Home   Forum   Wiki   Notes   Register   FAQ   Sitemap   About Us   Contact Us  

A JOURNEY WITH K.V. MAHADEVAN

Topic started by Manisekaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on Fri Jun 14 01:54:38 EDT 2002.
All times in EST +10:30 for IST.

This is an effort, in a modest way, to trace the great contributions of KVM to the Tamil Film Music. As Tamil Film songs originate from the Tamil films, I am aslo taking the liberty of discussing the background of the films where KVM had comsposed- with the intention of adding spice. I believe this article would serve as a nostalgic tonic to the fans of old songs.

---

Responses:

• Old responses
  
• From: Ramki (@ 65.238.69.125) on: Sun Jun 30 20:44:40 EDT 2002
  
  Manisekaran if possible, could you also write about another great song form thiruvarutchelvar..I dont remember the starting lines but it was picturised on Nagesh, Manorama and Sivaji(who will play a 'Vannan's role). This song had very good lyrics by Kavignar.
  
  Sorry for the interruption
  
  
• From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Sun Jun 30 21:24:43 EDT 2002
  
  RAMKI,
  
  May be you are talking of this song by TMS, AL Ragavan,SC Krishnan,LR Eswary and chorus:
  
  Aathu Vellam Kaathirukkuthu
  Azhukku Thuniyum Nirainjirukkuthu
  Pottu Kasakki Eduthuvittaa Vellaiyappaa-Nallaa Pulinju Karayil Kayavachaa Vellaiyappaa
  
  
  Manasu Pola Veluthuy Vachu
  Uravu Pola Adukki Vachu
  VAravap Pola Moottai Katti Vellaiyappa-Naama Varavu Vaikkum Naanayanthaan VEllaiappaa
  
  Sorry cannot remember any more. It is a long song.I do not hear this song anymore in radios.
  
  Thanks,
  
  Manisegaran
  
  
  
  
  
  
• From: kiru (@ 192.138.150.249) on: Sun Jun 30 22:40:40 EDT 2002
  
  Manisegaran Saar, your writeup kindles some nostalgic memories. I have heard thiruvilaiyAdal dialogues and songs umpteen times, but I have not seen it. I even as a kid acted as nakkeeran in a school drama based on this movie !! though I did not become a super star :)..I can visualise what a great piece of art that movie was..People like KVM, shivAji and kannadAsan are great sons of our soil..whose works will help us cherish their lives for generations to come.
  
  
• From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Sun Jun 30 23:00:40 EDT 2002
  
  Kiru,
  
  I am happy you enjoy these postings.
  The Nakkeeran- Sivan scene had been acted by Sivaji in two films.
  
  First - in a drame scene in Naan Petra Selvam Sivaji acts as Sivan and Nakkeeran as well-double role.
  
  In Thiruvilayaadal Sivaji acts as Sivan and APN acts as Nakkeeran. Nagesh does very well as Dharumy. He did so well that people feared that Sivaji may ask the scene to be removed. But Sivaji approved the scene as Nagesh pushed Sivaji to do even better.
  
  The dialogue in Thiruvilayaadal is apparently far more superior in flow, style and eloquence.
  
  Fully agree that these three among, many others would ever be cherished by the present generation and generations yet unborn.
  
  Thanks for following the article.
  
  Manisegaran
  
  
• From: kiru (@ 64.173.9.199) on: Mon Jul 1 02:50:49 EDT 2002
  
  Sir, we are the ones indebted to your writings. Please continue your service. (Though, I feel, film as an art, has been turned into an 'entertainment history'..maybe this is western culture..everything is for sale..packaged/sold..but I am digressing)
  
  
• From: Ramki (@ 161.150.2.250) on: Mon Jul 1 07:48:45 EDT 2002
  
  Manisegaran, thanks a lot.
  
  
• From: Sriram Lakshman (@ 195.188.191.69) on: Mon Jul 1 12:34:35 EDT 2002
  
  While we are at it, some more of it :). It is interesting to note the styles adopted by Naushad (who always preferred pre-written lyrics, note, I said preferred), MSV and the man himself KVM, with respect to setting lyrics to tunes. Their respective talents came to the fore when they were presented with all the lines pertaining to the same santham.An ordinary composer would cook up a simplistic and a mediocre tune under these conditions, but the above three used this opportunity to fill the tune with variations and different types of presentations of the same santham, at times obliterating it. Exciting...is the word. Check out Naushad's Holi song in 'kOhinoor' 'ranglO ji' (esp the stanza whose lines fell into the same metre, a very simplistic one at that (written by Shakeel Badayuni)). Note how Naushad takes it along with unpredictable variations and makes it into an enjoyable number, a far cry from the other typical Holi songs. Another case, the stanza in MSV's 'veLLi maNi OsayilE' in 'iru malargaL'. The stanza written by Vali, considering the metre alone is very uninspiring, 'maNi viLakkAi nAn eriya, mALigayAi....' ...it goes on, in the same metre. The movements imparted to the tune with sangathis are very innovative here. Now, coming to KVM, there is this classic in Maand raagam in 'pAvai viLakku', 'Ayiram kaN pOthAthu vaNNakkiLiyE', sung by CSJ. The stanza is a four liner (literally) with the same metre but is presented with gusto by KVM. The last line esp., KVM could have ended it plainly and it would have still sounded good, but goes on to make CSJ repeat it with the last word being stretched with powerful gamakams to finds its way back to the pallavi. Blessed indeed are the listeners.Hats Off to KVM!!! A similar feature is implemented in the stanzas of 'kaLLa malar sirippilE' by PS and many more !!!
  
  
• From: Sriram Lakshman (@ 195.188.191.69) on: Mon Jul 1 13:32:26 EDT 2002
  
  So MSV chooses 'mannavan vanthAnadi' as the best composition in kalyani? I choose 'amuthum thEnum etharkku' and I remember Manisegaran mentioning that KVM himself ranks it as one of his best. My taste matches with KVM's :) One needs to only dismiss the tune off one's mind and cast a glance at the lyrics. What a classic tune that has been weaved out of a stifling metre !!! That too with different tunes for the stanzas. However, this multiple tune feature is something that we have come to expect from Mama.
  
  
• From: Vicky (@ 12.89.76.109) on: Mon Jul 1 15:40:17 EDT 2002
  
  Sriram: "Amudhum Thenum" is one of the masterpieces of "Arumai Mama". SG's voice is voluptuous and very divine, especially the "aalapana" in between...what an exotic treat to our ears and soul and to the ardent followers of classical music. I guess he delivered it in his own SG style. I regret that we dont get to hear the voice (PS, SG,PLeela), composition and the genius of the composer like KVM .....Gone are those days.....
  
  
• From: CM (@ 128.107.253.42) on: Mon Jul 1 15:59:18 EDT 2002
  
  Mani sir,
  Also a notable gem of the movie Thiruvarutchelvar was the sundarar song "sithamellam ennakku sivamayamey" especially the lilting "iraivaaa". The song set in sindhibhairavi ifIam correct was a big hit and even TMS had mentioned how moved he was singing that song. Even today whenever I hear that particular line nijamaave meisilirkudhu. Another song that had me inthe same state is another KVM song from Kanthan Karunai "Solla Solla inikuthada". Im sure that you are going to broach upon that movie too.
  
  
• From: kiru (@ 192.138.150.249) on: Mon Jul 1 17:17:22 EDT 2002
  
  I listened to mannavan vanthAnadi and amudhum thenum at work. Wow..wow..Which one is better ? hmm..mannavan vanthAnadi surely beats the other song in terms of orchestration, sense of rhythm etc. Overall it is a grand song..with that fantastic prelude.This is probably what biased MSV (who has much interest in orchestration) in favor of this song.
  
  We seem to be time travelling with this series by Manisegaran..What an idyllic era !!! I do miss these kind of songs..(actually developing an allergy toward the current film music. I am only buying old albums these days)
  
  
• From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Mon Jul 1 19:36:20 EDT 2002
  
  CM,
  
  I have mentioned in passing the song Pitha Pirai Choodi - Sundarar Devaram.Unable to give all the lines, as it will carry this article too far and wide. But if you really need, I can provide the lyrics. Please let me know.
  
  AMUTHUM THENUM
  
  
  Amuthum Thenum Etharku-Nee
  Aruginil Irukkayile Enakku
  
  Aruvi Tharum Kulir Neer Anbey Inimel
  Athuvum Sudu Neer Aagum Namakku
  Athuvum Sudu Neer aagum Namakku
  
  (Amuthum Thenum)
  
  Nilavin Nizhalo Nin Vathanam
  Minnum Nilai Kannadiyo Unthan Kannam
  Malayil Piravaa Maamaniye Naan
  Koiyum Koiyaa Kaniye
  Vaan Amuthum Thenum Etharku
  
  
  Vizhiyale kaathal Kathai Pesu
  Malar Kaiyale Santhanam Veesu
  Thamizh Mozhi Pole Suvaiyoottum Senthene
  Udal Naan Uyir Nee Thaane
  Vaan Amuthum Thenum Etharku
  Nee Aruginili Irukkayile Enakku.
  
  (Hope the lines are correct)
  
  
  KVM himself told me of the many songs he had composed, this , Malarkal Nanainthana Paniyale (Idhaya Kamalam) and Kalai Magal Kai POrule (Vasantha Maligai) remain some of his best.
  
  When Suratha the lyricist for the above song was with me in Malaysia in November 1987, he said he won praises from thousands in appreciation of the Uvamaikal used in this song.
  
  Seergazhi Govidarajan and Dr. Siva Chidambaram came to my house in 1986 and took away (I gave away) the entire audio cassette collection of Sergazhi's songs after he listened to this song. He himself used to sing this song at carnatic song functions- during the second half in order to cater for people of all ranges.
  
  Thanks,
  
  Manisegaran
  
  
  
• From: kik (@ 207.0.105.197) on: Mon Jul 1 23:47:04 EDT 2002
  
  Manisegaran: In Thiruvilayaadal, PS sings one song - neela chelai katti konda. A solo and a duet in Navarathiri, again for Savithri. But in Saraswathi Sabatham, she gets all three solos for Savithri and KRV. And you described the mannavan vanthaanadi situation above. Is there a story of how KVM became convinced about PS's abilities/ shifted emphasis to her?
  
  The same pattern is true with TMS as well - but this probably can be explained by his being the preferred voice for Sivaji/MGR by that time?
  
  Nilavin Nizhalo Un Vathanam
  Puthu Nilai Kannadiyo Minnum Kannam
  ...
  Malar Kaiyale Santhanam Poosu
  
  
• From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Jul 2 00:34:35 EDT 2002
  
  Kik,
  
  Other than the situation I mentioned in Part 22 I do not know any other background information. From my humble understanding that song was a turning point for KVm's confidence in Suseela performing carnatic based semi classics. Later she gave another good song in Vasantha Maligai- Kalai Magal Kai Porulo.
  
  Thanks for correcting the lyrics for Amuthum Thenum Etharku.
  
  
  
• From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Jul 2 01:22:22 EDT 2002
  
  PART 23
  THILLAANA MOHANAMBAAL
  Thillaana Mohanambaal released in 1968 deserves special mention in the musical journey of KVM. That was a movie that was delayed far too long. Before producing Thiruvilayaadal, Saraswathy Sabatham and Thiruvarut Chelvar, APN was already trying to make this novel into a movie, but he could not get the approval of the copyright owner. Gemini Studios was running Aananda Vikatan in which Kothamangalam Subbu wrote a series called “Thillaana Mohanambaal” APN felt that should this novel be made into a film it would be another sensational hit. APN approached Vasan, but Vasan first refused outright because Vasan himself wanted to make a picture of that. Days moved. Then APN took Thiruvilayaadal, Saraswathy Sabatham and Thiruvarut Chelvar. When these movies were very well taken, Vasan himself wanted to become a partner with APN in making Thillanaa Mohanambaal, but did not openly tell it to APN. When APN approached Vasan again, Vasan told his idea of joint production, but this time APN refused. Finally Vasan gave the full rights to APN.
  
  This was a difficult subject. There was a talk that movies made from novels would not run, as proven by earlier failures. But APN felt this could be overcome if properly treated. Again, Sivaji had no great role in the story. So the storyline had to be adapted accordingly to centre the film on Sivaji. This was done. But Sivaji was to act without moustache. Dangerous, as fans would reject such an appearance. But his acting talent and style would conquer it. Accepted! But there was to be no duet, at a time when Sivaji was appearing in many duet songs. APN felt that rich Nadaswaram music would rescue the situation. All adaptation and accommodation were done.
  
  Now this film was a challenge for Sivaji himself, as he was working against all odds. In order to make the film a success, Sivaji got the famous Rajaratnam Pillai to play nadaswaram for five hours and observed the style. He completely immersed himself in the ocean of music and was oblivious to his own self. As he was listening to the music, Sivaji put his head on Kannadasan’s lap and enjoying the tune.
  
  Speaking of nadaswaram we could think of Karukurichi Arunasalam, Sheikh Chinna Moulana, Thiruvaduthurai Rajaratnam Pillai and Madurai Sethuraman-Ponnusamy. In Konjum Salangai of 1958 Karukurichi Arunasalam composed Singara Veleney Deva based on a tune given by Sambamoorthy Aachariyar. SM Subbiah Naidu composed other songs. Nadaswaram music was there in that film but not to the extent used in Thillaana Mohanambaal. Here KVM himself composed the tune for Madurai Sethuraman and Ponnusamy. There were a few instrumentals, an English tune, Thillaana and instrumental of “Aayiram Kan Pothathu Vannakiliye” of Paavai Vilakku.
  
  There is a Therukkothu song
  “Pandiyan Naanirukka” by SC Krsihnan and LR Eswary.
  
  There is a song by P. Suseela:
  
  Maarainthirunthu Paarkkum Marmam Enna. When Pugazhendhi composed this song, Kannadasan asked him the situation and the name of the character in the film. Pugazhendhi said “Sikkal Shanmuga Sundaram” Then Kannadasan asked the raga in which the song was composed, to which Pugazhendhi replied “Shanmugapriya.” So Kannadasan added the word “Shanmuga” in a few places in the song. What a composition!
  
  There is one more great song by P. Suseela:
  
  Nalamthaanaa Udalum Ullamum Nalamthaana
  
  Kannadasan intended the song for CN Annadurai who was ill after returning from America. Everyone visited Anna, but Kannadasan could not go for political reasons. Therefore Kannadasan enquired about Anna’s health as follows:
  
  Nalamthana Udalum Ullamum Nalanthaana
  Nalam Pera Vendum Nee Endru
  Naalum En Nenjil Ninaivundu
  Ilai maraikkaai Pol Porul Kondu
  Evarum Ariyaamal Sol inru
  
  
  The film came out, and was a resounding success, so much so that after about 30 years there are other soft remakes like Karakaattakkaran and Sangamam. When the film came out Ki Va Jagannathan, Seergazhi Govindarajan, Sagasranaamam, Aringar Anna and many others appreciated Sivaji for a good job done. Anna was very astonished at the lip movement of Sivaji when he played nadaswaram. AVM Rajan was somewhere in the film with Sivaji, but was easily overshadowed in the presence of Sivaji’s majestic personality. MGR himself went to see the movie-not once but twice, as he himself was a lover of Nadaswaram music. Whenever MGR used to travel in his van or was lonely, he used to listen to nadaswaram music.
  
  This film was about to be sent for an award competition in Tokyo, but the ruling DMK sent Enga Veetu Pillai. Came back with no award.
  
  It is also said that the 20th Century Fox of the USA had acquired the TV rights for this movie.
  
  In short Thillaana Mohanambaal was, is and would always be remmebered for the rich nadaswaram music. The credit goes to KVM again.
  
  
• From: raj (@ 198.151.230.253) on: Wed Jul 3 00:14:16 EDT 2002
  
  one More Point to be Added is PS Sang one Solo "Neela Selai " & One duet "Sambo Mahadeva"
  with Seerkazhi Govindharajan in Thiruvilayadal
  
  
  

---

List all pages of this thread

Post comments