After SOTD its ROTM...

After some hibernation, thanks to the flu epidemic at Chennai for which I was a victim myself, I find writing blogs regularly as easy as pleasing my manager. Simply put, impossible. To carry it for 20 days itself is an achievement of sorts as I have started blogging 29,347 times before this to fizzle out even before completing the first post often ;) I can talk non stop rubbish for hours but cant write that though am happy i did something for 20 days on trot. Now that continuity and longevity seeming a problem, best is to adopt the milk vendor's strategy. I have 4 Litres of milk available to be supplied to 4 houses. Demand increases to 6 houses while supply is constant what to do.. Close to eyes and think about waterfalls as good as a poet. Supply-demand will match. So ... as an solution for irregularity I would write about songs based on the same Raga for some posts. Posts might be sporadic but I would try to maintain updates as much as I can.

ROTM - Raga of the Month... This might become ROTY ;) -I hope not ! :D

First one I will take up will be an universal favorite Raga. Mohanam. In the next post I would start with a very recent song in Mohanam. No suspense. Its from Kandhasamy - Mambo Maamiya... Vikram rocks in the song :) Sweet mohanam. Ciao.

Malargalae Malargalae Idhu enna Kanava.. Unparallelled number !

Rahman, Hariharan and Chithra. What can you expect? A musical treat. That’s exactly what you get in this song from Love birds movie. Absolute misfit in a horrible movie, this song takes music to the next level I should say. Be it the interludes or the rendition of a great tune or the typical rahman rhythms, instruments employed, recording quality- This is a stand out song. Definitely in Rahman top 5.

Malargalae Malargalae Idhu enna Kanava

Malaigalae Malaigale Idhu enna Ninaivaa

Urugiyadhae Enadhullam Perugiyadhae Vizhivellam

Vinnodum Nee Dhan Mannodu Nee Dhan

Kannodu Nee Dhan Vaa..Vaa

(Malargalae)

Megam Thirandhu Vandhu, Mannil Irangi Vandhu

Marbil Olindhu Kolla Vaa Vaa…

Marbil Olindhu Kondaal, Maaran Ambu Varum

Koondhalil Olindhu Kolla Varavaaa

En Koondhal Devan Thoongum Palli Araiya Araiya?

Malar Soodum Vayadhil Ennai Marandhu Povadhu Dhan Muraiya??

Ninaikkadha Neramillai Kaadhal Radhiye Radhiye Un Peyarai Sonnaal Podhum

Nindru Vazhi Vidum Kaadhal Nadhiye

En Swaasam Un Moochil, Un Varthai En Pechil

Aindhaaru Nootrandu Vazhvom En Vazhve Vaa

(Malargalae)

Poovil Naavirindhaal, Kaatrum Vai Thirandhaal

Kaadhal Kaadhal Endru Pesum

Nila Thamizh Arindhaal, Alai Mozhi Therindhaal

Nam Mel Kavi Ezhudhi Veesum

Vazhve Or Vazharpirai Dhanae Vanne Nilavae Nilavae

Vaanodu Neelam Pole Uraindhu Ponadhu Dhan Uravae

Urangaadha Neram Kooda Undhan Kanavae

Udalodu Uyirai Pole Uraindhu Ponadhu Dhaan Uravae

Marakkadhu Un Raagam, Marikkadhu En Dhaagam

Unakkaga Uyir Vazhven, Vaa En Vazhve Vaa Malargalae....

(Malargalae)

This song starts as a very soft number till the interludes comes where the percussions steal the thunder. Hariharan joins chithra only in the Charanam and how well! His honey coated voice with Chitra;’s inimitable style of singing makes this song a classy act!

Scored in Hameer Kalyani raga this song is a listener’s pleasure. Vairamuthu’s lyrics add value to the song. This song has been the mobile ringtone of many. We all lap up the song and its really close to my heart.

My bestest pick in this song would be

Ninaikkadha Neramillai Kaadhal Radhiye Radhiye

Un Peyarai Sonnaal Podhum Nindru Vazhi Vidum Kaadhal Nadhiye

En Swaasam Un Moochil, Un Varthai En Pechil

Aindhaaru Nootrandu Vazhvom En Vazhve Vaa

Wow. Period!

Nil Nil Nil Badhil Sol Sol Sol .. Just Stop and listen mates...

The influence of Raja in bringing folk music to TFM is insurmountable. At the same time the way he has patronized classical music in his songs is enviable. Vasantha- an extremely pleasing raga has been used by Music directors all the while in TFM and its imperative that Raja has a few numbers in it too. Albeit in an ordinary movie Paattu paadava, this melody melts many a hearts.

Nil Nil Nil Badhil Sol Sol Sol Enai Vaattaadhae
Vil Vil Vil Un Vizhi Ambil Enai Thaakkaadhae

Nillaamal Badhil Sollaamal Engae
Sendraalum Vida Maattenae Anbae
Dhinam Ennarugil
(Nil Nil Nil Badhil)

Naanam Ellaam Konjam Oyveduthaal
Naan Valaippen Unnai Poongarathaal
Yaegaantha Vaelayil Yaen Indha Oodalgal
Aarambamaanadho Aanandha Thaedalgal
Thaen Koottil Ulla Thaen Yaavum Manam Vendidaadho
Nool Kooda Idai Nuzhayaamal Enai Cherndhidaadho Sol
(Nil Nil Nil Badhil)

Oviyamaai Unnai Theetti Vaithen
Ul Manadhil Adhai Maatti Vaithen
Meen Vizhundha Kannil Naan Vizhundhaen Anbae
Oor Marandhu Endhan Per Marandhaen Anbae
Koo Koo Koo Ena Kai Korthu Kuyil Koovidaadho
Poo Poothu Pani Poo Poothu Madi Thaavidaatho Sol
(Nil Nil Nil Badhil)

This song is sung by Raja himself and Uma Ramanan. Very intelligent use of Vasantha Raga in a rich tune makes this song a listening pleasure. Raja finds it a bit difficult to render the number at some places still a commendable effort from him. Uma ramanan lives up to the reputation of singing the best numbers of Raja. She does apt justice to the tune and elevates it a level higher.

My bestest pick in this song would be

Meen Vizhundha Kannil Naan Vizhundhaen Anbae
Oor Marandhu Endhan Per Marandhaen Anbae

Utter Bliss!! Can Vasantha sound better? J

Nilavae mugam kaatu.. IT WILL MELT YOU !

As I had earlier expressed in one of my earlier posts, Raja has the remarkable ability to render jubilant as well pathos numbers of supreme standards in the same Raga. This song is a testimony to that. Sindhubhairavi for a Pathos number is quite a choice and this song ranks very high among his Sindhubhairavis in TFM.

nilavae mugam kaatu ennai paarthu oLi veesu
alai pol sruthi meetu inidhaana mozhi paesu
iLam poonkodiyae idhu thaai madiyae
(nilavae mugam kaatu)

pani pola neerin odaiyae kalangiyathenna maama
inidhaana thendral unnaiyae oorum kurai sollalaama
kaalam maarum kalakkam eanamma iravillamal pagalum aethamma
naanum piLLaithaan amma naanum kanda kanavau nooraiyaa
enathu thaayum neengaL thaanaiyaa ini un thuNai naan aiyaa
enai searnthathu kodi mullaiyae idhu pola thuNaiyum illaiyae
ini nee en thozhi piLLaiyae

(nilavae mugam kaatu)

sumai pottu paesum oor endraal manam thavithidum maanae
imai neerum kaNNin neer endraal dhinam kudipavan naanae
maalaiodu nadakkum thaeraiyaa nadakkum podhu vaNangum oor aiyaa
unnai meera yaar aiyaa maaman thoLil saaindha mullaiyae
mayangi mayangi paesum kiLLaiyae nee en vaazhvin ellaiyae
idhai meeriya thavam illaiyae ini endha kuraiyum illaiaye
dhinam theerum theerum thollaiyae
(nilavae mugam kaatu)

R.V.Udayakumar is the lucky recipient of two of the best Sindhubhairavi’s of Raja; Muthu mani maala in Chinnagounder and this one in Ejaman. Both differ in the mood, placement, situation but are based on the same Raga. Whats more needed for a director's delight? Whats more surprising is that this movie contains a happy number “Oru naalum unai maravatha” which is also based on the same Sindhubhairavi raga. And we talk about variety. Isn’t Raja a Swaragnani? How can he be so clever to make Oru naalum and Nilave mugam kaattu in the same movie yet not enable the listener to realize that they are based on the same Raaga?

This song is a terrific number rendered by SPB-Janaki combo. Needless to talk about them as they set very high standards everytime they sing together. They live up to it here.

The bestest part I would pick in this number would be the interludes undoubtedly. A stunning masterpiece by genius Raja that will delight listeners for eternity !

Edhu Sugam Sugam Adhu .. Musically Erotic

Dharmavathi has been lapped up by music directors in TFM with ardent support. Raja has given immortal Dharmavathis and Rahman has a couple to his credit too. This is a seductive number in Vandicholai Chinrasu sung by SPB and Vani Jayaram. Quite an unusual song by her but an admirable number. Recording quality of this song deserves a special mention. I use this song to test my earphones and home theater systems. Excellent percussions; great melody and a song that perfectly maintains the “mood” from scratch till end.

Edhu Sugam Sugam Adhu Vendum Vendum

Adhu Dhinam Dhinam Varum Meendum Meendum

Koodum Neram Pala Yugangal Kanangal Aagum

Neengum Neram Sila Kanangal Yugangal Aagum

Vaa Vaa Meendum Meendum Thaalaattu

Vaanam Endhan Tholodu Saayndhadhenna Unnodu

Panju Varna Nenjodu Padukkai Onnu Nee Podu

Saama Vedham Nee Odhu Vaadai Theeyai Thoovum Bodhu

Vaaa Ini Thaangaadhu Thaangaadhu

Kannoram Inneram Sendhooram Undaaga

(Sugam Sugam Adhu )

Kalla Theeyum Onnaachu Kadhal Nenjil Undaachu

Kannil Indru Mullaachu Adhile Thookkam Poyaachu

Paarijaadham Un Dhegam Paarkka Paarkka Bodhai Yerum

Neee Kodu Perinbam Kaiyodu Kai Sera Meiyodu Mei Sera

(Sugam Sugam Adhu )

The bestest part I would pick in this number

Koodum Neram Pala Yugangal Kanangal Aagum

Though the song may not qualify for a family viewing the classical undercurrent certainly melts you. A brilliant number so to say !

Unakenna Mele Nindrai oh nanda lala.. Still a Music competition favorite

MSV has had an unmistakable influence in TFM and this is one of the songs he would feel proud of creating. Unakenna mele ninraai. Vaali’s lyrics, SPB’s rendition makes this song a treat to listen. MSV would have juxtaposed a western bit with this pristine classical melody and boy! Wasn’t it a run-away-hit?

Unakenna Mele Nindrai oh nanda lala
UnadhaaNai Paadugindren naan Romba naala
Thai MAdiyil Pirandhom thamizh Madiyil Valarndhom
NAdiganena Malarndhom

NAadagathil Kalandhom domthathom domthathom…
Paadatha Medai illai Podadha Vesham Illai

Aadatha Medai illai Podadha Vesham Illai

Sindhadha kanneer illai siripukkum panjam illai
Kaal kondu aadum pillai nool kondu Aadum bommai

Un kaiyil andha noola nee sollu Nandhalala !
(Unakenna Mele)
Yaar yaaro nanban yendru yemandha NEnjam undu

Yaar yaaro nanban yendru yemandha NEnjam undu

Poovendru mullai kandu puriyamal nindren indru
Pal pola kallum undu Nirathale Rendum ondru
Naan yenna Kalla Paala Nee sollu Nandha lala
(Unakenna Mele)

This song has stood and will stand the test of time due to the brilliant rendition by SPB which makes this SindhuBhairavi almost unparalleled. My love for this Raga stemmed from this song. Of course Raja has given some divine Sindhubhairavis but this song will remain etched in memories as one of the best SindhuBhairavis. Had only the interludes been as good as Raja’s Muthu mani maalai this song would easily be the best SindhuBhairavi in TFM. Nevertheless a splendid number !

An interesting tit-bit is that MSV had to really plead the director of the movie to place this song in the movie. He confessed this in an interview in a tamil channel. Thank god he insisted so that we are not deprived of one of the best SindhuBhairavis. I fall flat on your feet, MSV sir.

The bestest part I would pick in this number

Un kaiyil andha noola nee sollu Nandhalala !

SPB adores this song and it shows. He has paid back MSV who introduced him to TFM with this song. If a person doesn’t get tears listening to this song he needs to evolve.

Amuthe thamizhe azhagiya mozhiye.. for devout tamils

Songs glorifying tamil are not very common in TFM but some of those which go about doing that are ingrained so much in our memories that they are for us to treasure and rave about. Amudhe Tamizhe azhagiya mozhiye enadhuyire… Need I say more?

sariga sariga sarisari gabagari sariga
sariga sariga sarisari gabagari sariga

amuthe thamizhe azhagiya mozhiye enathuyire
sugam pala tharum thamizh paa (X 2)
suvaiyodu kavithagaL thaa (X 2)
thamizhe naaLum nee paadu (X 2)

theenoorum thevaram isai paattin aathaaram (X 2)
thamizhisaiye thaniyisaiye tharaniyile muthalisaiye
oon mezhugaai urugum karaiyum athil ulagam maranthu
pogum (X 2)
poongguyile ennodu thamizhe naalum nee paadu

ponnalla poovalla porulalla selvanggal (X 2)
kalai palavum payilavarum arivu vaLam perumai tharum
en kanavum ninaivum isaiye isaiyirunthaal maraNamethu (X 2)
en manathil then paaya thamizhe naalum nee paadu

Based on Rasika ranjani raga this is a Tamil/music connoisseur’s delight. P.Suseela and Uma would have sung this song which I believe comes in a situation of a music class. What a song to learn! Both of them would have imbibed the lyrics thoroughly and sung with extreme precision that this song would figure in the best tamil songs(lyrics+tune) of all times.

Very rarely used raga this Rasika ranjani in TFM(recent one is Ethilum ingu from Bharathi) melts you to the core. Written by Pulamai Pithan this song showers encomiums in Tamil that makes every tamilian proud. Incidentally(or calculatedly) he is the lyricist for Ethilum ingu from Bharathi as well. I bow before you sir.

The bestest part I would pick in this number

oon mezhugaai urugum karaiyum athil ulagam maranthu
pogum!

Tamil melts you.. This lyric melts you.. tune melts you and I forget the world! Salute dear Raja!

Aagaaya veNilaave tharai meedhu .. An Ageless melody

Arangetra Velai was a wonderful movie of the 80’s directed by Fazil. His partnership with Raja and Vaali is always the one to watch out for(till Kaatril varum geethame recently). Every music lover adores Aagaya Vennilave song for the sheer brilliance of the melody. What is even more interesting was the point made by Uma in one of the TV shows that the melody follows the 3/4 meter while the percussion is played in 4/4 meter both merging together at 12. Who else other than a genius like Raja could try this?

aagaaya veNilaave tharai meedhu vantha thEnO?
azhahaana aadai soodi arangerum veLai thAnO?
malar soodum koonthale mazhai kaala mEgamai kooda
uravAdum vizhigale iru veLLi meengaLai aada
aagaaya veNilaave tharai meedhu vantha thEnO?
azhahaana aadai sOdi arangerum veLai thAnO?

dEvaara santham koNdu dhinam paadum thendral
poovaaram soodikkoNdu thalai vaasal vanthathintru
thenpANdi mannan entru dhinam meani vaNNam kaNdu
madiyEri vaazhum peNNmai padiyEri vanthathintru
iLaneerum pAlum theanum idhazhOram vaanga vEndum
koduthaalum kaadhal thaabam kuraiyaamal eanga vendum
kadal pOntra Asaiyil madal vaazhai meani thaan Ada
nadu saama vezhaiyil nedu nEram nenjame kooda
(aagaaya veNilaave)

dEvaathi dEvar kootam thudhi pAdum deiva roopam
aadhaadhi dEsamengum oLi veesum kovil deepam
vaadaatha paarijaatham nadai pOdum vaNNa paadham
kELaatha vENu kaanam kiLi pechchi koottak koodum
adiyaaLin jeevan yeari adhihaaram seivathenna?
alangaara deva devi avadhaaram seivathenna?
isai veeNai vaaduthO idhamaana kaigaLil meetta
sudhiyOdu sErumO sugamAna rAgame kaatta
(aagaaya veNilaave)

KJY and Uma have given this number an unmistakable boost with their flawless rendition. These type of songs are typically made-to-taste for Jesudas who has a great command over classical music.

This song is based on Dharbari Kanada raga and the classicism in the song is too good even for the elite musicologists to wonder. Beautiful picturization, measured expressions by Prabhu, Revathi- this song is a delight to hear and watch. This number will be right among the best songs of Raja in my lists.

The bestest part I would pick in this number

iLaneerum pAlum theanum idhazhOram vaanga vEndum
koduthaalum kaadhal thaabam kuraiyaamal eanga vendum
kadal pOntra Asaiyil madal vaazhai meani thaan Ada
nadu saama vezhaiyil nedu nEram nenjame kooda

What do you need more than such songs to smile? An unbelievable number! It took more than a decade for another Dharbari kanada to stand along with this song.. Malare mounama from Karna.. For sure Vidyasagar would go bonkers at this song :) and I do too.. hail Raja !

Poonkadhave thaazh thiravaai.. Musical ecstacy

Raja was the pioneer in experimenting a lot of things in TFM. In spite of not giving pure carnatic classical numbers he has stuck to one Raga throughout the song without being handicapped of improvising on the swaras. Lot of people who have seen the way he composes are flabbergasted at the speed with which he “Writes his music”. It seems that he writes the music for all the accompaniments of vocal as well and gives all of those to the orchestra and when they all play it the song is born and 90% of work is done. What do you call this? Genius in a understatement…

Most of my favorite numbers of Raja are based on Raga Mayamalavagowlai and the song that am going to take today is one of the best Mayamalavgowlai in TFM.

poonkadhavE thaaL thiRavaai poovaai peN paavaai
pon maalai soodidum poovaai peN paavaai

neerOattam pOlOdum aasaik kanavugaL oorgOlam
aahaahaa aanandham aadum ninaivugaL poovaagum
kaadhal dheivam thaan vaazhththum
kaadhalil ooriya dhaagam..mm.
(poonkadhavE thaaL)

thiruth thEgam enakkaagum thEanil nanaindhadhu enn uLLam
ponnaaram poovaazhai aadum thOranam engengum
maalai soodum mangaiyidam
mangaLa vaazhththoli geetham..mm.
(poonkadhavE thaaL)

Inspite of re-using Mayamalavagowlai innumerable times, Raja can still make each Mayamalavagowlai based song stand out with this brilliance. Deepan chakravarthy and Uma Ramanan have tried their best to render this outstanding number. Uma is seriously lucky to get awesome songs of Raja. In a recent TV show when she was asked about who she considers as a legend she immediately said that Raja and just Raja. Such is the greatness of our man.

This movie Nizhalgal marked the entry of Vairamuthu in to filmdom. A great talent that he is, got a right platform to appear- What better than great tunes of Raja?

The bestest part I would pick in this number are the interludes. They sound like pleading you to get mesmerized and they are indeed successful. An outstanding effort quite typical of Raja!

Thenmadurai vaigai nadhi.. a subtle Rajini number :)

Simple pleasing tunes are a rarity today. Raja composed them with amazing regularity during his heydays. Natabhairavi has been one of his frequently used Ragas and the song I am taking today is one such which struck the chord with audience back in 1980s. Its from a movie Dharmathin Thalaivan starring our Superstar and the innocent professor role he plays in the movie is still a delight to watch.

Thenmadurai vaigai nadhi
dhinam paadum thamizh paattu (2)
thaeygindradhu
thaeygindradhu pon maalai nila
thaeyaadhadhu nam aasai nila
idhu vaanam poalae vaazhum paasam

(thenmadurai...)

piLLai poala ennai ingae kaiyil yaendhum dheivam engae
aNNan nalla thandhai neeyae ennai kaathu nee sendraayae
gangai poala kaNNeer koNdu mangai neeyum nindraay ingae
annai poala unnai paarthaen aNNi undhan kaNNeer theerpaen
aNNan vazhi nam paadhai aNNan mozhi nam geethai
aNNan uyir nammoadu endrum varum pinnoadu
nam naesam paasam naaLum vaazhga

(thenmadurai...)

nenjil ennai naaLum vaithu konjum vaNNa thoagai ondru
manjaL maalai maeLam yaavum kaNNil kaaNum kaalam uNdu
poovai soodi pottum vaikka maaman uNdu maanae maanae
uLLam thannai koLLai koNda kaLvan ingu naanae naanae
unnoadu dhaan en jeevan ondraakkinan nam devan
needhaanamma en thaaram maaRaadhamma ennaaLum
indha naesam paasam naaLum vaazhga

(thenmadurai...)

A good natabhairavi, this is, appears to be a western number as Raja uses Piano throughout the song. SPB, Malaysia Vasudevan and Suseela(at the end) have had a ball in this song.

The bestest part I would pick in this number is

Poovai soodi pottum vaikka maaman uNdu maanae maanae
uLLam thannai koLLai koNda kaLvan ingu naanae naanae

Subtle expressions, decent picturization, melting tune isn’t this taking a western scent to the masses? Raja rules !

Udhayaa Udhayaa Ularugirean.. Rahman's Class !

Charukesi, as confessed in one of my previous posts, is one of my favorite ragas.Rahman chose to deliver a mindblowing Charukesi in his imitable style albeit in an inconspicuous movie. Hariharan and Sadhana sargam proved a pair to reckon after SPB/Janaki and in my opinion made the impossible, possible- that is singing this song as Rahman imagined while he created it. Today in music competitions people aim at imitating this song with only a few at least coming to a touching distance to the original. An unbeleivable number!

Udhayaa Udhayaa Ularuhirean
Uyiraal Unayae Yezhudhuhirean
Kaadhal...

Kaadhal...Theendavae.... Kaadhal...Theendavae
Kadal Dhaaham Theendhadhae
Unnalae Thannalae
Udhayaa Udhayaa Ularuhirean
Uyiraal Unayae Yezhudhuhirean
Kaadhal...Kaadhal...Kaadhal...

Un Paadhi Vaazhgirean
Yen Paadhi Thaeygirean
Unnalae Thannalae
Yennalum...

Udhayaa Udhayaa Ularuhirean
Uyiraal Unayae Yezhudhuhirean
Kaadhal...Kaadhal...Kaadhal...

Yennai Kalaiththuvittean
Yen Unnai Adaindhuvittean
Unnai Adaindhadhenaal
Yen Yennai Tholaiththuvittean
Yaenoa Yaenaenoa Thoalaindhean Neendaenoa
Yaenoa Yaenaenoa Meendum Thoalaivaenoa
Aayul Aanavarai
Un Koondhal Iruttil Yen Kizhakku Tholaindhum
Kaadhal...Theendavae

Moochchin Kuzhigalilae...Uyir Ootri Aniththuvaithean
Koochcham Varuhayilae...Udal Maatri Nuzhaindhuvittean
Yaenoa Yaenaenoa Yaedhoa Aanaenoa
Yaenoa Yaenaenoa Neeyaay Aanaenoa
Aayul Aanavanae
Yen Naetri Kaanayil Ootrai Thirandhu
Kaadhal...
Kaadhal...Theendavae... Kaadhal...Theendavae
Kadal Dhaaham Theendhadhae
Unnalae Thannalae
Uyirae Uyirae Ularuhirean
Ulariyum Kavidhaigal Yezhudhuhirean
Udhayaa Udhayaa Ularuhirean
Uyiraal Unayae Yezhudhuhirean
Kaadhal...Kaadhal...

Hariharan really has proved innumerable times that he has the most nimble vocal chord in film music. Its almost impossible to replicate his rendition in this song and Sadhana would have had to be at her best to match him and she does it with élan. Am amazed at the complexity of the tune and even then how can some sing it so flawlessly.. Am really overwhelmed and proud to be in an era when these folks are ruling music world J

The bestest part is almost un-pick-able here. Be it kaadalllllllllllllllllllllllll…. Or Yennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnai Kalaiththuvittean the vocalists have taken us to a blissful world and I really adore this song beyond words.. However I get lost in the ocean of music while i hear

Yaenoa Yaenaenoa Thoalaindhean Neendaenoa
Yaenoa Yaenaenoa Meendum Thoalaivaenoa
Aayul Aanavarai

What a song!

Thendral vanthu enai thodum.. Need i say more?

It is impossible to pick top 3 or 5 numbers of Raja. Maximum feasible effort would be to pick top 50 or 100 because right at the top there is almost no way we can categorize a few songs as the best. Is it possible to compare two blissful feelings? At least This song definitely deserves its rightful place at the top as acknowledged by Raja himself in an Interview.

Thendral vanthu enai thodum

ha ha satham indri mutham idum

pagaley poividuu iravey pai kodu

nilavey paneerai thuvi oaiiveduu

thendral vanthu enai thodum

ha ha satham indri mutham idum

thural podum inneram

tholil sainthal podhum

saral paadum sangeetham

kalgal thalam podum

theriinthaa piraguu thiraigal edarku

ninainthaa piraguu nanam edharku

marbil saaiuum podhuu

thendral vanthu enai thodum

ha ha satham indri mutham idum

pagaley poividuu iravey pai kodu

nilavey paneerai thuvi oaiiveduu

thendral vanthu enai thodum

ha ha satham indri mutham idum

degham engum minsaram painthatheno anbaey

mogam vandhu en marbil vizhnthathenoo kaney

malarnda kodiyoo mayangi kidakum

idazhin rasangal enaku pidikum

saram oorum neram

thendral vanthu enai thodum

ha ha satham indri mutham idum

pagaley poividuu iravey pai kodu

nilavey paneerai thuvi oaiiveduu

thendral vanthu enai thodum

ha ha satham indri mutham idum

Composed in Hamsanadham raga, this has the ability to elicit tears when you hear it. KJY and Janaki have sung it with admirable comfort that this song is a delight for singers in competitive music fests. Amazing classical current has been maintained throughout the song and this is really a listener’s delight.

Mohan has been the lucky actor to get most of Raja’s awe inspiring numbers and this one is just too melting. He owes his life to Raja.. :) isn't it?

My “bestest pick” in the song would be the interlude before charanams.

Thoroughly inspired from this song is one of the recent title songs in Sun TV teleserial “Malargal” – Arisi maavaale kolam podu. This Raga is known for its beauty and we have other amazing hamsanadhams in TFM as well. Whatever comes in future, this song of Raja will continue to inspire composers and listeners even after 50 years from now.

Quoting a phrase I head somewhere “Manidhanaga pirantha ovvoruvarum alli alli paruga vendiya Amrudhamada idhu”. Just do not miss this song!

Thaiyatha thaiyatha thaiya thaiyathaa.. a bharadwaj musical feast

Long long ago, in doordarshan during the advent of Mega-serials there used to be a long yet decent(unlike what we have now) serial named as Vizhudhugal. The title song of that serial is a very sweet Kalyani that even today I hum it occasionally. Why I say this is that, it was the first time I got to listen to a composition from (Ramani) Bharadwaj. I should say he is brilliant in patches for some of this songs are so good that it exceeds his average quality by a long mile.

Thaiyatha thaiyatha thaiya thaiyathaa
paiyya thaa paiyya thaa panju mutham thaa
uyir vaazhgira varaikkum unakke madi koduppen
ini oar janmam irundhal unakke meendum pirappen
unadhu kanavil ninaivil uruvil naane endrum iruppaeeen

Thaiyatha thaiyatha thaiya thaiyathaa
paiyya thaa paiyya thaa panju mutham thaa

Nilangal udaindhu poonalum nizhalgal udaivadhillai
nesam paasam nijamaanadhu
mazhayil kiligal nanaindhaalum saaya poovadhillai
anbe nam kaadhal adhu poondradhu
pennukku peraasai veru ondrum illai
sonnadhu seyidhaale nigar yedhum illai
nee urudhiyaanavan yen urimaiyaanavan
pasi rusiyai pagal iruvai pagindhu kollum thalaivan

Thaiyathaaa thaiyatha thaiyatha thaiya thaiyathaa
paiyya thaa paiyya thaa panju mutham thaa

Piravi vandhu poonalum uravu murivathillai
uyirai uyiraal murukketravaa
unnai poondra anbaalan yaarku vaaiku meendum
udalai udalaal kulippaatavaa
oruganam nee yennai pirinthaalum kannaa
maruganam naan unnai serum varam vendum
unnai irukki anaikkiraen uyir nuraikka rasikkiren
anu anuvaai unai pizhandhu yen aayul adaippen

Saadhana Sargam- In my opinion the best import for TFM from north India. She’s my favorite non-south singer and comes in my top 3 best women singers that we have(along with Sujatha and Chithra). So mellifluous and so complete her singing is that its purely a delight. To put it simply no one could have sang this song better. The high pitch rendition of the song has been delivered flawlessly by this genius of a singer and the rich tune really deserves kudos.

This song is a sublime Charukesi number. I am very fond of this Raga and Bharadwaj has certainly given his best here that he proves he is a noticeable entity in TFM

The bestest part I would pick in this mesmerizing number is

oruganam nee yennai pirinthaalum kannaa
maruganam naan unnai serum varam vendum
unnai irukki anaikkiraen uyir nuraikka rasikkiren
anu anuvaai unai pizhandhu yen aayul adaippen

Though am not quite convinced at the way the song has been picturized, it still is a song for me to adore. Hats off to Bharadwaj to give a pure classical number in this age. Wish he does this more in time to come...

Janani janani... Jagam nee Agam nee

This song could have been my first post. In all Ilayaraja’s live-on-stage concerts he would start with this song for it sets the divine platform for the concert to follow. I guess even he knows that this is his best song in his extraordinary career. This song will go down in the annals of TFM as one of the most profound compositions. A blog is not enough to express what you “experience” when you hear this song. Janani Janani from Thaai mookambigai. Need I say more?

Shivah shakthya yukto yadi bhavati shaktah prabhavitum
Na chedevam devo na khalu kusalah spanditumapi
Atas tvam aradhyam Hari-Hara-Virinchadibhir api
Pranantum stotum vaa katham akrta-punyah prabhavati

janani janani jagam nee agam nee
jagath kaarani nee paripoorani nee
jagath kaarani nee paripoorani nee

oru maan mazhuvum siru koon piraiyum
sadai vaar kuzhalum pidai vaaganamum
konda naayaganin kulir dhegaththilae
ninra naayagiyae ida baagaththilae
jagan moahini nee simma vaahini nee
jagan moahini nee simma vaahini nee


janani janani jagam nee agam nee
jagath kaarani nee paripoorani nee
jagath kaarani nee paripoorani nee


chathur vaedhangalum panja boodhangalum
shan maarkkangalum saptha theerththangalum
ashta yoagangalum nava yaagangalum
thozhum poongadalae malai maamagalae
alai maa magal nee kalai maa magal nee
alai maa magal nee kalai maa magal nee

janani janani jagam nee agam nee
jagath kaarani nee paripoorani nee
jagath kaarani nee paripoorani nee

swarna raegaiyudan svayamaagi vandha
linga roopiniyae mookambigaiyae
pala sthothirangal dharma saasthirangal
panindhe thuvathum mani nethirangal
sakthi peedamum nee sarva moatchamum nee
sakthi peedamum nee sarva moatchamum nee
sakthi peedamum nee sarva moatchamum nee

janani janani jagam nee agam nee
jagath kaarani nee paripoorani nee
jagath kaarani nee paripoorani nee.

Starting with soundarya lahari composed by the great Aadi Sankara himself this song is filmed in the movie as sung by Aadi Sankara on Mookambigai. A devotional masterpiece composed in Kalyani can move even the most immovable heart. This song is a synonym of Bhakthi.

Raja sings this song himself. Though I should say that a more professional singer could have rendered the song slightly better I guess he deserved the honor of singing it for the flawless spiritual quotient he has and exhibits in this song.

Lyrics are out of the world as much as the tune. Usage of Veena and Flute gives you such a pleasure that when you close your eyes(which you automatically do when you hear this song) you feel you are near God. J

The bestest part I would pick in this number is the place where Raja goes aaaaaaaaaaaaa…. before Sakthi peetamum nee….

Its an unforgettable and inimitable song. Period !

Atrai thingal vaanidam.. One bright spot in a soporific movie

I guess Vidyasagar has taken the sole ownership of outstanding Dharbari Kaanada numbers in TFM and this song is the latest mesmerizing (Dharbari) Kaanada from the movie Sivappadhikaram. In an otherwise ordinary movie this song gets you hooked to it so tight that when I came out of the theater nothing else in the movie stayed in my mind. I was literally drooling over the tune and here it is.

Atrai thingal vaanidam alli chendo neeridum
sutrum thendral poovidam surkum raagam yaazhidum
kaanigindra kaadhal ennidum naan thaedigindra yaavum unnidum

adithoda mudithoda aasai perigida naerum palavidha paribhashai
podi pada podi pada naanam podi pada kaetkum manadhinil uyirosai
mudi thoda mugam thoda moaagam muzhkida vaeeerkum mudhuginil ithihaasam
urugida urugia yaekkum urugida koodum analidhu kulur veesum
kulunginean udal koosida kiranginean viral meithida
mayanginean sugam seirndhida thalimbinean enai nee thoda paaindhida aaindhida

kaanigindra kaadhal ennidum naan thaedigindra yaavum unnidum

atrai thingal vaanidam alli chendo neeridum
sutrum thendral poovidam surkum raagam yaazhidum

udal yedhu udai yedhu thaedum nilai idhu kaadhal kadanidhu adayadhu
iravedhu pagaledhu thengum sugamidhu saagum varayilum mudiyadhu
kanavedhu ninaivedhu keatkum pozhudhidhu kaamappasi vara adangaadhu
valamedhu idhamidhu vaattum kadhayidhu thendum varayilum vizhangaadhu
nadungallam kulir vaadayil adangalaam unadhu aadayil
thayangalaam idaivaelayil urangalaam adhikaalayil koodalil koodalil

After Malare mounama, Nee Kaatru, Ore Manam Vidyasagar proves he can still churn outstanding Dharbari kaanadas through this song. Madhu Balakrishnan proves he is a perfect foil of KJY and he is so close to perfection. Sujatha’s voice can only get younger with time. She continues to astound me with how fresh she can sound in every song she sings. An absolute singing sensation that she is, Vidyasagar would have not hesitated for a millisecond to rope her to sing for him here. Even in low pitch she brings out the beauty of the tune perfectly and overall a perfect performance in all counts. Amazing percussions and very adept handling of the Raga makes this song very very special..

The bestest part I would pick in this number is

kulunginean udal koosida kiranginean viral meithida
mayanginean sugam seirndhida thalimbinean enai nee thoda paaindhida aaindhida

Vidyasagar sir! Enough of Kuthu songs.. Get back to what you do best… Scintillate us with such soul touchers!