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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.

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Responses:

• Old responses
  
• From: sk (@ 202.156.2.6) on: Mon Jun 24 18:29:38 EDT 2002
  
  OISG:
  
  dheivap piRavi was by Sudarsanam. CSJ-Sivaji-KVM
  combo was in paavai viLakku.
  
  CSJ sang (for MGR?) under GR in pudhumai piththan.
  (uLLam reNdum ondru)
  
  There is a soft melodious CSJ song for Sivaji in
  the movie kuRavanji which starts as
  'yaar solluvaar nilavE, nee sollaavidil yaar solluvaar nilavE'
  I think the MD for that movie was GR. The movie
  came in 1960.
  
  Vicky:
  
  sarasarAni kalyAni is in Raja Desingu.
  
  
• From: sk (@ 202.156.2.6) on: Mon Jun 24 18:44:30 EDT 2002
  
  SL:
  
  I was not refering to Pandha Paasam. I am trying
  to recollect another movie in which Kannamba
  comes as the mother, Gemini as the elder brother
  and Sivaji as the younger one. Sivaji plays a
  villain role.
  
  
• From: cp (@ 24.93.35.201) on: Mon Jun 24 19:01:20 EDT 2002
  
  gemini first wife son. opium?? something given in milk to keep the child quiet by second wife/nanny. that causes backwardness in gemini. savithri wife of gemini. cures him of it. sivaji son of second wife. villain - movie pennin perumai enru than ninaikinren.
  
  
• From: Vicky (@ 12.89.173.68) on: Mon Jun 24 20:01:53 EDT 2002
  
  SK: I realized that it was from "Raja Desingu" my old tapes. I did'nt post the correction in time.....Thanks anyway for correcting the same...
  
  
  
  
• From: a.a. (@ 64.229.209.213) on: Mon Jun 24 20:11:26 EDT 2002
  
  SK,
  Yes! The movie you are referring to is `Pennin Perumai', the first movie Sivaji and Gemini teamed up together. Besides the first duet by TMS+PS(as confirmed by Manisegaran), the movie has two other great songs. `Ithaya vanil' by PL and `Krishna un seyalal' by Gantasala.
  
  Manisegaran,
  Thanks for the info about `Ulagam'.
  Could you please tell us which movie is from the KVM's solo `Kathal Enrale'?
  It is very interesting to note that KVM had sung that `Deedar' based song by himself and years later he had to compose music for the same scene in the remake of Deedar `Neengatha Ninaivu' using PBS (Kathaiyai kettathum Maranthu vidu).
  
  
• From: Vicky (@ 12.89.173.68) on: Mon Jun 24 20:41:59 EDT 2002
  
  SK: "Raja Desingu" (1960-GR) had another good number by ML Vasanthakumari titled "Parkadal Alaimele" penned by Udumalai Narayanakavi.
  
  
• From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Jun 25 00:20:57 EDT 2002
  
  
  A few comments.
  
  Pennin Perumai has other good songs too:
  
  1. Vaazhkai Odam karai serum munnye puyal vanthaalum Kalangathey- by P.Leela
  
  2. Kanna maraiyatheda by Jikki
  3. Mugoortha Naalum Mudivachu Mookkanam kayirum Pottachu- a chorus song
  
  
  
  Kuravanji is by TR Paappa (origninal name is Sivasankaran. All boys in the family and was dressed as a girl child and called him Paappa)
  
  Arumai Anna (a.a)
  
  The song Kaathal Enraaley is a solo by KVM sung for the dubbing movie of Deedar itself.
  
  Regarding Neengatha Ninaivu, you are right he compsed an original tune for PBS to sing in the same situation. He has also retained the same tune of the original Deedar. The song is:
  
  "Oh Oh Sinnanchiru Malarai maranthuvidathey" comes twice- once by P Suseela and LR Eswary (lyrics by Valee) and the other time by TMS?
  
  
  There are other good songs too like "Engiruntha Pothumj Unnai marakka Mudiyuma" by P. Suseela, "Anbu Vaazhga Aasai Vaahzga Inbam Kondadum manam Vaazhga" bt TMS and PS. Paarthathunda Kettathunda solladi Kiliye" by LRE.
  
  KVM subject is too deep, and I wonder what is going to eb the direction of this article.
  
  
  Vanakkam
  
  manisegaran
  
  
• From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Jun 25 00:21:09 EDT 2002
  
  
  A few comments.
  
  Pennin Perumai has other good songs too:
  
  1. Vaazhkai Odam karai serum munnye puyal vanthaalum Kalangathey- by P.Leela
  
  2. Kanna maraiyatheda by Jikki
  3. Mugoortha Naalum Mudivachu Mookkanam kayirum Pottachu- a chorus song
  
  
  
  Kuravanji is by TR Paappa (origninal name is Sivasankaran. All boys in the family and was dressed as a girl child and called him Paappa)
  
  Arumai Anna (a.a)
  
  The song Kaathal Enraaley is a solo by KVM sung for the dubbing movie of Deedar itself.
  
  Regarding Neengatha Ninaivu, you are right he compsed an original tune for PBS to sing in the same situation. He has also retained the same tune of the original Deedar. The song is:
  
  "Oh Oh Sinnanchiru Malarai maranthuvidathey" comes twice- once by P Suseela and LR Eswary (lyrics by Valee) and the other time by TMS?
  
  
  There are other good songs too like "Engiruntha Pothumj Unnai marakka Mudiyuma" by P. Suseela, "Anbu Vaazhga Aasai Vaahzga Inbam Kondadum manam Vaazhga" bt TMS and PS. Paarthathunda Kettathunda solladi Kiliye" by LRE.
  
  KVM subject is too deep, and I wonder what is going to be the direction of this article.
  
  
  Vanakkam
  
  manisegaran
  
  
• From: maradhi (@ 210.214.5.250) on: Tue Jun 25 01:12:06 EDT 2002
  
  A sincere doubt.
  Based on these articles, it appears that KVM has freely used many Hindi tunes. With due regards to the Thirai isai thilagam, is it not true that we would have branded him at par with Deva if he had done the same today?
  
  
• From: Saravanan (@ 213.42.1.246) on: Tue Jun 25 01:13:20 EDT 2002
  
  Yes, cp, you have given the entire story of Pennin Perumai in a wonderful synopsis! Also may be mentioned that MN Rajam played Sivaji's love interest in the film, who throws him out, when she realises that he doesn't have any money. I think PS sang only for MNR in the film. However, the honours clearly lie with Jikki, her Kanna marayathe da is easily the best song in the film.
  (which Savitri sings, when Gemini hides, trying to avoid her classes!). PL's Ithaya vaanil too is a good song.
  
  Other songs from Pennin Perumai, which have not been mentioned so far here are:
  Kanden Kanaviley-PL
  Vandhu vandhu konjuvathen-Jikki
  Mudiyuma athu-PS
  Koovuthu koovuthu-PL & Jikki
  Kanni thamizh naadu- Seergazhi G.
  
  Mani Sir, as you have mentioned 'Paar en magale' frpm Koondukili is a haunting, pathos filled song by Radha Jayalakshmi. She was an extraordinary singer with a great voice. (One very minor correction- the line is "Parinthunnai azhaikkuthu paar paar)
  
  Archivist, that article made great reading. This is the book I was talking about sometime back. It is indeed a remarkable acievement. Admitted, there are errors in it, but this in no way belittles the sincerity and painstaking labour behind the herculean task. This book is a must for all tfm lovers. I am indeed fortunate to know the author personally- he is a very amiable and humble person. I always meet him during my annual visits to Chennai, and though I am much younger to him, he treats me with gracious courtesy and affection. We keep in touch regularly. His biography of TMS is now in the printing stage and will hit the stands soon.
  
  
• From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Jun 25 01:38:12 EDT 2002
  
  
  
  IN LIGHT VEIN,
  
  Thanks Saravanan for pointing out the corrections in the lyrics. Finger slipped again. I use two fingers to type. Pardon me for that. More typo errors could be expected from me, as found in earlier postings. How nice if only we could avoid typing in romanised Tamil?
  
  I remember some time in 1998 or so I missed a letter and typed "pubic" talk instead of "public" talk and I was made a laughing stock. I had to wear safety helmet and hide for some time. Again Vaikunda "Ekadasi" could also turn out to be Vaikunda "Eka Dasi" if space bar is accidentally pressed. This is the price I pay for using two fingers.
  
  Kindly pardon me please, for the moment.
  
  Your correction would serve very well for those taking down in Tamil, as Arithunnai is far different from Parithunnai. Good correction.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• From: Manisegaran (@ 161.142.2.11) on: Tue Jun 25 05:01:53 EDT 2002
  
  PART 16
  VASANTHA KAALAM FOR KVM
  
  As soon as Koondukkiili and Malaikkallan were released, a permanent feature started off, and that was both Thilagams using TMS for their film songs. And both were right in selecting TMS.
  
  The year 1955 was the real vasantha kaalam-spring season for KVM. Movies of this year were Town Bus, Aasai Anna Arumai Thamby, Pennarasi, and Mullai Vanam. Aasai Anna Arumai Thamby, Pennarasi and Town Bus were released with direct involvement of APN as actor or story and dialogue writer. Aasai Anna Arumai Thamby, has three songs that no one would easily forget. One is “Bayanthaal Aaguma” by Deva Narayanan and Sarojini. The other is a solo by SC Krishnan called “Athirshtam” which is fairly an OK song. The big hit song that took many by a pleasant storm is of course by R. Balasaraswathy Devi that goes
  Kai Padaatha Mullaippoo
  Kannaithaan Parikkuthu
  Kaalam Seiyum Jaalamthannai
  Enni Enni Sirukkuthu
  
  
  This is indeed a song to be enjoyed in all seasons by fans of all age brackets. This film for which dialogue was by Sakthi Krishnamoorthy and starred by APN, TR Ramachandran, Sayiram, Ezhumalai, Maduri Devi, Raaja Sulochana etc was a hit in those days. The dream queen Maduri Devi herself produced this movie.
  
  The next comes Pennarasi, which was a history by itself. Pugazhendhi from Kerala (Says Kannadasan in his book Chinthithen Santhithen) settled in Tamilnadu and teamed with KVM from 1954.He was an assistant to KVM from that year onwards, and has even composed individually. There have also been many songs composed by him, and added on to KVM movies.
  
  Pennarasi was released in 1955. This film was taken to bash on the DMK propaganda. Manohara of Krunanithi had created a big sensation and so the dialogue of Pennarasi was toned to hit at the DMK movement. APN wrote the dialogue and acted in it with MA Venu producing it. It is said that while songs for Pennarasi were about to be composed KVM had to leave outstation. Therefore he entrusted Pugazhendhi to compose, and he came out very well. Trichy Loganathan and MS Rajeswary sang a very melodious song called
  
  Inbam Engu Enrey Aatchi Puriyuthu
  
  This became an instant hit. S.C. Krishnan and V. R.Chandra sang “Pennai Petha Aambalai” which was a famous song in its own way. The most famous was a comedy song by SC Krishnan and Kanaga which and the song is :
  
  SCK: Nethiyiley Neela Nira Pottu-
  Udambai Suthi Sarigai Karai Pattu-
  Soukkuthadi en Manasa Thottu
  Sittu Kurivye Unnudaiya Pagattu.
  
  Kanaga: Buthiyulla Raasaavey Vaanga
  Ini Porukkathu En Manasuthaanga
  Muthu Palla Kaatti Aasaiyai Mootti
  Pithu Kolla Seithuttinge Neenga
  
  SC: Poothathu Nilavu Vaanathule
  Ponnaana Iravu Nerathgile
  Aathangarayin Orathile Aadidalaamey
  Pen Mayile Vilayadidalamey Pen Mayile
  
  Kanaga: Kaaathirekkenunga Enai Neenga
  Kalyanam Seithida Venunga
  Kalyanam Seithidavenunga
  Ithanai Naala Buthi Kettu Poyi
  Irunthatha Mannikkanum Neenga……
  
  
  MULLAI VANAM- ARE RARE TREAT
  
  Mullai Vanam is also a release of 1955. This film has some wonderful songs, but unfortunately this film did not run well, all because publicity was overlooked. This is said to be the first cowboy styled movie in Tamil. A few songs are to be remembered in this film. Ratha Jayalechumy has sung “Putham Puthu Malarey Kurunagai Puriyum Vennilavey.” This is a song with catchy tune. Then comes one more of her song sung with TMS – “Engiruntho Ingu Vantha Rathiye-En Ullanthanaiye Nee Kolai Kondathen?” Here one could see the softness of TMS voice for a change. The song itself is soul lifting, and could be enjoyed even now. AP Komala sings “Kaaya Pazhamaa Sollunga” another famous song.
  
  Let us see how many of the readers recognise and enjoy this golden contribution of KVM:
  
  TMS: Engiruntho Ingu Vantha Rathiye
  En Ullanthanaiye Nee Kollai Kondathen?
  RJ: Kalla Ennamey Kondu Ennidathile
  Nee Nallavanai Pol Pesa Ennuvathum Veen
  
  TMS: Thenum Paalum Sernthathu Pole
  Naanum Neeyum Onraaginom-
  Naanam Eno Ennasai Maaney
  Naamey Kaanbom Perinbamey
  Engiruntho Ingu….
  
  RJ: Aankalin Uravai Veruppaval Naaney
  Athanaal Ennidam Neeyee
  Veen Aasaiye Kondu Pesuthal Theethey
  Aagathu Sarasam Sariyallavey
  Veen Aasaiye Kondu Pesuthal Theethey
  Aagathu Sarasam Sariyallavey
  Kalla Enname Koondu..
  
  
  TMS: Aangalin Thunaiye Illaathu Pengal
  Sugam Kaana Mudiyumaa?
  RJ: Enrum Sugamey Enni Vaazhal
  Sariyalla Theriyumaa?
  TMS: Inbathai Veruthu Pesuthal Muraiyo
  Ezhil Mevum Sunthari?
  RJ: Vambuth Thanamey Seithal Thagumo
  Sol Neeyum Suntharaa?
  TMS: Aandavan Aan Pennai Padaithathum Eno?
  RJ: Arivudan Ulakil Vaazhvatharkey.
  TMS: Aandavan Aan Pennai Padaithathum Eno?
  RJ: Arivudan Ulakil Vaazhvatharkey.
  
  TMS: Engiruntho Ingu Vantha Rathiye
  En Ullam Kavarnthe Nee Sellalaamaa?
  
  Aha what a tune, and how enchanting the voices! I was playing this song over the cup of coffee, and the coffee was bitter, all because this song was sweeter. I just could not believe my ears. Both TMS and Radha Jayalechumy sang very softly, no high pitch. The song was simple and yet enchanting, and is sure to pierce one’s very soul.
  
  Some time ago Malaysian friend met Radha Jayalechumy in her house and discussed her old songs, including this. She just was condemning the cine industry as a whole, as she said the industry does no more compose songs that moves the heart and soul, but only the bodies.
  
  
  
  
  
• From: Saravanan (@ 213.42.1.247) on: Tue Jun 25 06:45:01 EDT 2002
  
  Mani Sir, (Radha) Jayalakshmi is among my favourite singers- In fact, I think over the years I have managed to collect almost all her film songs. It is sad that such a trained, cultured sweet voice was not used much after the 50s. In the 50s, many MDs gave her memorable songs, including SMS, TGL, GR, Veda, CNP and SVV. Actually, Radha was her cousin sister and singing partner.
  
  In the 60s, she got only a few film songs- but each one was a gem- Enna seithaalum- Irumbu thirai, Anbama mozhi pesum- Solai malai rani (with AMR),Azhagin nila- Akbar(what a song!), Varalakshmi varuvaai amma- Bhagyalakshmi, Vaaranamayiram- Avana Ivan, Brahman thaalam poda-with SR-Konjum salangai, Thellathelindha thenamudhe- Indira en selvam, Manamey muruganin mayilvaganam- Motor Sundram Pillai etc.
  
  Unfortunately, KVM doesn't seem to have given her too many songs- Other than the 2 songs in Mangalyam, Paar en magale in Koondukkili, Engirundho ingu vandha Rathiye and Puthum puthu malare from Mullaivanam,which you have already mentioned, I can think of only the foll. songs by RJ for KVM:
  
  Nainaithaale Inikkudhadi also from Mullaivanam
  Another duet by RJ-TMS in Mullaivanm- Sariyendru neeye oru vaarthai sonnal
  Ponnana vaazhvu mannagi- Town Bus(with TL and MSR)
  Nattukkor thandhaiyadi-with SR- Ponni Thirunaal
  Kokku parakkum and Thandhaikku mandhirathai-Aadhi Parasakthi.
  
  Mani Sir, are there any more in the RJ, KVM combination?
  
  Later in the 70s, RJ quietly faded from tfm scene, though not before flashes like, besides aadhi parasakthi, Thiruchenduril por purindhu-with Radha-Deivam, Akilamellam vilangum-Amman arul and aadu raate-with Seergazhi- Nathayil Muthu.
  
  Mullaivanam starred Sriram and Rukmani(Lakshmi's mother).
  
  

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