with Jaiganesh (an upcoming singer). Instances of MSV singing along with SPB are something to cherish and celebrate. Niththam niththam en kannodu (Koottu Puzhukkal) was featured earlier as SOTD. Another treasured memory of this festive coalescence is Idhu rajagopura deepam agal vilakkalla (Taxi Driver) * * * *

21

Sometime in the late 60s, a singer came out of the recording studio, after singing a song for MSV, and promptly burst into uncontrollable sobs. Frantic enquiries from all quarters elicited no response. Finally she calmed down, and explained that she was feeling miserable, as she could not reproduce the song with the beauty that it had when MSV sang it to her! If PS (for she was the singer!) could feel so depressed after delivering a stunner like Enge neeyo naanum ange unnodu (Nenjirukkum Varai), it goes to show her humility, and also the Mellisai Mannars greatness. Though endowed with an arrestingly unusual voice, MSV didnt exploit adequately its infinite range. Nonetheless the sheer variety in the limited numbers that he sang is something to wonder at the angst-filled howl of the soul in Vasanthangal varum munne, the delicious suffering of a lovelorn heart in Sollathaan ninaikiren, the mystic hue that cloaks Nee illadha idame illai, the warmth of the compassion that embraces one lovingly in Etharkkum oru kaalam undu and again in Yaarukkum vaazhkkai undu, the soulful raconteur in Neraana nedunchaalai, the stylish shrug of Kandathai sollugiren, the brazen bacchanalia that Sambo Siva Sambo exults itself in---these are but a few illustrations of the plethora of moods that his songs usher in so fetchingly. And many other MDs like V.Kumar, IR, GA, S.V.Ramanan, Chandrabose, ARR, and recently even SPB have eagerly employed MSVs voice to enrich some of their memorable creations. Take the SOTD as a case in point- perhaps MSV was doubly enthused as the lines reflect his philosophy--how convincing he sounds as he sings his lines! And SPB at the other end enjoys himself as usual. Hark at the piano and the violin seamlessly blending with the voices and adding to the allure of this masterpiece. * * * *

Writer Vamanan once told me that MSV had expressed to him, a desire to be born again, free of any family attachments, and to keep wandering wherever his legs took him, carrying his harmonium, and singing his song. The man and his music are inseparable. Another year is born--another list of National Honors have been announced--and MSV
22

has been ignored yet again. It is a scandalous shame to all Tamils that this atrocity is being perpetuated year after year. But dont you brood, MSV Sir! The name Manayangathu Subramanian Viswanathan is enshrined in the hearts of millions of Tamils. Generations have fallen under your spell, and generations to come will wonder anew on the timeless magic of your compositions. Unakenna kuraichal, nee oru raja!

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11

oru paarvai paarkkumpOthu from Nangooram

oru pArvai pArkkum pOthu from Nangooram. Sung by SPB & K.Swarna. Lyrics by

Kannadasan. Music by V.Kumar and Khemadasa.

The success of Pilot Premnath- 1978, led to some Tamil films being shot in Sri Lanka in the late 70s and early 80s. Neelakkadalin Orathiley-1979, Mohana Punnagai and Raththathin Raththame- both 1981, for instance. Lankal Films Nangooram- 1979 was one such Indo-Sri Lankan collaboration, and was filmed almost entirely in the picturesque isle. It starred, besides Muthuraman and Lakshmi, the popular Singhalese Star Vijaya Kumaratunga (President Chandrikas late husband). Kumaratunga was a renowned Singhalese actor. Starting from his first film, Sugathapala Senarath Yapas Hanthane Kathawa (released on 30.12.69), he held generations of adoring fans in his sway. He later turned a social activist, and also founded the Sri Lanka Mahajana Party. Chandrika and Kumaratunga married in 1978. Kumaratunga was gunned down in front of his house, on February 16th 1988, and his life ebbed away as his benumbed wife held his bullet torn body. * * * *

Nangooram remains a milestone in the history of tfm, as its music was jointly composed from V.Kumar from India and Khemadasa from Sri Lanka. The lyrics were by Kannadasan, and the songs were: Aalayam nayagan gopuram nayagi- SPB/SJ Oru paarvai paarkum pothu- SPB/ K.Swarna Kadhirvel Nayagane- VJ Singara- SPB & Chorus Penngal pol- PS Illai Illai- SPB/ K.Swarna
24

By 1979, Varadarajulu Kumar (28.7.1934- 7.1.1996) was nearing the end of his glorious innings as the unassuming melody maker of tfm. Besides Nangooram, only two other films, Alankari and Nadagame Ulagam came out with his music that year, but in the coming years he continued unperturbed to adorn the few albums that came his way with some enchanting songs that linger on in memory. Shankari-1984 and Meendum Mahaan- 1987 were his last works in tfm. Premasiri Khemadasa (born on 25.1.1937) is revered as a Maestro in Sri Lanka. He first composed music for the Singhalese film Rodi Kella, and soon gained critical acclaim and widespread fame with his music in films like Sobana Sita-1964, Sepatha Soya-1965, and Sanasuma Kothanada 1966. He has composed music for more than 150 films. In addition to film music, Khemadasas repertoire includes path-breaking compositions in theatre, opera and teledrama. His most celebrated works include the symphonies Sinhala Avurudda (Sinhala New Year) and Pirinivan Mangallaya (The passing away of the Buddha) and the opera Manasa Vila (The lake of the mind). Khemadasa was conferred an honorary doctorate by the University of Ruhuna on September 14th 2002. Khemadasa composed music for a Tamil film independently in 1981, but Veena Movies Vasanthathil Oru Vaanavil (Stg: Pratap & Radhika) never got to hit the screens. Its songs (Kaaladevan (SPB/VJ) and Manathil podum (SJ), Lyrics: Kalpanadasan) did find airtime on Radio Ceylon, though. * * * *

It was the first floor of the house of Swarna (born 1949), that V. Kumar was occupying as a tenant in the late 60s. Being a trained singer, Swarna went upstairs one day to request Kumar to give her opportunities to sing in his music. Kumar first gave her a few songs in a stage drama for which he composed some songs. Later, he gave her two songs in the film Buthisaaligal- 1968. (The titles refer to Y.Swarna, Yedavilli Swarna being her
25

maiden name). Finding themselves strongly attracted to each other, Kumar and Swarna got married in 1969. In the following years, Swarna got to sing some memorable songs in her husbands music. * * * *

Sollendrum mozhiyendrum porulendrum illai, sollatha sollukku vilaiyedhum illai wrote our bard years ago. But here, he bemoans the wretchedness of a love that hasnt gathered courage to be expressed. A glance from you sets my soul singing scores of songs, he says, and at the next glance, my heart tortures itself with so many questions--my heart forms millions of words, yet my hesitant tongue stores them, unspoken. Most of us would have undergone this agony at some time; and for us this song is so special. For SPB sings from our tormented hearts, as he savors the pleasure of falling in love, laments the pain of not being bold enough to express it, and finds solace in the hope of a day, not far, when this love can find articulation and approbation. * * * *

So listen on, and be part of a historic moment when two gifted composers, with an enchanted wave of their unified baton, made the Palk Strait vanish from the face of the earth-Sriram Lakshman used to mention this song often as one of his favorites, but I never got to listen to this song till now. What a unique composition! I had no idea about the landmark collaboration surrounding the "Nangooram" soundtrack. Thanks for the knowledge, Saravanan. I made the song as a V.Kumar song the very first time I heard it, so I wonder what Khemadasa contributed here (truly curious here, no offense intended as I'm sure Khemadasa has the goods). The various shifts in the sandham, each as enchanting as the next is like a complexly woven tapestry. I just marvel at the many trajectories within the first 3 minutes. I've itemized them: 1-oru paarvai...kaettu
26

2-humming 3-koadi vaarthaigalai...veLLam 4-humming 5-ninaikkiraen..naanamoa 6-neeyum mouna raagam...geetham 7-sonnaal...mudiyavillai 8-and back to pallavi I've heard of pallavi and 2 charanams and the occasional anupallavi, but this is truly dazzling. What's more, it doesn't appear all that complicated in the rendition. Kannadhaasan has poured himself generously here to elevate matters further: paniyae adhigam aanaal adhuvae analum aagum. And of course there's blessed SPB who performs yet another vicarious exorcism of the soul for us. This is not just a song, it's an epiphany.

27

12

mEgangaLE ingu vaarungaLE from Malligai Mohini

megangaLE ingu vArungaLE from malligai mOhini. Sung by SPB. Lyrics by Pulamaipithan. Music by GKV. While Ive had a poor quality recording of this song on tape for ages, it was only this time when I went to Chennai that I could get it on CD. (Music World in Spencer Plaza). The CD is titled Best of SPB (Inreco: IP-5183). * * * *

Turning the next page of the GKV journal: Nothing succeeds like success, and with the emphatic success of Ponnukku Thanga Manasu, with Thaen sindhudhe vaanam reverberating from every corner teashop, GKV found avenues hitherto closed for him in tfm grudgingly opening up at last. While it wasnt as though producers were flocking at his gate, he did get some Tamil films in quick succession, immediately in the wake of PTMs success. His music was next heard in Arun Prasad Movies Murugan Kaatiya Vazhi-1974. (I have heard/ read somewhere that the Ravichandran-JJ starrer Baghdad Perazhagi- 1973 had music by GKV, but I am not certain about it). Murugan Kaatiya Vazhi, again by P Madhavan, starred AVM Rajan, Sripriya (debut) and Vidhubala. GKVs songs like the breezy Eruthamma eruthamma rekkai katti oduthamma(TMS) and the soulful Muruga Vadivela unai ariven deivabala(SJ & chorus) did receive a fair share of airtime. The next year fetched GKV 3 films, and he embellished them with some exceptional songs. Chos Yaarukkum Vetkamillai (Prod:A Sundaram, Stg: Muthuraman & JJ) had a splendid score by GKV- En kannirandum seidha paavam paarthathu (SJ), Melum keezhum kodugal podu (KJY), Anaiyaadha deepam (PS), and Cinemavil varuvadhuppolae (TMS/SJ/Manorama, a rollicking song that heralded JJ as a Puratchi
28

Thalaivi as early as 1975!) were the varied contents of the album. Godwin Enterprises Thennankeetru (Dir: Kovi.Manisekaran, Stg: Vijayakumar & Sujatha) had the enticing Maanikka maamani maalaiyil (SPB/VJ) and the philosophical Aandavan potta pulliyai maatra (KJY). Prasad Productions Piriyavidai (Scripted by AS Prakasam, Produced by LV Prasad, Stg: Muthuraman & Pramila) was another film wherein GKV had acquitted himself rather well with his compositions like Mapillaikku mayakkam vandhadhu (SPB), Karunaikkadalae kaarmugilvanna (GKV/PS) and Ennuyirae ponnoliyae en kaadhal manna (SJ). And--nothing fails like failure. With all these films biting the dust at the box office, despite his good work in them, GKVs period of limelight in tfm proved evanescent. He didnt get a single Tamil film again till 1979. However, it was in these very years that GKV was the monarch of all he surveyed in kfm. His works in films like Mayura (dubbed in Hindi as well), Dari Tappida Maga, Trimoorti- all 1975, Raja Nanna Raja, Baalu Jenu -both1976, Olavu Geluvu, Galatte Samsara both 1977, Operation Diamond Rocket-1978 etc went on to become super hits. And it was in 1977 that GKV made history in kfm by bringing Ustad Bismillah Khan all the way from Varanasi to play the Shehnai for the film Sanadi Appanna. Anandalakshmi Enterprises Sanadi Appanna (Dir: Vijaya Reddy, Stg. Rajkumar) was based on the story of a Shehnai player, and GKV collaborated with the great Ustad to adorn the film with an alluring album that brought GKV widespread critical acclaim. Again, it was in these intermediate years that GKV made a significant impact in Telugu as well - his songs in films like Zamindarugari Ammayi-1975, America Ammayi-1976 and Tharam Marindi, Chakradhari-both 1977 elicited notice. * * * *

We see him venture into tfm again in 1979 with Malligai Mohini. (NVR Pictures Present) Pallavi Enterprises Malligai Mohini starred Julie Vikram and Latha. (Another Tamil film that had Vikaram in the lead in the same year was Paadhai Maarinaal) MM was perhaps a horror story revolving on the oft-repeated reincarnation
29

theme. I dont know much else about this obscure movie (perhaps a bilingual?). The Mohini has long vanished into the nether world of oblivion, but the entrancing fragrance of her Malligai lingers on to this day, in the form of her songsindeed GKV had surpassed himself here- each song is a glittering diamond: 1.Oru paadalai pala ragathil- SPB. Lyrics: Kannadasan (featured earlier as SOTD) 2.Naan ketten deva gaanam- SJ, with a humming by Poornachandar. Lyrics: Kannadasan 3.Pattathu raja- TMS/ B Vasantha. Lyrics: Pulamaipithan 4.Kaadhal oru- SPB/SJ. Lyrics: Kannadasan 5.Sringara sangeethame - Poornachandar/SJ. Lyrics: Kannadasan 6.Sugam sugam- SJ. Lyrics: Kannadasan 7.Megangalae ingu vaarungale- SPB. Lyrics: Pulamaipithan * * * *

Megangale ingu vaarungale was the song that became the most popular hit, the first among equals from the album, and it richly deserved the honor. GKV and SPB come together here to strike terror at the hearts of the listeners, but the terror is so beguiling, that like the clouds whom the hero beckons to help him search for his elusive beloved, we too cant but be drawn irresistibly into the vortex of the intriguing proceedings. And the roller coaster ride begins- Hang on, and be transfixed--

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13

thoduvadhenna
Sabatham

thendralO

malargaLO

from

Thoduvadhenna thendralo malargalo from Sabatham. Crooned by SPB. Conceived by Kannadasan. Crafted by GKV. As we have seen earlier, GKV had become a permanent fixture in the ensemble of MSVTKR from their very first film. He was given due credit as their assistant in the titles in their films in those early years. His undeniable talents could not be hidden under wraps for long. Even as early as 1952, he composed music independently for a Malayalam film, which was also dubbed in Tamil as Nadigai. And though tfm wasnt yet ready to entrust him with independent music composition, Kannada filmmakers were quick to discover the spark in him, and eagerly harnessed his talents. The titles of the 1955 film Sodari starring Rajkumar (his second film), Pandaribai and GV Iyer had the credit for Music being shared by HR Padmanabha Shastry & GKV. The following year saw GKV enjoying a stupendous success with the music of Viswakala Chitras Ohileshwara (stg. Rajkumar & Sriranjini). GKV also gave PBS a marvelous break in kfm. (GKV was the person who launched me as a successful singer in Kannada, acknowledges a grateful PBS). GKV soon became a prolific MD in Kannada, and along with TG Lingappa and Vijayabhaskar, set new standards of film music there. His works in Haribhaktha-1956, Anna Thangi-1958, Jagajyothi Basaveshwara, Dharma Vijaya, Mahishasura Mardini-all 1959, Ranadhira Kanteerava, Dasavathara-both 1960, Kanntheredu Nodu, Kaivaara Mahaatme-both 1961, Bhoodaana, Karuneye Kudumbada Kannu- both 1962, Kanya Ratna, Gowri, Kulavadhu, Malli Madhuve, Kalitaaru Henneall 1963, won acclaim. GKV got an opening in tfm in 1964 to compose music for Thirumagal Films Magale Un Samathu. (Dir: PA Kumar) Though the film starring Anandan & Rajasri was a massive flop, GKVs songs showed the stuff he was made of. Anbil aaduthae (PBS/PS), Unga
31

manasu oru dhinusu (Jamunarani), Kadhai ondru sollava(PS), Nallathukku kaalamillai (TMS), Annamidum karangalinaal(Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi/LRE), Thatha thatha(Manorama/LRE), Sirayilae oru kuraiyillae(TA Mothi/ SCK), Aavo gulamiyon(TMS/TV Rathinam) were the array of varied songs that the album comprised of. The same year, Anandan himself produced a film under the banner Anandan Movies. And he assigned to GKV the music score of this film Naanum Manithan Thaan (Dir: AS Rao). And though this film too (Stg. Anandan, Chandrakantha, PandiSelvaraj, Sheela) sank without a trace, GKV came up with some lingering numbers like Vaa vaa vaa en thalaiva(TA Mothi/SJ), Kaatru varum kaalamondru (PBS/SJ), Naanum manithan thaanada(TMS) and Indha indha nillu(TMS/LRE). The following year saw only a solitary Tamil film coming GKVs way, and that too was because it was produced and directed by the renowned GV Iyer, with whom GKV was working with in a number of Kannada films. GV Iyer Productions Thaayin Karunai starred Kalyankumar and a Kannada actress called Vandana, and had some wonderful songs- Netru nadanthathu(ALR/SJ), Poonthendral isaipaada (PBS- when SL and I mentioned this classic song, PBS closed his eyes in nostalgia, and said proudly that he had sung the Kannada original too), Oru kodi paadalukkum(SG) and Neram kaalam sariyaa irundhaal(Jamunarani). Unfortunately for GKV, all these three films were not commercial successes, and the merciless gates of Kodambakkam were closed once again for this gifted composer. However, he continued creating immortal melodies in Kannada films, where he was much sought after by the top banners of the day. * * * *

It was only after a long wait that Deivanayagi Films Sabatham- 1971 brought him back into reckoning in tfm. The film starring KR Vijaya (produced by KRV too?), Ravichandran,TK Bagavathi (in a dual role), Nagesh, Anjalidevi and others was directed by P Madhavan. In Chennai, it proved a modest success in Paragon, Crown & Bhuvaneswari theatres where it was released, and did brisk business elsewhere too. It
32

was a fairly engrossing tale of how KRV, assisted by Ravichandran and Nagesh, avenges her fathers death and her own humiliation at the hands of the wily TKB. The other songs were Aatathai aadu puliyudan aadu (ALR/LRE/GKV), Aadum alaigalil (SJ) and Nenjukku needhi undu aiyanaarae(SG/LRE). Thoduvathenna thendralo malargalo showcases GKV in his elementsthe riveting prelude consisting of those dainty string bits that are repeated throughout the song, the masterful way in they are seamlessly interwoven into the fascinating interludes, while the interludes themselves are so unpredictable and enticing in their progression-- And SPB brings such a cajoling mood to the lines, that you just have to fall in love with the songlisten to his voice beam in the end, and the longing that he expresses, almost akin to a wistful sigh, in the short humming that leads back to the pallavi. Class! And to think that this song, that conjures up such a spectacular panorama on a listen, was so disgustingly crass and unimaginative in its filming - Ravichandran enjoying a kinathadi kuliyal, singing and dreaming of his love, and our Punnagai Arasi stealing surreptitious glances at him, with her trademark bashful smile. P Madhavan seemed to have learned very little from his years of apprenticeship under Sridhar :-(

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14

iniya thendralE iru kaigaL veesi vaa

piLLai

from amma

The last song in MS' selection of rare SPB songs for a week. Music by Shankar Ganesh. If the movie name is correct, then this is a Ramki/Seetha film. This song is a shadow of the more popular "ennavendru solvadhamma". I dont know which came first. Set in raga shankarabaranam. The most beautiful phrase in this song is: "kavi kamban kaaviyam ravi varman oviyam" This is the ONLY phrase I rememberd all along until I was given this song by Udhaya thanks to him. The lines "iraNdum ivaLo inikkum thamizo" of this song's pallavi and "vaNNappoovin vaasam vandhu nEsam pEsum" of "ennavendru solvadhamma"' s charanam almost have the same tune. Though both songs are well rendered by SPB the SOTD seems to be delivered by a feverish SPB :) Vaali and SPB set this apart from anything run-of-the-mill. The tune is average but the orchestration doesn't get in the way of the voice and the lyrics which is all the favor S-G needed to do for this song. Now, "ennavendRu sollvadhamma", that can be called a runof-the-mill attempt by all parties involved including SPB. Was the lyricist there Vaali too? If so, he phoned it in for that song.

34

15

oru paadalai from malligai mohini

This song was provided by Udhaya and once again we have no information about the song. This again is an obscure song of SPB with the lovely voice of SPB having a lilting effect.One of the strong points of a good singer is being able to reproduce the sangathis that he or she sings in a pristine fashion in a previous occassion. I have noticed in many songs that SPB does a perfect re-rendition of all the sangathis when he is required to sing two charanams as replicas of each other. This is one song which shows us this capability of SPB. Let me highlight it with examples: (1) the pallavi - "oru paadalai pala raagaththil unai paarthup paadinen" He sings exactly the same way twice ! (2) the charanam 1 - endhan paadhaiyil indha dhevathai kuralOsai kEtkiren undhan nyaabagam varum podhellaam naan "vaanil parakkiren" the charanam 2 - pani malligai maNa mohini unai marakka mudiyumO Oraayiram kavi paadiyum idhai "eedu seyyumo" Both "vaanil parakkiren" and "eedu seyyumo" are rendered exactly the same way ! The tune itself is so nice that it lends itself to be improvised in innumerable fashions. I am sure SPB would have offered many improvs out of which the MD chose a particular pattern and asked SPB to stick to it. That SPB is capable of improvising in innumberable ways are clear in songs like: (1) nuvvena (thErOttam aanandha shenbaga) - telugu (2) kadhile meghama - telugu (3) mazaiyum neeye
35

(4) kadavuL amaiththu vaiththa mEdai

36

16

ponnai naan paarththadhillai from KaNNamoochi

(1978) MD - V.Kumar Another obscure number from SPB. A very nice song very soulfully rendered by SPB. As observed by saravanan the same sandham was used in three songs: (1) unnidam mayangugiren (2) kaNgaLaal naan varaindhen (3) ponnai naan paarththadhillai One can easily any of these songs in the tune of other. Saravanan mentioned this when the (1) was SOTD or else I would have never known the info :-) "Kumar repeated shades of the same tune in 'Ponnai naan paarthathillai'-SPBKannamoochi-1978 and 'Kangalaal naan varaindhen'- KJY,PS-Mangala Nayagi-1980" "While Nadagame ulagam had that enchanting Sapthaswaram punnagayil kanden (SPBVJ), Mangala nayaki had the memorable KJY-PS duet Kangalaal naan varaindhen. (This song by V Kumar reminds one of VK's Unnidam Mayangukiren (Then sindhuthe vaanam) and Ponnai naan paarthathillai (Kannamoochi)- wonder why VK made 3 songs on the same lines!)"

37

17

thendralukku endrum vayathu from payaNam

Sung by SPB, music by MSV in this in 1976 film. One of the few qawwali style songs in TFM. Another notable song in the film is "aarambak kaalam oru pakkath thaaLam", sung by KJY and VJ. ThendRalukku endRum vayathu from PayaNam is another MSV/SPB/KD delight (at least I think it's KD, although the style suggest Pulamaippiththan). While the future will fit the sandham in a straitjacket of steady meter to accomodate fancy interludes or inane preludes, this song reminds us of the loose musical canvas where the singer could flaunt his dexterity, where the words weren't shy of being polysyllabic or audible.

38

18

mazhai tharumO en mEgam

iththanai niRangaLaa

from

manidharil

A great Shyam + SPB song for the weekend. The humming is by S.P.Shailaja. VDS Productions Manitharil Iththanai Nirangala starred Kamal Hasan, Muralimohan, Major Sundararajan, Surulirajan, Sridevi, Satyapriya, Manorama & others. It was directed by RC Sakthi. In the recently announced National Awards for 2002, the National award for the 'Best Environmental Film, 2002' went to a 22-minute Tamil film titled Urumaatram directed by B Sivakumar. And what is more special is the chief protagonist is played by Director RC Sakthi. His moving performance in this short film has won rave reviews. Acting is not new to RC Sakthi, he sparkled in a brief role in the award winning Jameela, and has also acted in the few reels of Kamlas Marudhanayagam that have been canned so far. RC Sakthis association with Kamal dates back to the mid 70s. Unarchigal-1976 was a stark off beat film directed by RC Sakthi, with Kamal in the lead. (Incidentally Shyam was the MD for Unarchigal as well.) Manitharil Iththanai Nirangala followed next. RCS proved his mettle in mainstream cinema as well in the following year- Dharmayudham, with IRs awesome score, was a thumping success. Makkal IyakkunarRC Sakthi s career as a director has been a chequered one- if he rose to dizzying heights with his brilliant celluloid adaptation of Anuradha Ramanans Sirai, in the same 1984, he also sunk to abysmal depths with the woeful adaptation of Rocky: Thangakoppai starring Karate Mani in the lead. He reminded us through his Manakkanakku-1986 that the two sisters who dominated Tamil Cinema in the 80s were also capable of sensitive performances. His Koottuppuzhukkal-1987 (also Anuradha Ramanans story) brutally bared the ugliness behind the urban middle class facade. However, films like Santhosha Kanavugal-1985, Thaali Dhaanam-1987 and Varam-1989 were disappointing, to say the least. His sensitively crafted Paththinipenn proved too unhurried for the fast paced 90s.

39

Manitharil Iththanai Nirangala was released on Deepavali (October 30th), 1978. It couldnt face the stiff competition from the other films released on the same daySigappu Rojakkal, Thappu Thaalangal, Thaai Meedhu Sathiyam and Aval Appadithaan, and sank without a trace. Ironically the other Kamal-Sridevi starrer Sigappu Rojakkal released on the same day went to become a super hit, continuing to be screened for more than 25 weeks. Manitharil Iththanai Nirangala revolved around Sridevi, who played with precocious understanding, the central character, Shantha. Shantha undergoes severe tribulations and at one point, is even forced to offer herself to Major Sundararajan. He rebukes her sternly, and makes her see the error of her ways. Hounded by some villains, Shantha seeks asylum in the house of her friend Devaki (Satyapriya). Devaki is married to Velu (Kamal), the drunkard ruffian with a good heart. The Station Master (Muralimohan) is attracted to the demure Shantha, but she wards off his gentle advances being ashamed of her unsavory past. When she finally comes around to accepting him, her nemesis catches up with her, as Muralimohan turns out to be Majors son! I caught this song in sun tv recently. The picturization had totally killed the song :) Another marvel from SPB.As mentioned earlier i love this great one for Balu and Shyam for the remarkable smoothness acheived in delivery.Shyam has particularly down played the telugu influence in stanzas (prewritten lyrics).Pallavi efforlessly steals your heart.So does Sridevi!

40

19

nee azhaiththadhup pOl oru gnaabagam

thoongaatha kaNNindru ondru

from

"Nee azhaithathuppol oru gnaabagam" from Thoongaadha Kannindru Ondru-1983. (banner peyar evvalavu azhaithum gnaabagam varalavillai : ) Sung by SPB. Music: KVM. Thoongaadha Kannindru Ondru starred Mohan, Ambika, VKR, S Varalakshmi & others.It was directed by R Sundararajan. R Sundararajan had a fantastic run in the 80s, and struck gold repeatedly in his collaborations with IR - Payanangal Mudivathillai-1982, Naan Paadum Paadal-1984, Vaidehi Kaathirundhaal-1984, Kungumachimizh-1985, Amman Kovil Kizhakkalae-1986, Raajaathi Raja-1989, just a name a few. And even those films that didn't do too well had some great songs: Thazhuvaatha Kaigal- 1986, En Jeevan Paaduthu-1988, Thirumathi Pazhanisami-1992. And while his Mella Thirandhadhu Kadhavu brought together two giants of tfm, he worked with MSV in two films--and both Saranaalayam-1983 and Sugamaana Ragangal-1985 rate among MSV's best albums in the 80s. And though R Sundararajan's only film with KVM- Thoongaatha Kannindru Ondru might not have been a commercial success, KVM's songs for the film linger on in memory. (I think Andha Raathirikku Saatchi Illai-1982 was also directed by RS, though I am not sure about it) The other songs in the film were: Idhaya vaasal thirandhappodhu uravu vandhadhu-SPB & SJ Mazhai vizhum kodiyena nadhi vizhum kadalena- KJY & SJ Akkam pakkam aalaethum illai illai-MV & SPS

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From the mid 70s, KVM's opportunities in tfm were few and far between. He just couldn't keep pace with the changing trends. His conspicuous skills in classical scores were still in full flow though, and mythologicals/devotionals like Murugan Adimai, Gnanakkuzhandhai and Deiva Thirumanangal still offered him ample scope to display this forte. And starting from Shankarabharanam-1980, he brought back classical music to mainstream cinema with a reach that made history, and this glorious second innings continued upto Swathikiranam-1990. Not that he didn't continue to give good songs in social subjects as well- but most of the films that he worked for didn't fare too well, and the songs sank along with the films. However, thanks to Radio Ceylon, which was blissfully unaware of the fate of any film(whether it was even released or not, leave alone its commercial performance!), we continue to fondly remember some of KVM's works in the early 80s like Manmatha Rathangal, Kurivikkoodu, Kaadhal Kiligal, Andha Raathirikku Saatchi Illai, Neruppilae Pootha Malar and Simma Soppanam. The lyrics (Vaali?) are as follows: Nee azhaithathuppol oru gnaabagam adhu aasai alaigalin oorvalam nee sirithathu pol oru gnaabagam adhu sindhaiyil nee seitha saagasam thanga mugachengamalam poothirukka nee thanimayilae en ninaivil kaathirukka neela nayanangalin nalinangalil bodhai kondu kodhai unnai anaithirukka naalai varum pudhu vasantha kaalamadi nam paadhaiyilae manamalarin kolamadi kaadhal ilakkiyathil sarithirathil
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neeyum naanum koyil kondu nilaithirukka Mohan and Ambika, neighbours in a small colony in Coimbatore, start off with modhal, which naturally blossoms into kaadhal. Stiff opposition from parents follows. Mohan is a talented musician, with dreams of making it big in film music. He is scorned by all for not settling down with a consistent job. Ambika has faith in his music skills, but how long can she wait for him? As a last resort, Mohan goes to Madras, to try his luck in the film studios there. Finally his efforts bear fruit, and he gets a good opening. With resplendent dreams of their joyous future together, he boards a train to Coimbatore to delight her with his wonderful tidings, and bring her back with him to Madras. Meanwhile all is not well with Ambika- harsh treatment from her parents, and the unwanted attentions of an irrepressible suitor make life unbearable, and the very night Mohan is traveling to Coimbatore, she boards a train to Madras Mohan falls in with a group of musicians in his compartment. One thing leads to another--and they urge him to sing. Alas, for Ambika, in her hurried flight from home, she enters a deserted compartment (an impossible supposition in either Cheran or Blue Mountain Express, even in 1983!), wherein there are only two men who are thaniya having a thanni party. They look at her with sudden lust, and emboldened by their isolation, accost her. She cries out Mohan's name in fright ---And in that very instant their trains cross each other, as Mohan, in his train, starts his song "Nee azhaithathuppol oru gnaabagam" Thus the song unfolds, with the shots alternating between the interiors of the two compartments of the two trains speeding in opposite directions, the cutcheri and the catastrophe, the aalaapanai and the assault? How much longing he pours into his song--his hopes of a bright morrow for both of them glisten in his lines--little does he realize that as the trains are racing into the night, their very future is being derailed!
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It was in 1980 that KVM and TKP discovered for us that SPB, though bereft of formal training, could be coached to deliver winning notes in classical shades, and Shankarabharanam was a stunner in every sense. They have extended that experience here in this song. SPB delivers the goods, and how! The hero's aspirations and longings find evocative expression in SPB's song. And the swift and spellbinding swara passages that punctuate the song, especially in the cascading climax are something to cherish. Conveniently for KVM, Mohan befriends a troupe of traveling musicians with all their accompaniments, and the song thus attains a realistic hue. No doubt the interludes do sound a trifle passYeven for 1983), but this 'dated' sound too has a quaint charm. The violin bits bring out so heartrendingly the pathetic irony of the situation --moving shots of Ambika beseeching the scoundrels to spare her, of frantically attempting to evade their advances, of vainly reaching for the emergency chain-- Hark at the chugging of the train that is heard throughout the song as the rhythmic backdrop. This was perhaps KVM's last worthy attempt in mainstream tfm. And like the last leap of a tongue of flame before the embers die down, like the sudden small shower of rainwater from the leaves swaying in a gust of wind long after the rain, this song kindles memories of a bygone era of film music. Krishnankovil Venkatachalam Mahadevan and Thiruvananthapuram Kesavappillai Pugazhendhi have given us much to be grateful for. This song is among their smaller bequests. Interestingly, Mohan and Ambika went on to enact an almost similar situation in 'Yaar veettu roja'- Idhayakkoyil-1985! Again by SPB!!

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20

mangai oru thingaL from mun oru kaalaththile

A rare song of SPB and MSV. Thanks to Saravanan for digging this out. The song meanders as a rendition of a long poem, but SPB has produced enough variations to keep the song interesting. A must listen for SPB lovers. MSV's orchestration is minimal. Mangai oru thingal is from the unreleased film Mun Oru Kaalathilae- perhaps recorded in the early 80s. Sung by SPB. Music by MSV. I have heard this song a few times in 1983-84 in Radio Ceylon. The other songs in this film were Kodaiyilae pachchai thanniVJ, Nallaarukkum nallaarukkum namma mala thenu-PS and Otta paanaiyila nanda vitta-PS. Mangai oru thingal is a song where the imaginative lyrics (Vaali?) take the center stageand MSV wisely makes the music so inconspicuous with just the guitar providing an encouraging backdrop, and gives SPB a free hand with the song, and how SPB has enjoyed himself! I love the song for its lyrics and SPBs voice. Mangai oru thingaL kalai malarndha manikkaNgaL gangai nadhi meengaLaval kaadhal sollum kaNgaL thullum kalai maangaL then sindhum ilam pookkaL paavai mugakkalaigaL thamizh kovil konda silaigaL vangakkadal alaigaL pani vazhangum vanna malaigaL pongum nadhi nilaigaL
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andhap poovai nagai valaigaL bOdhai mozhi panangaL andhap puRaakkaL aval inangaL aasai migum guNangaL avaL jaadai pala vidhangaL kanigaL thandha idhazhgaL uyar kavigaL thandha varigaL kiLigaL thandha mozhigaL ennai kiLLum avaL thadaigaL thottam konda kuyilgaL nadai aattam kanda mayilgaL kaattum avaL asaigaL avaL kaala koyil manigaL deivam vaitha kadaigaL aval dhegam sollum vilaigaL nenjil illai thadaigaL avaL kaNNil reNdu kathaigaL Another song that takes me down the nostalgic lane. This is SPB all the way and these were the kind of songs that got us hooked up to him much early in his days. Feel that "thazha thazhappu" in his voice. That sense of being overwhelmed by the beauty is made evidence all the way. Amazing lyrics. MSV knows where to underplay and leave it all in the hands of SPB. PJ, KJY, MV are some of the best singers tfm had. But over the twenty+ years of following tfm, spb amazes me even today for the following reasons; Everytime you think, "oh that is it, he has done him best here", you go back and find another treasure from him. Just in today's song - aren't you amazed by the delivery of spb. That sense of being overwhelmed in the voice. I can get the feeling of him on the verge of almost about to break into a cry. That awe-inspired crying that is due for these

46

words.

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21

pon enbathO poo enbathO from annap paravai

A very rare SPB song to get into the weekend. I discovered this song for the first time today, and have been playing it again and again for a while now. SPB has sung this well, check out the starting which gives a feeling of a PBS/Ghantasala song. The song has good sitar interludes too. Ever since I noticed your mention of Pon enbatho poo enbatho this afternoon, I have been in another world a world far way, in time and in place- oh the exquisite bliss that the memory gives- fleeting images of schooldays with Thenkinnam and Thayir saadham at 7.45 PMand vacations in my village with hot afternoons glued to Radio CeylonOh, why does one ever grow up? Paadi paadi paarthenwhat a spellbinding song it isamong my favourite SPB solos ever- evalo rasichu rasichu paadi irukkiraar- how his voice caresses, pouts, cajoles, sulks, smiles, yearns in turn in different linesPon enbatho Poo enbatho Kaathal pennae Kannana kann enbatho Kaviyamae paadum kaanil ragasiyam therigindrathu Oviyam pol aadum nenjil adhisayam pirakkindrathu Idaiyenna idaiyo kodi vandha malaro

48

Azhagae-Uyirae-Poocharamae! Mohathilae vaadum ullam pudhumaiyai rasikkindrathu Moodupani vaadai thendral ilamaiyum kodhikkindrathu Ini yenna thadaiyo inikkindra kaniyo Varuvaai-Tharuven-Idhazh rasamae! Thiru Vadapalani Films Annaparavai-1980 starred Srikanth, Sudhakar, Latha & Radhika. Latha who was still acting as heroine at that time, did a surprise act by appearing as Radhikas mother in the film. Music was by R Ramanujam. Other songs that became popular from the film were Gopala yaen sir by MV & chorus and by SJ. Rangasami Ramanujam is the younger brother of Rangasami Parthasarathy (of Oriental Records fame). Before settling in the U.S. and embarking on a flourishing business in marketing music, Parthasarathy had composed memorable music for films like Magadhalanaattu Mary, Kalyana Mandapam, Avan Piththana, Paalmanam and Kalyana Oorvalam. Ramanujam was born the last of five children and grew in a household where music was loved and nurtured. Unfortunately, he could not be as successful as his illustrious brother. Ananda Bhairavi was his first film, and he gave a brilliant account of himself. His next film was Annapparavai-1980. Annapparavai had that spellbinding SPB solo-Ponnenbatho poovenbatho. MVs Gopala-yen sir became an instant hit. SJs Aadi padhinettu was another catchy number. Ramanujams next film was the MGC Sukumar- Vanithasri starrer Aval Oru Kavariman,
49

which doesnt seem to have been released. The film had some good songs like Pallavai naan paada(VJ) and Poonthendral kaatraaga poonjolai vandaaga(PS, Jolly Abraham?). Another stillborn film for which Ramanujam wasted his efforts was Puththampudhunayagan. I have heard that in the aftermath of MGRs demise, Ramanujam brought out a cassette on the Puratchi Thalaivar, which did brisk business. Ramanujam has several devotional albums to his credit. All the songs in Ananda Bhairavi are truly memorable- Umayavaley Mariyamma, varam tharuvaai Mariyamma in the great S Varalakshmis brigha-laden tenor is an aural treat. And while Sirithaai- andha sirippil oru mogam is an all-time favourite SPB-PS delight, Kodi kodi ennam adhu kondu vandha sondham is a breezy TMS-PS duet.

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22

chiththirappoo sElai from pudhu seruppu kadikkum

A different, off-beat song by SPB. MD is M.B.Srinivasan, lyrics by Jayakanthan. This is a

slow, melancholic song.

The film never got released. There is such a writer in our own days-Jayakanthan (birth 24.4.1934)- He is a glittering star in the firmament of Tamil literature. A trendsetter in many ways, he was the natural successor of Pudumaipithan and will forever remain the role model for all future writers. His forays into the film world have been limited, but he has left an indelible mark and brought a refreshing whiff of realism into the melodramatic portals of Kodambakkam. His first film Unnai Pol Oruvan-1965 fetched the Presidents Award. His next was Yaarukkaga Azhudhaan-1966, which sank without a trace. Surprisingly, A Bhimsingh, the Mughal of Melodrama in the 60s, did a volte-face in the 70s and thought it fit to film Jayakanthans novel Sila Nerangalil Sila manithargal. He expressed profound admiration for JKs thorough professional approach and brilliant screenplay. The Bhimsingh-JK collaboration brought one more offbeat venture- Oru Nadigai Nadagam Paarkiraal- 1978. JKs Pudhu seruppu Kadikkum never saw the light of the day, which fate was shared by Ethanai konam ethanai paarvai. Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal was first published as a novel ( Meenakshi Puthaga Nilayam, Madurai-June 1970). It won the Sahitya Academy award in 1972. I think Lakshmi got the Urvashi award for her superbly realistic portrayal of Ganga, the chief protagonist of the tale. However, the newly elected TN Govt.,which revived the State Awards, didnt seem to be too enthusiastic about the film. See the award winners for 1977-78: 1st Best Film: 16
51

Vayathiniley, 2nd Best Film: Madhurageetham, 3rd Best Film: Balapareetchai! And, with MGR at the helm, no prizes for guessing who bagged the best actress awardof course, it was Latha for Maduraiyai meeta Sundarapandian (which came out in 1978). Srividya got the Special award for Madura Geetham. 16 Vayathiniley made a clean sweep- with SJ, IR,Kamal and Bharathiraja collecting honours in the respective categories. The only consolation for the film SNSM was the Award for the best kadhasiriyar to JK. JK has written a handful of film songs, and all of them are memorable: Thenankeetru oonjalile (Paadhai theriyudhu paar- PBS-SJ), Azhudha kanneerum paalaagumaa (Paadhai theriyudhu paar-PS), Kandathai sollugiren (SNSM-MSV), Veru idam thedi(SNSM-VJ), Nadigai paarkkum nadagam (ONNP-Jolly Abraham-BSS), Ethanai malargal (ONNP-TMS-VJ), Chithirappoo selai (Pudhu seruppu kadikkum-SPB), Udal enbaar (Pudhu seruppu kadikkum-VJ), Pugazh serkkum (Ethanai konam Ethanai paarvai-MVD), Enna Vithiyaasam (EKEP-MVD,GA) and Ethanai konam (EKEP-MVD). "Rajaram Theatres Pudhu Cheruppu Kadikkum was based on a short story by Jayakanthan. The story was written in 1971, and came out as part of a collection of short stories, published by Meenakshi Puthaga Nilayam, Madurai. The story revolves around three characters- Nandagopal, Girija and Vatsala. Nandagopal enjoys his bachelorhood till he is 30 years old. He harbours bitter memories of his father physically torturing his mother day after day, and thus he develops an aversion towards marriage. He meets Girija, who works as a sales girl and also does various odd jobs to eke out a meager living. He is attracted to her cheerful disposition and caring ways. One day, when seeing her hungry state, he treats her to a square meal and buys groceries for her. She suggests that he move in with her, and pay her whatever he was paying his mess. He readily falls in with the scheme, and their friendship assumes new dimensions. He tells her of his mothers constant demands that he get married. Girija encourages him to take the step. He tells her of his cousin Vatsala who is very pretty. Girija masks her disappointment, and congratulates him on his decision. When the wedding day looms near, she suggests that he move out, as it would

52

not be appropriate for them to share the same roof any more. There is a hint of tears in her eyes as she tells this Nandagopal finds marital life not at all what he had bargained for. Vatsala and he rarely see eye to eye, and arguments, unpleasantness and humiliations become a daily affair. One night, after some bitter exchanges, he suddenly remembers wistfully his carefree days with Girija. He takes a sudden decision to pay her a visit, even at that unearthly hour. Girija is surprised at his sudden visit, but gives him a warm welcome. To her eager queries on his married life, he responds by listing the complaints he had against Vatsala, and adds that he is suffering for the callous way in which he had treated Girija She gently admonishes him, and explains to him how Vtasala must have felt to leave all that is familiar and dear to her, and come to a strange place and that even the male species may appear strange to her. Girija adds that Nandagopal was experienced in the ways of women (in a wry refrence to their living together), and she too was trained in the ways of men- but men do not want trained wives ! Nandagopal understands the truth. Presently, seeing that her foot is injured, tenderly enquires about it. She replies that she had bought a new pair of slippers, and was suffering from acute shoe bite Then come her punch lines A new pair of slippers necessarily hurts, but would that make anyone go in for an old pair?!!! She smiles as she says this-----he breaks down What a moving, stark story- I believe Jayakanthan had expanded it into full-length evocative black & white film---but could no find no distributors. I can only sigh in helpless frustration, when I realize that Jagan Mohini ran to packed houses in the same year in which a masterpiece like Puthu Cheruppu Kadikkum slept in the cans "

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23

niththam niththam en kaNNOdu

puzhukkaL

from koottup

Here's a great song sung by SPB, for his birthday today. MD is MSV, and MSV has also sung a portion of the song. Just listen to the mesmerising voice of SPB that makes this a great song. He does great sangathis, and pulls them off with nonchalant ease. MSV does a great bit at the start to start off the song too. I happened to watch the song being recorded. This was for a R.C.Sakthi film. SPB learnt the tune in about 30 mins, but both of them was going on and on singing it in different ways they could... a treat to watch....finally ended up in singing what msv told him to do. SPB did not sing anything more than msv had composed. Secondly msv's portions were not recorded during that time. When I asked msv about the ragam he commented yemen kalyani based. Basically the sangathees in the song are very very good, just hear the variations in the song for each line, all of them are different....this is one of the reason I am a big fan of msv, :) Surprising complicated tunes. , follow the tabla change overs also. ..interesting. There are many unheard gems from msv in 80's and 90's, one such song is sonthagalai vazthi sindhu paduven (SPB) for nilave malare, , rajathi (KSC) in rajathi kalyanam ,there is also a good song in thali thanam..by Vani Jayaram, i am sure no one would have heard it. :) Koottuppuzhukkal-1987 was RC Shakthi's attempt (perhaps based on some story) at portraying the everyday happenings in the lives of different families living in 'portions' of the same house- Raghuvaran, Amala, Chandrasekar, Saritha, Y Vijaya, Deepa and others formed the cast.

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Raghuvaran gave a heartwarming performance of an unemployed graduate and brought out the despair of his lot so well. This song has TS Raghavendar starting to hum something, which Raghuvaran picks up and continues Other songs in Koottuppuzhukkal were 'Inaikku vandha nenappilaey'-KS Chitra , and 'Indha malligaippovukku kalyanam'-PS. I remember Srikanth sharing with me that he heard SPB say to MSV that this was one of the best songs he had sung in five years. Srikanth comes close to defining MSV's magic, as complicated tunes. But "complicated" colors this as a predetermined effort to do something theoretical and complicated. MSV is farthest from it. He is a true artist with rarefied aesthetics. He has confided to friends who interviewed him that he never relies predominantly on raagams for his tunes. For MSV, sandham comes first, then the raagam guides or further defines it. Like any great artist, MSV allows for spur of the moment additions and improvisations while recording a song. Nothing is set in stone until it's recorded. People who have watched his recordings or read interviews about his work habits can attest to this. MSV songs continue to enchant for their unregimented structure and subtle surprises. "Nitham Nitham" is a crowning achievement for any MD, especially for an artist in his waning years. And as such, the song should be savored, shared, preserved, and celebrated. You summed up the qualities of MSV nicely. His improvisations are magic. IMHO, he is one artist in tamil who comes close to the spirit of Jazz. He also never believed in conjuring big instruments when the song does not demand it. Listen here! he is adhereing to the basics. This song has to be purely lifeted by the tonal qualities of the singer - and that is it. MSV lets SPB go wild with his magical voice. Anyone else would have decimated this song with brihas and 'konashtai'. I very much like the way SPB gives those microsecond pauses in the right places. (Not to undermine the great interludes).

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24

paduththaaL

puraNdaaL

urakkamillai

from

vaNdikkaaran magan
A rare song from MSV, sung by SPB. I heard it for the first time today, and I am sure not many have heard of this song. SPB caresses this song, crooning softly, in this song about the longings of a girl. Venkat, this is a song that should definitely go in your list of old and good SPB songs. MGR had become the Chief Minister of TN the previous year and the DMK party had received the worst drubbing in its history. Kalaignar wished to mould his son Muthu into a celluloid hero in the lines of MGR, but Muthus film career was short-lived, and by 1978, he was all but forgotten. It was in this juncture that Kalaignar joined hands with Makkal Kalaignar Jaishankar to make Vandikkaaran Magan. The film was based on CN Annadurais story and had fiery dialogues by Kalaignar. The unexpected success of this film emboldened this partnership to try their luck again in the next year, but Aadu Paambey sank without a trace. However, Jaishankar was projected as a hero with DMK leanings in a time when MGR was the monarch of all he surveyed in TN. It is quite another story that some years later Jaishankar denied this by stating that neither did anyone from DMK invite him to join the party, nor did he evince any interest in doing so! Vandikkaran Magan had in its lead the hit pair of the 70s- Jaishankar and Jayachitra. How many films had these two acted together! Petite Jayachitra, with her mischief-filled eyes, was the perfect foil for the sober Jai and there was an undeniable chemistry on screen between them. However, by 1978 the magic had worn thin. Jais swashbuckling image was a distant memory and Jayachitra had bought the one-way ticket to Gundoor. 1978 marked the beginning of the end of the road for her. Her 100th film-Nayakkar Magal was released in 1982 after years in the making. She returned to do supporting roles in Lakshmi Vandhachu-1986 and Paruva Ragam-1987. Her performances in both Agninakshatiram-1988 and Puthu Puthu Arthangal-1989 won acclaim. But, not being satisfied with this, she produced Pudhiya Ragam-1991, with herself as the heroine, and
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her son-in-law of PPA-Rahman as her hero! The outraged public treated the film with the contempt it richly deserved. Jayachitra made some negligible forays into politics by becoming a member of the Congress party. The female singer is Ramola. "Paduthaal purandaal" was way too risque for Vivithbarathi and other local stations back then. It ranks up there with "idhazhae idhazhae thaen vendum", "theeraatha vilayaattup pillai(Nettrikkann)", "eththanai azhagu kottikidakkuthu", and "naalupakkam vaedarundu" for steamy lyrics. Vandikkaaran Magan was an unfinished story by Annaa which was completed (or downgraded depending on your perspective) by MK with many pointed digs at MGR's rule. Annaa had as much to do with it as Kubrick did with A.I. The movie was huge, one of Jai's biggest hits. If memory serves me right, this movie had another awesome SPB duet, "Maedayil aadidum melliya poongaatrae."

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25

naan pEsa vandhEn from paalootti vaLartha kiLi

Here's a very rare, great song to get into the weekend mood. This is Ilayaraja's second film, and probably the first song that SPB sung for IR. At least, one of the earliest songs that SPB has sung for IR. The song itself is vintage IR stuff. I am sure this song will remind people of the nostalgic Vividh Bharathi days. The rendition by SPB and SJ is superb, SJ especially with a subdued voice like LRE in "kaadhOdu thaan nan paaduvEn". The song sounds like "orE naaL unai naan" in patches, to me. I vividly remember this as the second Illayaraja movie. Yes, one of the few songs where SJ keeps an atypical low profile. It is interesting to observe that MSV preferred SPB-PS, Raja SPB-SJ and SG SPB-VJ those days. I have a collection of Cassettes on SPB's enathu isai payaNam.. When asked to talk, SJ sang "Naan Pesa vandhen solla thaan ore vaarthai illai" and said Thank You. You then hear a huge applause. This is an evergreen song, distilling the best that we recognise in the talents of IR, SPB and SJ to this day. Paalootti Valartha Kili would have been an incredibly stressful film for IR. Annakili had made him an household name in an instant,there was this palpable hold-your-breath waiting in the media and among the TN public: Flash in the Pan or. We couldn't be more fortunate for the outcome. The style (atmospheric) of Naan Pesa Vandhaen has been replicated by IR, in other early songs: Paruvame Pudhiya Ragam Padu, Ninaivo Oru Paravai, and the later O Papa Lali from Geethanjali/Idhayaththai Thirudadhey. Of the recent songs, Sangidha Swarangal from Azhagan, touched the heart with a feather of delicate romance. But, still, it could only be a competent facsimile of Naan
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Pesa Vandhaen. Some songs are deserving of a special plaque in memory. This one shimmers there in a golden frame. Arun Prasad Movies Paalootti Valartha Kili starred Vijayakumar, Sripriya, Major Sundararajan, Thangavelu, YGM, Manorama & others. Arun Prasad Movies, which was P Madhavans own banner, had earlier produced Ponnukku Thanga Manasu-1973 and Murugan Kaattiya Vazhi-1974, both of which had music by GK Venkatesh. Even earlier, P Madhavan had directed KR Vijayas home production Sabadham-1971, which had music by GK Venkatesh. While the songs for these films were being composed and recorded, Ilayaraja, (who was assisting GKV), came to Madhavans notice. When he heard the songs that Ilayaraja had created for Annakkili, P Madhavan booked him for Paalootti Valartha Kili, even before Annakkili was released. In the light of the above, I too am of the opinion that Paalootti Valartha Kili would have been IRs second film, though Uravaadum Nenjam might have been a close third. PVK was prosaic in its proceedings, and even IRs score couldnt help it. Major S, Thangavelu (brilliant cameo in the role of Allahpichai, a good Samaritan), and IRs songs were the silver linings in this darkest cloud.

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26

vizhiyilE
kELvikkuri

malarndhadhu

from

bhuvana

oru

MD: IR. Sung by SPB. I came to know only now, writing this, that the MD for this movie is IR, I thought this song was by MSV! The lyricist is Panchu Arunachalam. The lyrics is wonderful, especially the starting of the charanam: kaiyaLavu pazhuththa maadhuLai - paalil nei aLavu padarndha punnagai Someone once remarked that this is the perfect description of a Mona Lisa smile !! I must sheepishly admit that I had assumed that the lyrics was penned by Kannadasan, and came to know recently that it was by Panchu Arunachalam. Maharishis story, recreated for the silver-screen by SP Muthuraman. Screenplay, Dialogues and Lyrics by Panju Arunachalam. A film that was a decisive turning point in the career of Rajini. While he had in the last two years, consolidated his position as a trend-setting villain of style, it was in this film that he showed that he was an actor of substance as well. Sivakumar was supposedly the hero, though his character was entirely negative. Rajini, in slot of the second hero, effortlessly stole the show from Sivakumar. Sivakumar, himself a good actor, was supposed to have vowed to be more careful while selecting his roles in the future! Sivakumar, a charming, glib-tongued womaniser, manages to woo the unsuspecting Sumitra, and having had his fling, looks for greener pastures. Rajini, on the other hand, is sincere in his love, but his beloved comes to a gory end. Broken-hearted, he takes to drink. He pities the wretched unmarried mother, Sumitra, and offers her shelter in his humble abode. Sivakumar marries the rich Jaya, but the couple is childless. The story goes on thus, the latter half giving ample scope to showcase the emoting prowess of
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both Rajini and Sumitra. Rajini brought hitherto unseen shades in the characterisation of the drunkard with a heart of gold. Black and White padam thaan, no special effects etc, low-budget settings- yet, for me, this will always remain my favourite Rajini film! Not ?, but ! And IR raised the film to great heights by his simply awesome score. Though the film had only three songs, each song is a glittering gem. Can anyone forget the mind-blowing SPB solo Vizhiyile malarndhadhu or the lyrical SPB-SJ duet Raja enbaar mandhiri enbaar? One of my choice for best rendered songs of the 70s. SPB , then on the threshold of carving his own niche in tfm, sings it with such youthful exhuberance. One of my telugu friends told me SPB really hit it off in Telugu starting from late 70s. A slightly youthful tinge does exist in his 70 numbers compared to the latter ones. Orchestration is really sunny and vibrant. This song and "Pon Ezhil" are enough to get Panju Arunachalam into the history books as a classic lyricist. Now, how come you IR fans didn't think of this song for song of the century? Beats many other nominations to a pulp. The start has a throwback thogayara with "Un ninaivae poadhumadi" then the startling violin strumming (not in a bad way of course) underscores the transition to the fast pallavi (whatever happened to this kind of transition in TFM?) Man, what a ride? What a classy way to woo somebody!

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27

vaanam panneerai thoovum

pookkaL

from kaL vadiyum

MD is Shyam. Sung by SPB. It came out in late 70s or early 80s. The film starred NizhalgaL Ravi and malayala actor Sreenath. This movie title might have been inspired from the line in "aayiram thaamarai mottukkaLE". This great song has SPB at his effortless best, and he just glides through the song. Listen to the charanams which are the highlights of the song (SPB singing "adi raaththiri veyilE" and the sangathi after it). I am not sure who the female singer is, might be T.K.Kala or B.S.Sasirekha. The sad part is that I could not find a single reference to this song in tfmpage. Shyam was an assistant of MSV and gave memorable music for few movies like uNarchigaL and manidharil iththanai nirangaLaa. I think VM is the lyricist though not sure. As is the case with V.Kumar and Vijayabasker, Shyam is known for his strong melodies that surprise you with curt charanam turns when you least expect it. SPB goes all out for obscure songs in obscure movies, and he does so valiantly here. The enthusiasm and the way he waxes the sangathis in this song is a treat to behold. What I mean by surprise is the abrupt way the charanam line ends with, " poomanjam poatta pin naalennaa paarpathu, poongaatru nanaigindra vaelai (pause) neeraadum poonguyil ( end, back to pallavi). The build up and the short bursts of charanam lines add a poetic effect. The female voice is Kausalya. KVP-1983 had two brilliant KJY solos: Ninaivilaadum azhago and Mazhaikkala Meganngal too. Heroine was Nalini.

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Shyams real name is Samuel Joseph. When he was a violinist in MSVs orchestra, MSV found it easier to call him Sam, which in due course became Shyam! Apart from MSV. Shyam has worked with T Chalapathi Rao, TG Lingappa, TKR, Vedha, Salil Chowdhry (traces of Salils style are evident in some of Shyams songs) and Ravi. Shyam has composed music for around 25 Tamil films, and almost each film had at least a couple memorable numbers. Some other songs that Kousalya sang for Shyam are Ninaithirundhadhu nadandhu vittadhu, indru aadi maadha kaatru vandhu modhum (a breezy duet with SPB from Matravai Neril- 1980) and a few lines in Paniye vaa panju mazhaye vaa ( a stunner, from Salanam (most probably unreleased), in which SPB sings in Hindi and KJY sings in Tamil!). Kousalya also sang the short Ye kili irukkuthu from Mudhal Mariyathai. There are so many attractive elements that come together to make this song a delightVairamuthus lyrics (Adi raathiri veyile etc), SPB, of course (the way his voice smiles in Naal enna paarpathu), and the sudden entry, in the second verse, of Kausalya ,when you almost thought this was a SPB solo (reminds me of Jencys late entry in En gaanam- Eera Vizhi Kaaviyangal) and Shyams lazily caressing style to top it all

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28

chinna chinna from kaatrukkenna vEli

Panchu Arunachalam who gave the world Ilayaraja also gave TFM Sivaji Raja in this superb debut. How this artist got forgotten is a mystery that still eludes me. From the vibrant "Kadal Meethilae", to the seductive "Rekha Rekha", from the celebrating "Naan Vanangukiraen" to the nostalgic "Chinna Chinna Megam", which remains the best kept secret in TFM history, there's so much energy and spunk in this soundtrack that it's a shame Sivaji Raja still hasn't seen the limelight. Sivaji Raja started off as a singer, and sang a few songs under MSV. He then became a Music Director. He was the MD for a handful of movies only. He also introduced Karthik as a singer. This movie *ed Mohan and Radha. The orchestration of this song is quite different, and has the northern feel, a change from the regular songs. Besides the obvious beauty of the melody, music, and SPB's crooning, the lyrics brim with fresh analogy and word play: pirivaana kaadhal nenjil sugamaana soagangal mazhaikkaala poovin meedhu irukkindra eerangal maedaigalin oaram jaadai seyyum poovai paarvaidhanil nooru pandhi vaikkum paavai koadhaimagal paeraich chonnaal raagam malarum ... anal meedhu pookkum andha kodikkindru vaer illai idhayathin suvaril undhan peyarindri vaerillai kanni ilam pookkal kai ezhuthuk kaetkum ullirundhu soagam kan vizhiththup paarkkum gnyabagangal kannil indru muthuk kulikkum Kaatrukkenna Veli-1982 was a sensational album and all the songs were super hits, despite the film's failure. This was a remarkable achievement for a first time MD.
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My pick is the awesome SPB solo: Kadal meethiley - especially the lines 'Engey un kaal pona paadhai amma, ingey un oru kannai paaraai amma, Seetha endru Sriramane alai modhidum Ramayanam--' and SPB gives a pause and suddenly yells 'Rekha', and the music that follows- Unusual, arresting, excellent song. 'Rekha, Rekha,'- Jolly Abraham & PS, with its wonderful opening guitar notes, is an unforgettable duet. Sivaji Raja, to the best of my knowledge, composed music for two more Tamizh films: Raman Sriraman and Chithirame Chithirameboth 1985. Ramam Sriraman, stg. Vijayakanth (dual role), Jyothi and Sathyaraj, had a SPB-PS duet, which ranks in my ever-favourite list- It goes like 'Kanni thendral veesum neranagal, sanga thamizh paadum kaalangal, Idhuvey thirunaal, Sugamey inimel, vinnai thodum ennangal engengo--' Chithirame Chithirame also was a dismal failure. But the songs were played ever so often in Radio Ceylon's Pongum Poompunal. It had a catchy MV-VJ duet 'Aasaiyulla roja chendu, adhil then edukkum kaadhal vandu, thangathu rathiname, nenjukkul thangiya chithirame--'. MV's solo' Paappa chinna papa, paartha mella paartha' was an enjoyable dabbangithu number. VJ's 'Dhaagam edukkudhu adikkadi, idhu mazhaikku yengum malarkkodi' was, well--, intoxication at its best. There was perhaps a solo by PS as wellI think it is 'Vizhiyengum aaduthu ilamai, vazhi ondru theduthu idhayam, maaraatha paruvanagley'- haunting high-pitched song in which PS mouths some dialogues as well'Vittil naan, vizhunguvatho sudaro'- in fact the song ends with her wry query- 'Veenai naan, meetuvathu vidhiyo'? Sivai Raja was an original and innovative composer who made a mark in the few opportunities that came his way. Addendum: When once (1999) on a visit to my aunt's house in Shenoy Nagar, Chennai, she casually remarked that her tenant upstairs next-door was a person called Sivaji Raja, who takes music tuitions and he told her that he had done music for some films as well!
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Imagine my surprise! I went there promptly and had a great chat with him. He is such a simple, unassuming person. When I spoke to him about his films, he was surprised that some one still remembers his songs. He said he had ungergone some bitter experiences and since he was not capable of similar machinations,he could'nt survive. He now does programmes for AIR and also takes music classes. At my request, he did sing a few lines from 'Kanni thendral veesum nerangal'- Oh, the enchantmment! A soothing song, almost like a lullaby. SPB's voice is as soft and cushiony, like a melding of chinna chinna megams. Thanks for this evocation!

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29

nenjaththil
uNarchchigaL

pOraadum

eNNangaL

from

An excellent song by SPB and SJ. The MD for this movie is Shyam, I guess, though Music India Online mentions G.Devarajan. The way SPB sings this song is so different from his later years (especially the part where he hums lala lalala). uNarchchigaL was a R.C.Sakthi film, in which Kamal Haasan co-wrote the dialogues. This was perhaps Shyam's third film in Tamizh after Karunthel Kannayiram-1972 and Appa Amma-1974. Another song from Unarchigal is 'Vedhanai kaattil', sung by SJ and PS- a haunting song, the lyrics written by Ka. Vezhavendan, who was a minister in Karunanidhi's cabinet. I vaguely remember another song sung by Shyam himself. The same Kamal-RCS- Shyam combo came together again in Manitharil Iththanai Nirangala-1978. The intro and the bgms are very raja-ish. (Is it possible he was involved in this?) or could be Shyam's originality. Just that I have not heard more of this kind from Shyam. The following are the Specific touches I am talking about: -The intro humming dialoguing between the singers uses very short motives unlike the long pallavi. -The pallavi orchestration has a sweet guitar only backing, before the tablas roll in. - String counterpoints in the anupallavi and oboe counterpoints in the charanam. - The bach-ish flute break in the second interlude.
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- Tabla nadai changing every two lines, is amazing showcase of that great 'talking drum'.

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30

naan endraal adhu avaLum naanum

suryakaanthi

from

Here's a great song to get into the weekend mood. This song was sung by SPB, with Jayalalitha chipping in with stylish english rejoinders. MD: MSV. Lyrics in thamizh by Vaalee, and the english part is by Randor Guy. A song worthy of discussion, "Naan endral athu avaLum naanum" from 'Sooryaganthi", sung by SPB. As usual, a strong melody base with the tempo set by a trumpet piece in the prelude set to a Dum maro Dum kind of beat (Drums and Tabla mixed well). A youthful SPB is in full form with his sangathis , he sings the pallavi in different ways after each stanza, sometimes with a roll,sometimes with a drawl etc. I chose this song because, the santhams presented by KD (?) in this song are very difficult to set to a tune,infact, the first stanza is almost like a lengthy dialogue.The typical MSV stamp with long drawn out notes (kaariyamaakkum guNamudayaaa.....L) all over the charaNam and SPB enjoys it, embellishing them with appropriate expressions. Unfortunately, the second interlude is cut short in the radio version. The first interlude starts off with a solo violin piece , with finally the organ prompting the charanam. A lovely composition. In the film (1973, Dir:Muktha V Srnivasan), the song comes in a situation replete with irony. Muthu and JJ are a middle-class couple finding it difficult to make both ends meet, what with Muthu's parents (Savithri and perhaps Major S) and sister also staying with them. In order to lighten Muthu's burden, JJ takes up a job. She rapidly goes up the ladder of success, and starts earning more than Muthu. He wallows in self-pity and struggles with jealousy-he imagines that even his parents are giving more importance to JJ. He asks her to give up her job, but she expresses her inability to do so, citing the family's precarious financial situation. The chasm widens and they are not even in talking terms- in this situation, they are forced to attend a 'Made For Each Other' contest, and
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what's more, they win hands down! When asked to sing, Muthu sings (his bitter thoughts coming out in subtle irony)-Naan endraal adhu avalum naanum-and JJ too, masking her feelings, gives apt replies. Wonderful song, with JJ's well-known prowess in English getting full marks. (Of course,for a person who was educated in Church Park,who had acted in a short English film (Epistle?), and a couple of English plays-(Hidden Truth, The House of the August Moon), these rejoinders in English was child's play!) JJ's performance was the highlight of the film. (The 100th day celebration was presided by none other than Thandhai Periyaar, an avowed film-hater! He spoke in glowing terms of the film's theme and JJ's talent. Jayalalitha had formally learned classical music under the tutelage of Goplakrishna Sharma. Though she had sung only a few film songs, they are all memorable. 'Amma endraal anbu'-Adimaippenn,'Oh meri dilruba'-with TMS-also Sooriya Kanthi, 'Kanngalil aayiram'-with TMS- Vandhaale Maharasi, 'Chithira mandapathil'-with TMS-Anbai Thedi and 'Iru maangani pol idhazhoram'-SPB-Vairam, are songs that unforgettable. Other songs in Sooriya Kaanthi- the philosophical 'Paramasivan kazhuthilirindhu'-TMS (Kannadasan sings this on screen) and that naughty 'Theriyaadho nokku theriyaadho'Manorama. Naan endraal athu avalum naanum Aval endraal athu naanum avalum Yeah, the whole truth Naan sonnaal athu avalin vetham Aval sonnaal athuthaan en ennam And nothing but the truth Kattiya kanavan kattalaipadiye Kaariyammaatrum gunamudaiyaal In thought, word and deed Naan seitha mudivai thaan seitha mudivaai Ninaithe paarkkum manamudaiyaal
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Such a noble heart Purushanukkaruge sarisamamaaga Amarnthida thayanggum panbudaiyaal There he goes again Kadavulin melaai kanavanai mathithu Vanangidum piriya anbudaiyaal God bless me Aanmagan vaguntha ellaiyai kadanthu Kadanthaal raagavan thalaivi Remember what happened to her Kanavan kizhitha kottai kadanthu Ariyaal adiyen manaivi Yes, always yours sincerely Kondavan veedu kudisaiyendraalum Maaligaippole ninaippaale Oh really? Don't make me blush Avaloru paathi naanoru paathi Enbathuppole nadappaale The better half and the bitter half I don't know why they needed a Randor Guy to write the English lyrics. Vaali would have been a better choice. :)

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maan kaNda sorgangaL from 47 naatkaL

A couple of days back, a thread was started on the movie 47 naatkaL, and a good discussion followed. I had not heard "maan kaNda sorgangaL" before, and I liked the song once I heard it. Sung by SPB. MD: MSV. Lyrics: Kannadasan. "47 naatkal".Sivashankariyin 47 vaara kadhaiyai 4 charanathil solli mudithaar kavignar. Kadhai theriyaadhavargalukku : vaisali parisil velai parkkum oruvanai thirumanam seidhu kolgiraal.But andha aalukku erkanavae oru french wife iruppangae.When vaisali(padikaadha englishil a,b cd kooda theriyaadha penn)comes to know this, she tries to escape from her husband . The feelings and sufferings of Vaishali was beatufully brought out in the song 'maan kanda sorgangal' He describes the life of Vaishali as 'maan kanda sorgangal kaalam poga poga yaavum vetkangalae yen rendu pakkangal pen ullil indru pongum dhukkangalae' Idhu situationkku thagundha paadalikkiru oru sirandha example.Because The kavignar should write lyrics for the same tune in different situations which to my opinion is not very easy. The beats, the bass work everything is noteworthy. The song somehow seems to have a totally different feel from the other MSV songs which came at that time. Thanks to vivdh bharati I had a chance to listen to this song back in the early 80s and then hunted it down later with the help of DF. If I remember right, I think the picturization was crappy
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with Chiranjeevi dancing with some foreign extra while Jayapradha watches from a distance.

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32

padaiththaanE brahma dEvan

nallavarE

from

ellOrum

A great song to get into the weekend mood. Excellent rendition by SPB. MD: V.Kumar. During my school days, I used to start singing this song, and somehow, in the charanam, used to shift off to the charanam of "dheivam thantha veedu" :) ellOrum nallavarE also had "sivappu kallu mookkuththi"(TMS) and "pagai koNda uLLam" (KJY). Ellorum Nallavare - The end of an Era! This movie was produced by Gemini Studios. In 1939 S.S. Vasan bought a distribution and financial concern at an auction, and renamed it Gemini Pictures (also known as Gemini Studios). After S.S. Vasan's death in 1969, his son S.S. Balasubramanyam took the reins and produced Ellorum Nallavare in 1975. This movie was not successful. The studio's fortunes declined in the 70s and was taken over subsequently by Anand Cine Services. Another unrecognized V.Kumar gem. Pulamaippithan is the lyricist. "Unnai Ravi Varman kaanaamal poanaanadi, andha rathi maaran kandaalum tholaindhaanadi" used to make me smile. There ought to be a whole wing for Pulamaippithan if they ever build a palace for the unrecognized.

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madhanOtsavam
sathurangam

rathiyOdu

thaan

from

A lilting, melodious number by V.Kumar. Sung by SPB and Vani Jayaram. The song has a good guitar interlude that I like. Deva made an ultaa of this song in "azhagOviyam". V.Kumar enRathum, enakku ninaivukku varuvathu : naan muthan muthalil paarththa, kEtta ligt music performance, V.Kumarinudaiyathuthaan..1972/73 my high school days.Aruppukottai town. angu orE pozuthu pOkku 35 paisaa tharai ticket koduththu paarkkum cinemaathaan.Live light music performance enbathellaam, eppadi irukkum enRu theriyaatha kaalam. very poor, poor, middle class intha vakai students iruntha engaL school. school vaathiyaarukku therinthavargaL veettil Kumar thangiyirunthaar. antha vaziyaaka vERu engO pOkum vaziyil. school paRRi sonnathum, "angu vENumnaa oru program kodukkalaamE" enRu VK sollavum, vaathyaar vanthu headmasteridam sonnaar. engappaathaan headmaster. cinemavaa, athu ethukku pasangaLukku enRu kEtpavar; (inRum athE kELviyai kEttuk koNdirukkiRaar enbathu vERu vishayam). nalla manushan sir; nalla isai amaippavar sir enRu headmasterai convince seythu vittaar vaaththiyaar; oru cyclostyle circular ellaa classukkum vanthathu; iravu 7 maNikku thiraippada isaiyamaippaaLar Kumarin program enRu. iravu school groundil koottam sErnthu vittathu. en ammaavum vanthaargaL.avanga K.Balachandarin visiRi; athanaal, Kumarin paadalkaL mika nanRaakath theriyum.kuttith thambi " Bones" was there. tavusar, sattai pOttuk koNdu naaL muzukka theruvil viLaiyaadum vayasu. maRanthu pOyirukkum..Kumar harmoniyaththudan ninRu nadaththiya kaatchi innum ninaivirukku. Svarna paadinaanga. anRuthaan Svarna avarathu manaivi enRu theriyum. romba eLimaiyaana, adakkamaana thambathiyar. "ivar ippO puthusaa paadukiRaar" enRu chinna vayathu Malaysia Vasudevanai aRimukam seythaar. 2 maNi nEram pOnathE theriyavillai.
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veettukku pOkum munbu, ammaa Kumar, Svarna iruvaridamum senRu mika arumaiyaaka irunthathu enRu solla, " neengaL ellOrum rasiththu kEttathE periya santhOsham amma" enRaar. Kumar& co vai anuppi vaiththu vittu, veedu vantha appa sonnathu "ivvaLavu eLimaiyaana, adakkamaana, paNivaana intha manushan eppadi intha cinemaa ulakaththil irukkiRaar? romba aachchariyamaa irukku." anRu appa sonnapOthu avvaLavaaka puriyavillai. inRu V.Kumar paRRi ninaikkumpOthu anRu appa sonna vaarththaikaL thirumba olikkinRana. athil uLLa uNmai theLivaakap purikiRathu.

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mazhaiyE mazhaiyE from amma

A great romantic duet by SPB and SJ. MD: Shankar-Ganesh. One of their best numbers. I love the way SPB has sung this song. The crooning, the way he sings "dhEva mayakkam" in an almost mayangiya state, the way he does the humming in the charanams, the way he finishes the song with his humming in the end (check it out at 4:40), the way he sings "iLamaikkup pasikkum" at the end of the second charanam, with a pause before "pasikkum".. I like the start of the song with the flute. The chorus though is not good enough, could have been better. This was an AVM movie. *ing Saritha. It also has the song "Poo mugam sivakka" sung by PS. I haven't seen this movie, so I have a tough time imagining Saritha in "mazhaiyE mazhaiyE" :-)))) SG have given some of the most memorable numbers atleast for me. The song "naan unna nenachen nee enna nenache" has been a fav right from my childhood. This song "mazaiye mazaiye" from a relatively obscure movie amma is suprisingly available in all the CD/mp3 stores of TN I have checked and that too with a superb sound quality. The usage of guitar for the arpeggio effect is beautiful. And the contrpuntal humming of SPB and SJ in the end is mind blowing. This song goes into the list of my all time favs. Some great numbers of SG which are a must in any tfm fan's collection are: (1) mazaiye mazaiye (2) yaaradhu sollaamal nenjaLLi ( already was SOTD) - one of the most beautiful songs I have heard in ghazal style in tamil (3) mEgame mEgame (4) muththu muththu thErOttam - not available in any shop as far as I know

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(5) theme music of idhayathaamarai (6) oru kaadhal dhevadhai (7) vaanam tharaiyil oru vaanam (8) oh nenje nee dhaan paadum geethangaL (9) malargaLe idho idho (10) naan unna nenachen..nee enna nenache (11) pattu vaNNa rOsaavaam (12) naanum neeyum sErndhu (13) cheppu kudam thooki pOra "Mazhayae Mazhayae" is a great song indeed. Most forgotten SPB gems are SG songs. Shankar Ganesh have many unrecognized gems. VairaMuthu's entry to TFM helped SG even more than it helped IR. Their short collaboration gave many wonderful songs. One of them is "Sithiramae Un Vizhigal". "Iniya Thendralae" from Amma Pillai is another overlooked classic.

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35

kanaa kaaNum kaNgaL mella from agni saatchi

MD: MSV. Sung by SPB with a brief recital of a poem by Saritha. Lyrics by Vaali. I consider this song to be among the ten best of SPB. He sings this so beautifully. Besides being a thaalaattu song, there is a tinge of sadness, a tinge of melancholy and a glimmer of hope. Vaali has written excellent lyrics, that reflects the situation of the song. kanaa kaaNum kaNgaL mella urangaadhO paadal solla nilaak kaala mEgam ellaam ulaap pOgum nEram kaNNE! Then he describes Saritha's character, a question struggling to find its answer. Balachandar couldn't have put it better: kumari uruvam kuzhandhai uLLam reNdum onRaana maayam neeyO thalaivan madiyil magaLin vadivil thoongum sEyO! nodiyil naaLthOrum niRam maaRum dhEvi vidai thaan kidaikkaamal thadumaarum kELvi! viLakku ERRi vaiththaal kooda nizhal pOlath thOnRum nijamE,nizhal pOlath thOnRum nijamE. In the movie, Saritha has a penchant for the verse, which Vaali brings out like this: pudhiyak kavidhai punaiyum kuyilE nenjil uNdaanak kaayam enna? ninaivu alaigaL neruppil kuLikkum bhaavam enna and then a hope for the future: kizhakku veLukkaamal irukkaadhu vaanam vidiyum naaL paarththu iruppEnE naanum
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varungaalam inbam enRu nigazhkaalam koorum kaNNE, nigazhkaalam koorum kaNNE. The interludes show the mental trauma that Saritha goes through, though a bit overdone, IMO. This is one of the last great songs from MSV. This came out in 1981/82.

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What a waiting! from ninaiththaalE inikkum

A short and sweet song in NinaiththaalE inikkum, the musical magnum opus by MSV.

Sung by SPB. Lyrics by Kannadasan, I think. Check out the guitar work in this song. This song is often lost among the other numbers from this movie, but the guitar work alone merits this song.

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nandha nee en nila from nandha en nila

An all-time great song sung by SPB. MD: V.Dakshinamoorthy.

The popular janyam of Dharmavathi is Madhuvanthi. There is a subtle Ma1 usage in this ragam. In the movie nandha en nila, obscure music director V.Dhakshinamurthy has tuned one excellent Madhuvanthi song. The song also starts like "nandha en nila". My Houston room-mate Karthik used to repeatedly listen to this song again and again for hours. If you listened to this song, you will know the addictive potential of this song. Like "heroin addict", "ganja addict", we can proudly call ourselves as "nandha en nila addict"! It is one of the best ever recorded Thamizh cinema song! V. Dakshinamoorthy, a relatively unknown music director in tamil, is the composer of songs like "Nandhaa nee en nila" , "Nalla manam vaazhga"(Oru oothaappo kan simittugirathu), "aruvi magal alai osai" (jeevanaadi), "oru kaathal saamrajyam", "aadavan illaa ulagam ethu". Many famous singers from P.Leela to current day Bhavatharani have been a student under him. ARR Rahman's father Sekar was also his assistant. nandA en nilA is one of my all time SPB favorites. What a voice man!! He brings in the classical nuances of Madhuvanti with his flawless singing... Sample his rendition of the line,, 'Agamam kaNda Seetayum indru rAghavan Naa.........nendru thirumbi vandhALo. Can you believe this man has had no classical music training? I think we should include this number in the list of songs that have the longest 'pallavi's. In fact, its Pallavi is much longer than that of the MoondrAm piRai song, 'vAnengum thanga viNmeengaL'. NandA nee en nilA nilA nAyakan madiyil kANbadhu sugamE nANam EnO vA vA vizhi meenAdum vizhi Mozhi thEnAdum mozhi kuzhal poovAdum kuzhal
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ezhil neeyAdum ezhil minni varum silayil mOhanak kalayE vaNNa vaNNa mozhiyil vAnavar amudhE Asai nenjin deivam neeyE Adi niRkum deepam neeyE pesugindRa veeNai neeyE kani idhazh amudhinai vazhangida aruginil vA Yes, this film was released- in 1977. It starred Vijayakumar,Sumitra and Fadafat Jayalakshmi. Ira. Pazhanisami wrote the lyrics for this song. Very well sung by SPB. In pallavi itself one line(stanza) is sung in low voice and as an answer to it the next line(stanza) is sung in high voice by SPB. Great song.

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38

samsaaram enbadhu veeNai

oru maadhu

from mayangugiraaL

A great song by Vijaybhaskar. Sung by SPB. VB had given four excellent songs in the film,the other three being 'Varavendum vaazhkayil vasantham'-KJY, 'Sugam aayiram' and 'Oru puram vedan' both by VJ. Sujatha had given a memorable performance as the heroine. The film was made in Hindi years later as 'Bezubaan'- and Reena Roy couldn't come anywhere near Sujatha. Some of my fondest songs from the 70s were by Vijayabhasker. Another underused talent. As long as my memory lasts so will "Anbu Megamae", "Samsaram Enbathu" and many other classics by Vijayabhasker. His work will live on. VB was a quiet genius. His compositions were primarily melodic but always had an undercurrent of modernity. The songs from Thappu Thalangal, Soundaryame Varuga Varuga, Kaalangalil Aval Vasantham, Mayangugiral Oru Maadhu and Yengamma Sabadham -- all bear that distinct merger of music with memorability. Neela, his last (perhaps) outing in Kannada last year brought back that familiar feeling of quality and purity - and yet did not stoop to the basest common denominator to conquer its audience. VB, and his music as a MD can be summed up thus: Simple, serious and sincere. And so many hearts were moved!

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39

Thiruth

thEril

varum

silaiyO

from

Naan

vaazhavaippEn
This song is a must in the collection of any SPB-IR-mohanam connoiseurs. This song is one of those 'konjal' songs of SPB. One cannot resist but keep on admiring this remarkeable genius who sings all the micro brighas with absolute clarity and expressiveness given he is untrained. The tune, one has to believe, is from IR and not MSV which though is obvious ONLY from the background orch'n. While one admires SPB in this song, (God and Karthik forbid) PS slips in the words 'devan varum' in the second charaNam which in my opinion must be overlooked as a rarity and human aspect of her voice which is ,IMO, divine. The song blatantly reminds us of 2 songs both by IR - (1) pani mazai vizum (2) naan oru ponnOviyam kaNden edhire. The former springs into mind with an easy way to blend its charaNam with thirutheril though the pallavi itself has dha1 creeping for beautification. thiruthEril is one song which is dear to SPB lovers. The signature of the song is the line 'nilaiyao..azagin kalaiyo' which ran in my brain in BG for a couple of weeks after which I 'discovered' it. It is a pain indesribable when a tune sits in your brain and itches without appearing in full form before you. I found it today and already have listned to it 50 times. Have fun. Among the best that SPB got to sing for Sivaji. IR's enchanting music- the opening bars are awesome. The other songs from the film were good too- 'Ellorum Paadungal'- SPB, 'Endhan Ponvanname'- TMS and PS versions and 'Aagayam keezhe'-KJY. 'Naan Vaazhavaippen'-1979- was a remake of a Amitabh film-'Majboor', which itself was, I am told from 'Cold Sweat'. NVV was directed by D Yoganand and starred Sivaji and KRV with Rajini in a scene stealing cameo.

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40

Manadhil enna ninaivugaLO from PoonthaLir

A great song from a great album. I like this song because of its prelude. PoonthaLir has other great songs like gnaan gnaan paadaNum and vaa ponmayilE. Poonthalir-1979- starred Sivakumar, Sujatha, ARS, Manorama and others. It was a film made to commemorate 1979- which was observed as 'The Year of the Child'. The story is about the small boy wandering in the streets of Madras, while Sivakumar-his father, is searching for him. Poonthalir also had 'Raja chinna raja'(PS) and 'Kannimani, ennai kandupidi'(SPS?) The film was directed by Devaraj-Mohan, who made several films with Sivakumar as hero and IR as MD.All of them had wonderful songs- Annakkili, Uravaadum Nenjam, Kadavul Amaitha Medai, Chittukkuruvi A great song and has always caught my attention. I really like the wy SPB sings subduedly in this song and yes the prelude humming and music are great. I really cannot say what attracts me to this song but I like it a lot. The way SPB sings "karunaiyin kaigalil thaaimai malarum" is just wonderful.

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41 maalai malar pandhalitta mEgam from Akka

A wonderful song sung by SPB and Vani Jayaram. Music by MSV. I vaguely remember the film "AkkA". I think it was a Madurai thirumaran film. (other fims of Madurai thirumaran Mayor meenatchi,Soothattam, Sontham, Ilaiyarani rajalakshmi, Vayadi, Thirudi, Thaay veettu seethanam,Roshakkari, Sonthangal vaazhga, Badhilukku badhil and some more...) KRV was his favorite naayagi. All his films center arond the heroine and her brave efforts and sacrifices. In akka KRV is a carnatic singer. Latha is her younger sister, I think. This song "kaNNan kOvil paRavai ithu"- KRV sings in a mEdai cutchEry. all the 3 songs for KRV. "maalai malar pandhalitta mEgam" honeymoon song with a hillstation in the background. KRV meets and gets married to Jayganesh a womaniser and a rogue. She comes to know of this only after the marriage. She tries to reform him and all her efforts go in vain. Finally when Jayganesh tries to seduce the younger sister KRV kills her husband. A tailor made role for KRV. As usual she performed admirably. The songs were good. But the film flopped. May be the choice of Jayganesh. Jayganesh, as a single hero was not so popular among the masses.Other heroes of his time Vijayakumar, Shivakumar, Muthuraman, Jay and Ravichandran with KRV were able to give hits. Later Jayganesh had a similar role in Sridhar's "azhagE unnai ArAdhikkiREn" .In that film Latha was the elder sister and Subashini (Jayasudha's sister) was the younger one. Discovering this song was like a major excavation for me last year. Upon hearing it, the beauty of composing prewritten lyrics dawned on me and I started a thread which lead to some very memorable posts and creative developments proving yet again that the best of art never fails to inspire. BTW, the lyricist should be remembered and applauded while celebrating everyone else involved in the song. Here's the song's dissection with the entire lyrics.

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...Another benefit to prewritten lyrics is the singer gets to pour sangathis to curb, stretch, and shape the lyrics to a delectable degree; with someone as dexterous and innovative as SPB it becomes a feast.

A prime example of unleashing the singer's creativity through prewritten lyrics: Male maalaimalar pandhalitta maegam mangayidam sangolikkum raagam kodi nagai pinnalitta dhaegam gopuraththil yaetri vaitha dheebam (just the variations in the way SPB divines maegam, raagam, dhaegam, and dheebam would be enough for a song to be memorable, but there's more...) kaarga malar koondhalilae ilanthendral vilayaadi oada,(the way ilanthendral vilayaadi is sung, there's more sangathi and creativity here than I've heard in years, it just about galvanizes me) kali paakku vetrilayai poala varum sevvaayin isaipaadal paada Female singing swarams gama gama gasa mama mama maga...(the swarams are probably to make a quartet out of the stanza in the song which matches the next 2 lines, again this wouldn't have been thought of without the lyrics already in place) Male ival thirumagaL suvaitharum magal

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thinam naan paadum sringaara kalyaani (maalai...) Female singing swarams Male gnyaanamazhai veenayudan maharaani kalaivaani vandhaaL, nadamaadum thirukovil thandhaaL kalai nadhiyaaga radhiyaaga nindraal Female singing swarams gasa gaga gasa mama pama maga Male nagai oru vagai isai aval kadhai aval naan meettum sringaara kalyaani (maalaimalar...)

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