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KAVIYARASU KANNADASAN

Topic started by On behalf of Sankar (@ 210.186.51.129) on Mon Dec 30 07:11:34 EST 2002.
All times in EST +10:30 for IST.

Kaaviyathayin Illaya magan
Kadhal Pengalin Perun thalaivan
Paamara jaadiyil thani manidan – naan
Padaippadhanal yen per Iraivan

Naan Manida jaadiyai aati vaipen – avar
Maandu vital adhai paadi vaipen
NAAN NIRANDARAM AANAVAN AZHIVADILAI
ENDA NILAYILUM ENAKKU MARANAM ILLAI

These are the great lines of Kaviyarasu Kannadasan in the movie Ratha Thilakam where he acts in the movie singing these lines. ( Song.. Oru Koopayilae yen kudiyiruppu)

What a visionary he was ? Indeed, he is NIRANDARAMAANAVAN.

I share some of my observations about Kavingyar. I want all the fans of HIM to join this discussion and add more quality material in praise of his great works.
This is the only way we pay tributes to this GENIUS.
WILL WE EVER GET BACK A KAVINGYAR LIKE KANNADASAN ??

Read the complete opening post here.

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Responses:

• Old responses
  
• From: R.Mahendra Raj (@ 210.186.1.38) on: Mon Mar 31 05:36:34 EST 2003
  
  Hi! folks it was my biggest birthday gift ever to get a permanent place in this hub. Some ten years ago on my birthday anniversary I woke up in the morning to hear the song "Nenjam undu neyrmai undu odu Raja" ('En Annan' 1970)on the radio. I felt as though kaviarasar had written this song for me on my birthdaye anniverary as I was in full energy mode and till todate I cherished it. Almost a decade later today (31.3.2003) this surprise gift! Thank you bb and all you folks for the booster which will definitely see me poring over past materials re-kaviarasar to post it here.
  
  A minor digression from the norm.
  
  When the late Usila Mani (the over weight and betel-chewing supporting actor)was betrothed to a distant relative through a proxy arrangement the prospective in-laws wanted to see a photograph of him. They wanted it to be dispatched to them urgently. Seeing that he had no photos of himself and since his future in-laws wanted it urgently he hit upon this idea of sending kaviarasar's to them. The in-laws after seeing the photo agreed to the marriage. It seems that during his younger days Usila Mani used to look like kaviarasar hence this substitute photo! So kaviarasar had also unwittingly aided an artiste through a mere photograph!
  
  When KBalachandar and kaviarasar were sitting to discuss and write the situational songs for 'Mazhalai Pattaalam' (1981) Laxmi, the actress who tried her hands with her maiden venture as directress of this movie, was with them.(KB was the overall supervisor for this film) After a few minutes she begged to be excused as she felt that she had no role in the discussion between KB and kaviarasar. Kaviarasar told her to stay put by saying that she was the 'inspiration' for this discussion! No wonder he was a ladies' man!
  
  When kaviarasar went to see a distinguished friend who was holding a very high academic position in the ICS he saw the door of the house closed. He then knocked on the door and from inside he could hear the voice of his friend asking in English as to the identity of the knocker. Kaviarasar shot back in English too- "An outstanding poet is standing outside!" A rare tribute in English about himself indeed!
  
  His knowledge of English is fairly good and I am still perplexed as to his choice of words in this language for a man educated in Tamil and that too till the 8th standard. He paid tribute to MGR by saying that the initials 'MG' in MG Ramachandran's name stands for 'magnamity' and 'generosity'.
  
  He was inspired by Shakespeare's "Let sleep thwine on your eyes" to come out with the song "Thookam un kangalil thazhavattumae" ('Aalayamani' 1963). "Know thyself" by Socrates was another inspiration he had used for the song "Unnai arinthaal nee unnai arinthaal" ('Vettaikkaaran' 1964).
  
  During his first overseas visit to Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) he put up with his friend Rasadurai and former minister (later Sri Lanka High Commissioner to Malaysia till 1994)in his house. Although given the guest room kaviarasar preferred to be billetted in the library which was well stocked with all kinds of books. It was here that he began to get interested in the English language. He had also a fair knowledge of Sanskrit.
  
  After the death of CN Annadurai (Chief Minister Tamil Nad 1967-1969)he had this strange premonition of his own death. This prompted him to pen his own obituary in poem which was utilised 12 years later when he died. I cannot remember of anyone writing his or her own obituary.
  
  More next folks!
  
  
  
  
• From: geeth (@ 213.121.248.170) on: Mon Mar 31 05:42:34 EST 2003
  
  bb, that was a wonderful thing to bring this thread on the front page. it deserves that spot and many thanx for it.
  
  but will have to visit this thread also for mani's postings - soodu pidikuthu intha thread. details of 1957 election are very nice to read.
  
  
• From: geeth (@ 213.121.248.170) on: Mon Mar 31 05:48:20 EST 2003
  
  when i was typing my post your last one (above) was not there mahendraraj. many happy returns of the day. may you enjoy every moment of your life.
  
  
• From: Prabhu (@ 202.54.40.210) on: Mon Mar 31 06:02:04 EST 2003
  
  Mr. Mahen, many happy returns for the day :)
  BTW, its not just you getting gifts today! I've sending your articles to many tamil movie fans worldwide and they are asking for more :-)
  Do carry on your illustrious service and more power to your pen.
  
  
• From: Rajesh G (@ 167.202.196.72) on: Mon Mar 31 11:24:19 EST 2003
  
  Dear Mahendra Raj,
  
  Wish you a wonderful b'day and many more returns of the day (so that we could enjoy for more years as well !!) I am one of the RRRs (regular read-only readers) of this site and a great fan of Kannadhasan. You are doing a great job here and Keep going !
  
  
• From: KB (@ 168.122.12.172) on: Mon Mar 31 12:24:45 EST 2003
  
  Dear Mahendra Raj,
  Wish u a Great b'day.I too am one of the RRRs & am enjoying immensly ,this thread.I greatly appreciate your educating people like me abt. the GREAT MAN.
  
  
• From: Saravanan (@ 213.42.1.171) on: Mon Mar 31 12:43:26 EST 2003
  
  Pirandhanaal Vaazhthukkal, Mahendra Raj sir! Hope you enjoy your b'day!
  
  Please continue with your awesome memoirs of Kannadasan. Best Wishes.
  
  
• From: Ram (@ 165.250.91.73) on: Mon Mar 31 12:53:00 EST 2003
  
  Mahendra Raj, Happy birthday... Many many happy returns of the day. You are doing a wonderful job in this forum and please continue this great work.
  
  
• From: bb (@ 206.154.118.2) on: Mon Mar 31 16:55:51 EST 2003
  
  Happy birthday, Mahendra Raj.
  Manisegaran, can you suggest some books by Kannadasan where he has described his relationship with Karunanidhi in detail?
  
  
• From: s0 (@ 139.95.250.2) on: Mon Mar 31 17:06:25 EST 2003
  
  Mahendra Raj Sir. Pirandha naal vaazhthukkal.
  
  on the same topic, any interesting incidents on Kannadasan's birthday (when is it?)? or have you written about them already?
  
  
• From: Manisekaran (@ 61.6.39.139) on: Mon Mar 31 18:19:55 EST 2003
  
  Dear Mahendraraj,
  
  Happy Birthday. Please come to Ampang Street this Friday. I will give you a birthday treat. You deserve it more now than before for the good contribution.
  
  bb,
  
  One has to read almost all books by Kannadasan and numerous articles by Kannadasan to retrieve all these details. But Vanavasam, Manavasam, Cinemavilo 30 Aandukal, Enathu Vasantha Kalam, Enathu Suya Saritham are good enough. I have vinyl records and cassettes containing talks by old timers like Karunanithi, Kannadasan and Anna. Some information are from the horses mouth itself. There are ardent fans of Kannadsan in Malaysia such as Mahendraraj himself who take great pride and pleasure in storing and treasuring rare and detailed information on Kannadasan.
  
  Regards,
  
  Manisekaran
  
  
• From: haris (@ 148.87.1.170) on: Mon Mar 31 20:36:14 EST 2003
  
  Manisekaran- Can you please digitize the talks by the old timers and post it in the internet? That is, if you have time and there is no copyright issues involved. It will be useful for the future generation. (why suthi valaichify? I would like to hear them... ). Thanks a lot to Manisekaran, MahendraRaj.
  
  
• From: Prabhu (@ 202.54.40.210) on: Mon Mar 31 23:07:30 EST 2003
  
  s0, KD's stats are Jun 24, 1924 to Oct 17, 1981 I think.(Same bday as me, but thats another matter :-))
  
  
• From: s0 (@ 63.246.166.72) on: Mon Mar 31 23:18:19 EST 2003
  
  thanks Prabhu. I am amazed by your (& others') ability to remember all these details.
  
  
• From: Manisekaran (@ 61.6.39.139) on: Tue Apr 1 01:21:31 EST 2003
  
  
  
  Kannadasan did noit even complete his studies. He is a very widely read person, and as Mahendraraj has rightly pointed out, his memory power is something to envy about. He never prepares his talks. His ideas flow like gushing water as soon as he holds the mic. He is a wide reader of English books too. He is a fluent speaker in the Enchlish Language too. I have with me a vinyl record, containing a talk that he delivered at a Thirukkural function. One part of the talk is in simple and moving English. He relates how these days the modern women fix Shanthi Mohoortham for their husbands. He quotes in English how the modern girls would speak to their husbands on wedding night:
  
  "Hello Darling. I am going to the ladies club and I will be back at nine o clock. You please wait for me in the bedroom"
  
  I remember there was a poem written by Francis William Bourdillon (1852-1921)
  
  The night has a thousand eyes,
  And the day but one;
  Yet the light of a bright world dies
  When day is done.
  
  The mind has a thousand eyes,
  And the heart but one;
  Yet the light of a whole life dies
  When love is done.
  
  
  This song was translated into Tamil for the film Kulamakal Raathai as follows:
  
  Iravukku Aayiram Kangal
  Pagalukku Onne Onne
  Arivukku Aayiram Kangal
  Uravukku Onne Onnu
  
  I think this is by kannadasan.
  
  In many other Tamil songs too Kannadasan has used much English words.
  
  Oh Little flower, see your lover-(Neelavaanam)
  
  Twinkle twingkle little star how I wonder what you are (Thanga Pathakkam)
  
  He has written Othello Drama in Tamil in one of his movies.
  
  Such efforts indicate that kannadasan is learned and lettered in the English language.
  
  Haris,
  
  I am not able to digitize those talks by the old timers. I dont have the means. But if you are passing through Malaysia I can give you copies.
  
  Thanks and regards,
  
  Manisekaran
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• From: R.Mahendra Raj (@ 210.186.0.108) on: Tue Apr 1 05:02:41 EST 2003
  
  Hi! folks. When I casually mentioned about the birthday gift little did I expect to be flooded with felicitations from all of you! I did'nt intend that but anyway my heartfelt thanks to all of you for the wonderful wishes.
  
  I must be very candid as to how I became attached to kaviarasar within a short span of time only lest there are expectations beyond my capacity. A bit of history first.
  
  Somewhere in 1973 on a rainy late Sunday evening my friends and I were killing our time drinking in a favourite corner lot coffee shop. It was the norm those days when entertainment for youngsters like us were limited to watching movies and binging on firewater only! Another casual friend walked in and told us that as he was passing he saw Kannadhasan speaking at a function held at the Sangeetha Abivirthi Sabha for an elite audience just across the coffee shop. He persuaded all of us to join him to hear Kannadhasan speak.
  
  Although we only know Kanndhasan as a film song writer his ranking in our eyes was definitely very much lower than MGR, Shivaji or Gemini Ganesh. It was a hero-oriented industry at that time and we were used to see action not literary talents. Secondly like me all my friends were from the English medium schools. Tamil was only spoken sparingly in homes and further enhanced through radio broadcasts and movies only. Whatever the written Tamil we know was picked up along the way by reading weekly magazines like 'Kumudham' 'Ananda Vikatan' etc.
  
  Grudgingly we all joined this senior friend as we were half way through with our drinks.
  
  When we went there we saw a full house of audience and the session was about to end and we had to stand at the back row.
  
  The first thing to strike me most was the towering figure of Kannadhasan when he was addressing to the hushed audience made up of the elite group. He was speaking on the topic of Indian classical music. He said that music was held in high reverence by the people of India so much so that flutists (nadeswaram players) and drummers used to be summoned to play on the parched rice fields. He emphasised that the power of music was such that it can accelerate the growth of the paddy or hasten the ripening of fruits and vegetables. Suddenly he interjected and quipped that he had this nagging doubt in him. The musicians are mostly bald headed and if the power of music was such why could'nt it help those poor baldies with hair growth since they are the ones creating it (the power of music for growth)!
  
  Aha, that instant I knew this man is full of humour and can relate to us the younger generation who love fun, wit and humour. Before this incident I was under the impression that he must be a serious man like his predecessors (Bharathi, Bharathidasan etc.) where poets were regarded as somber.
  
  
  There were security guards assigned to cover him and seeing this one of my friends challenged me to get an autograph of him for a quarter of course. My immediate response was "whats so great about Kannadhasan when I could get one from MGR in Kuala Lumpur in 1970 (thats another story)?". I straightaway walked up to the podium when Kannadhasan just finished his speech and the audience was applauding him. We met half-way and I tapped him on the shoulder.(I could smell liquor and he must have smelt mine too!) He looked up at me and I gave him my pen and a piece of rough paper for him to put his dhoby mark. He looked at me with a half smile and remarked "ithu verayaa?" ("this too?"). He sisgned and handed it back to me.
  
  Thats it, the crowd came surging forward to get theirs but fortunately or unfortunately Kannadhasan was whisked away by the security personnel through the backdoor. Except for myself no others in the audience had this opportunity - all because of a friendly challenge and with the firewater in me!. That was the first and last brief encounter with the man who only later became my idol. I used to think how nice it would have been to have engaged in an intellectual discussion with him now being his ardent fan had he been alive.
  
  Later, after two decades I happened to acquaint with the organiser who was responsible for bringing kaviarasar for the above function. He told me that just an hour before this function he was held up in a massive traffic jam and could'nt be on time at the hotel where kaviarasar was staying to fetch him to the Sabha function.
  
  Kaviarasar had had some drinks earlier and was also not in the right mood to attend the function. But one of the locals who was with him reminded him that the audience is a different kettle of fish altogether made up of profesionals and that it was anxiously awaiting him.
  
  When he was about to leave the hotelier slapped kaviarasar with the bill for the 3 days' stay at the hotel which the local organiser was supposed to have settled. Faced with this embarrasing situation he dug into his pocket (shirt of course) and had just enough to settle the same.
  
  This organiser told me that he had had experiences with artistes coming from India who usually take advantage of the former by incurring high hotel expenditures but kaviarasar was different altogether. He could have opted to call off his scheduled appointment at the Sabha and stayed put until the organiser arrived. But he paid with his own money to save further embarrasment. This was indeed a rare occurence. The organiser reimbursed him later, of course, and extended his apologies.
  
  It was only in the mid eighties when I was undergoing a terrible phase in my life (bad planetary positions escpecially Saturn's 7 1/2 year transit) I became seriously involved with kaviarasar's works. My late father's colleague saw me drinking one day and he invited me to join him to visit the local book shop. There he took me to the section where the full set of "Arthamulla Hindu matham" were stacked up. He asked me to buy one set and assured that I would find some relief in it rather than on drinking. (Later I just gave up this habit and I am a teetoler for the last 15 years). His books and songs had indeed made me see life in its proper perspective. Like me I am sure there are many out there who have had similar experiences.)
  
  True enough when I started to read it later I found that kaviarasar was talking to me instead of me reading his works! Such was the magic. One book led me to another and so on and one. I became addicted to his books. It was also from this period that I became very attentive to kaviarasar's songs also which I could relate to with the predicament and turmoil I was undergoing then. Within a short span of time I managed to buy nearly all of his books or those which related to him. Inquiries from those who had had associated with him also served to enhance my knowledge on this great soul. Whenever a piece about him is published in the weekly magazines, newspapers or any written materials I immediately underline them so that I could memorise it. Thats all I did and am still doing. I never kept any of those for me. All the weeklies are passed on to friends and relatives.
  
  When this thread was going serious I started to rummage through the stack of books to refresh my memory from kaviarasar's books but, alas ,I find that there only about 20 left. Even the cassettes used for recording the 'Kannadhasan Neram' aired over the radio also seem to be missing. Probably visitors to my house must have taken both the books and the cassettes and are still keeping it! (Many of them are poor in mathematics but good book-keepers!!)
  
  Whatever I am posting here is out of memory. However, rest assured, with kaviarasar's spirit and as a social service I will do my best to retrieve the info for everyone's benefit.
  
  See you later folks and thanks once again for the warm felicitations and sorry if I had to bore all of you with my personal experience!
  
  
  
  

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