??  1910 – 20 November 1963

I am trying to write about a musical genius who had passed away even before I was born! Further, I have listened to only few of his songs and so have a very limited awareness about his music. But still I am going ahead as I feel such genius should never be forgotten . Along with few other illustrious contemporaries in the period 1930-60’s he had paved the way for setting high standards in Tamil film music of those times , that was strongly rooted in classical music but at the same time could be appreciated by the general public.

Gopalan Iyer Ramanathan , G Ramanathan ( for simplicity we will henceforth refer to as GR in this article)  is also known as Isai Methai (Genius of Music) or Sangeetha Chakravarthy (Emperor of Music) and is  one of the most influential Tamil music composers to take Carnatic music to the masses. He had pioneered the art of combining the classical Carnatic music with the style required for film music and  made them more popular. One can say for sure that  he  paved the way in which many other illustrious composers, later travelled,  like Vishwanathan -Ramamoorthy, K V Mahadevan , Ilayaraja, A R Rehman etc. He was not only a master in the classical genre, but could compose foot-tapping jazz , pop, rock and roll  styles and  composed some of the greatest hits based on raaga and thala maaligai ( multiple raagam and thaalam in same song).

In a career that  lasted until his death in 1963, he composed for around 85 Tamil movies  and even few other language movies. In the  1950s , his music played a vital role in popularizing  both the leading stars of Tamil films , i.e. M.G. Ramachandran  and Sivaji Ganesan.

It reflects badly on how we keep records of our legendary artists when we find that we do not even know the exact birth date of GR; it is estimated to be in the year 1910!! He  was born in Bikshandarkoil, Srirangam, Tamil Nadu. GR’s father was Gopalsamy Iyer who worked as sub-inspector in the Indian Railways. At a young age he lost his parents and was taken care by his elder brother Sundara Bhagawathar. GR could have schooling only until standard 5. He married Jeyalakshmi in 1942 and had two daughters – Sai and Lakshmi.

Having learnt to play  harmonium at the age of 18, he joined the Baratha Gana Saba, the V. A. Chellappa Drama company, and did some  playback and played harmonium. From the year 1936, GR started assisting the veteran music director-lyricist Papanasam Sivan and for many films , he was put in charge of the orchestration, while the tunes were composed by Papanasam Sivan. Many famous films that were musical hits and starred  the legendary actor-singer M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, like Sivakavi, Haridas etc. had this team of Sivan and GR. Later GR got associated as a resident music director for the Modern Theatres since the beginning except a few which were done by K. V. Mahadevan.

GR , although did not have much formal training in carnatic music, had a great passion and liking towards carnatic music and honed his skills more by “Kelvi Gnanam” (learning by listening). Almost all the yester year singers had sung for GR . The famous singer  T. M. Soundararajan used to say that  if one could sing to the satisfaction and the tune of GR you could easily sing for the tune of any music director in any part of the world. GR’s last film that he worked on fully  was Deivathin Deivam by K. S. Gopalakrishnan. He died of a heart attack during composing for the film Arunagirinathar, which was later completed by  T. R. Pappa.

I have tried my best to showcase 25 gems from this great maestro. It was a truly great experience for me to explore his music that I was not much aware till the time of writing this blog. I always wonder, when I discover such exceptional music of yesteryears, how these would have sounded if they had good recording , mixing audio technology! With most primitive tools, they could create such masterpieces!

Listing based on chronological order of the film release, with song , film, year of release, lyricist, and singer(s) in that order:

1. Manmatha Lellaiai vendraar undo ( some places it is credited to GR fully but in some as assistant to Papanasam Sivan)-Haridas -1944-Papanasam Sivan-M K Thyagaraja Bhagavatar

The first “ superstar” of Tamil films-M K Thyagaraja Bhagavatar’s iconic song. Even now , in Tamil music scene, any talk about romanticism will refer to this song.  It is supposed to be most popular film song set in the Charukesi raagam. For a song composed in 1944, just hear those subtle touches of a pause in between ( with even a blasphemous “ kiss” thrown-one could imagine what a sensation it must have created those days).  The interlude that comes after the first charanam  must have been the work of GR. It is very rare to hear such a long interlude in those times.

2. Vaarai nee vaarai-Manthiri Kumari-1950-A Maruthakasi- Tiruchi Loganathan & Jikki

Manthiri Kumari was one of the early films that propelled the career of MGR . This song , however is picturized not on him but  on S A Natarajan ,  who plays a negative role . The very subtle guitar played at the start of the song , the intricate humming in the song by both the legends Tiruchi Loganathan ( who was incidentally the first playback singer in Tamil when almost all others were singer-actors ) and Jikki. Simple orchestration , but a very catchy tune that remains as fresh as it was composed 73 years ago!

3.Ulavum thendral kaatrinile- Manthiri Kumari-1950-A Maruthakasi- Tiruchi Loganathan & Jikki

Those days songs picturized on boat were very popular . In this one can appreciate the immense talent of GR who had even used a counter melody, a western waltz rhythm throughout the song, with a trumpet  piece at the right places. Put on a headphone and enjoy the intricate tabla patterns that was a trademark of GR.

Maruthakasi reigned at the top during the early years of Tamil film music- a sample of his exquisite poetry

தெளிந்த நீரை போன்ற தூய காதல் கொண்டோம் நாம்

களங்கம் அதிலும் காணுவாய்

கவனம் வைத்தே பார்

குதர்க்கம் பேசி என்னை மயக்க எங்கு கற்றீறொ

உனது கடைக்கண் பார்வை காட்டும் பாடம் தண்னிலே

உலக வாழ்க்கை ஆற்றினிலே

காதல் என்னும் தோணி தன்னில் ஊர்ந்து  செல்லுவோம்

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MTL_dX-aug

4. Yeratha malaithanile -Thooku thooki film-1954-Thanjai N Ramaiah Das-T.M Soundararajan

This was the film that brought the immortal pair of Sivaji Ganesan and TMS. It is said that till that time C S Jayaraman was the preferred singer for Sivaji and when GR brought in TMS , initially Sivaji was apprehensive. TMS had offered to sing the songs for free and only if they were liked by Sivaji , he may be paid. After listening to the songs, Sivaji was so much impressed that there was no looking back and TMS became his almost permanent voice.

As usual GR , composes a song that song has different melodies , with a strong folk base,  changing the tempo seamlessly. It may not be a surprise if you get up and start dancing after listening to this. Sivaji , in his inimitable style , does a perfect job of enacting the song on screen.

5. Sundari Soundari  Nirandariye -Thooku thooki film-1954- A Maruthakasi-TMS & P Leela -A P Komala

Based on Kurinji raagam, this is a very serene and pure classical number , sung in perfect synchronization by the legendary P Leela and A. P Komala, and  an upcoming  TMS chipping in , with comical expressions by the thespian Sivaji Ganesan.

• 6. Vaanga machan vaanga-/Thedi vandhene pullimaane-Madurai Veeran-1956- Thanjai Ramiah Das-TMS & P Leela

We will be looking at  many such “ composite” or “ complex” tunes composed by the musical genius GR. This is an early sample of such unique melodies  from this master. Starting off in a typical folk style, GR uses just a dholak and an innovative clapping to give a peppy song.  P Leela , known for her classical expertise , renders a fast, folksy number. Not to be left behind ,  TMS renders  a pure classical  second part of the song “ Thedi vandene pulli mane.” In the early days , MGR had a totally different style and enacts the song in his inimitable style.

• 7. Nadagamellam Kanden -Madurai veeran film-1956—Kannadasan-TMS& Jikki

While listening to many songs of GR for writing this blog, I kept discovering more and more gems. From the same film , Madurai Veeran, one more pleasing duet by TMS & Jikki. Note the extensive & intricate  alaapanai that makes up the first charanam, with only a harmonium  accompanying! Only a musical genius can think of such compositions.

• 8. Sindhanai Sei Maname-Ambikapathy-1957-K.D.Santhanam-TMS

Considered by many as one of the best songs composed in Kalyani raagam, this is a milestone in the career of TMS. GR creates a beautiful Kalyani , keeping the interludes and orchestration to the bare minimum. The unique tabla pattern ( popularly called as Tabla nadai)  of GR and impeccable rendition of TMS are  just enough to elevate the song to a great height.

• 9. Vadivelum Mayilum Thunai- Ambikapathy-1957-Kannadasan ( and also K D Santhanam , Ku Ma Balasubramaniam for the later part of the songs?-not clear)-T M Soundararajan

Long before many modern singers made their “ breathless” songs more famous, with only primitive recording techniques, GR and TMS gave us , maybe the first breathless Tamil film song. Starting from the lines “ தாபமிகு வெப்பு வானமொடு” till  தமிழ்மாலை தனைச் சூடுவான் he sings the entire portion in one breath. Just imagine this was done  in 1957, without any technical tools to help!. It is a pity that such songs are almost forgotten by a majority. I place my sincere appreciation and acknowledge my thanks to Ms Subashree Thanikachalam to pay  tribute  to such songs in her QFR series in her  Youtube channel.  

தாபமிகு வெப்பு வானமொடு பித்த மான பிணி மொய்த்து உடம்போடு

தாபமிகு வெப்பு வானமொடு பித்த மான பிணி மொய்த்து உடம்போடு

சாருமுயிர் துன்ப சாகரமுழன்று சாதனை இழந்து வருந்தாவுன்

சாருமுயிர் துன்ப சாகரமுழன்று சாதனை இழந்து வருந்தாவுன்

தாளையளித்திட வேணுமெனத் துதிமாடனருணகிரி நாதனழைத்திட

தயவுடன் இசைந்து அருள்மழை பொழிந்து

முத்தைத்தரு பத்தித் திருநகையென

முதலடி உதைத்த தழைத்த கருணையை

நினைந்து நினைந்து கவிமலர் தொடுத்த

தமிழ்மாலை தனைச் சூடுவான் – கொன்றைத்

தளிர்மாலை மலர் மாலை ஜெபமாலையுடன் சந்தத்

தமிழ்மாலை தனைச் சூடுவான்

GR was a master in raagamalikai songs and this one starts off with  Manirangu ragam and then moves on to Kambhoji raagam followed by  Kedara Gowlai & Gowlai.

{ The story behind this great song is that the king challenges  Ambikapathi , son of the illustrious Tamil poet Kambar, to sing 100 devotional songs in succession, the King shall give his daughter Amaravathi’s hand in marriage. If he failed in this challenge, he would be executed forthwith. Amaravathi visits Ambikapathi in prison that night and urges caution. Ambikapathi laughs away her fears, assuring her that he is wholly confident of his own capabilities. A relieved Amaravathi says that she would be counting the songs, and would appear before him at the end of the ordeal.

The court assembles next day at the vasantha madapam, and in the august presence of the King, ministers, and scholars, Ambikapathy commences his soiree with a short invocation to Saraswathi, the Goddess of learning. Amaravathi mistakenly counts this as one of the hundred songs, and so at the end of the 99th song, she appears happily in front of Ambikapathi to signal his victory. Overjoyed at sighting his beloved, and thinking that he has completed the hundred songs, Ambikapathy bursts into a verse in praise of Amaravathi’s appearance. Rising with grim satisfaction, Ottakoothar points out that only 99 devotional songs had been sung, and hence Ambikapathy has lost the challenge. Kamban’s anguish-filled plea for clemency falls on deaf ears, as the King orders the death sentence to be carried out. Ambikapathi is put to death, and the grief-stricken Amaravathi too dies and their souls unite in heaven}

10. Kannile Iruppathenna Kanni- Ambikapathy-1957-KD Santhanam -P Bhanumathi

The film Ambikapathy had around 27 songs-some were just a few lines. GR proved his mettle by composing some of the best songs . This one by the singing star P Bhanumathi who had a unique powerful voice is one of her best.

11. Masila Nilave Nam Kadhalai- Ambikapathy-1957-Ku Ma Balasubramaniam-TMS & P Bhanumathi

A trademark Raagamaligai by GR. Starting off with Maand ragam that extends to the first charanam , then a westernized waltz  in the second charanam and finally  at the end a mesmerizing Punnagavarali which is generally associated with the snake-charming tune-GR stitches together all these three different themes seamlessly, that results in an evergreen song which sounds fresh even today.

12. Thaen Kuyil Pole Isaipaadum-Pudhu Vaazhu-1957-A Maruthakasi-MKT & Jikki

(GR  Composed this along with another  music director-C N Pandurangan)

While looking at many songs of GR in the Net, I came across this song that must have been the last film of the first superstar of Tamil films- M K Thyagaraja Bhagavatar. After listening to this , I was mesmerized by the unique tune that , in my opinion ,  was far ahead of its times. Even today if this song is recreated ( not remixed!!) , it could be a hit. One more uniqueness of this song is that it must be the only duet of MKT with the venerable singer  Jikki ( P G Krishnaveni). I am sure those who listen to this song would like to listen again and again. It is an absolutely intoxicating melody.

The way the song starts with  a very abrupt “ தேன்” and in the first charanam “வான்” makes it so unique. The preludes and interludes are also unusually long for those times. Simple instruments , but great orchestration! Both MKT & Jikki render the song with stunning alaapanais interspersed in between.

13.Yaradi Nee Mohini-Uthamaputhiran – 1958-Ku Ma Balasubramanian-TMS, Jikki, Jamuna Rani, A P Komala

We now come to what one can call the iconic song of GR. This is the one that comes to anyone’s mind immediately while talking of GR’s songs. Normally I avoid repeating a song if it was already mentioned in earlier blogs -but this one must be an exception. I had included this in my blog on the 25 great composers in Tamil film music  . But it will be a sacrilege if I leave this out in GR’s top songs list.

Far ahead of his times, GR was truly a pioneer to have composed this complex song with folk, jazz, rock and roll and an extra-ordinary orchestration. Despite being almost 6 min song, it will keep you engrossed till the end. It is said that around 70 plus musicians were used in the orchestration, that was rehearsed for 4 days. The choreography , with stylish acting by the one and only Sivaji Ganesan, this song will survive hundreds of years and  is enough to keep the name of GR flying high.

14.Kathiruppan Kamala Kannan- Uthamaputhiran – 1958-Sundara Vadyar-P Leela

Uthamaputhiran was a magnum opus for GR . What a great variety he provided in the songs!

From the boisterous Yaaradi Nee Mohini to a pure classical Kaathiruppan Kamala Kannan in the divine voice of P Leela. One more raagamaligai ( there seems to be an unending treasure of raagamaligais from GR) , with multiple violins played by classical musicians and that distinctive tabla of GR. One Mr. Bhairavan used to  play the tabla for  GR for most of his songs. Personally I had the privilege of meeting this gentleman when I was in Chennai.

15.Mullai Mele Moikkum Vandu Pole- Uthamaputhiran – 1958- A Maruthakasi -TMS & P Susheela

Any discussion on GR and Uthamaputhiran cannot be complete without this immortal romantic gem. P Susheela had said on many occasions that this film was one of the  major turning points in her career. Whenever the best songs picturized on lovers rowing a boat on a moonlit night are listed, this one would be at the top. Not to leave TMS who excelled in the high notes with lines “ Minnal urumaari man mele kanniyai pole “ and once again “ Sindhai nilai maarinadhale yenthan munnale.” There is a beautiful flute that keeps playing in perfect synchronization throughout the song.

16.Mannulagellam Ponnulagaga Maaridum-Uthamaputhiran-1958-Ku.Ma. Balasubramaniam- Jikki & P Susheela

I have mentioned this point in my earlier blogs also that any song that has the horse-beat rhythm is bound to be a super hit. There is always some magic! A rare Susheela -Jikki duet. The alaapanai by both are simply out of this world. It is a pity that gradually songs like these are mostly getting faded from public memory.

17.Un Azhagai Kanniyargal- Uthamaputhiran -1958—K. S Gopalakrishnan-P Susheela

A superb dance number by the great Padmini and matching her gymnastic dance movements is Susheela’s vocal gymnastics. The song takes on a fast tempo towards the end the way she takes the intricate alaap is just amazing!

18.Vasantha Mullai Pole Vandhu Asaindhu Aadum-Sarangadhara-1958-A Maruthakasi-TMS

If M K Thaygaraja Bhagavatar rendered a master piece Manmatha leelaiyai vendraar in Charukesi raagam, it was the turn of his successor TMS to give us one more gem of a Charukesi. The high notes at “ Indira vil neeye” is TMS’ forte and GR brings out the best in him.

19.Inbam pongum Vennila-Veera Pandiya Kattabomman-1959-Ku Ma Balasubramaniam-P B Sreenivas & P Susheela

For a struggling singer PBS, this was a turning point in his career. GR shows his mettle with a light music song , which no doubt remains rooted in classical base. Those beautiful brief pauses in the song  with a question-answer “ Yennai kandu?,” “Yenni -yenni?”  with a  guitar playing  in the background are some genius touches of GR. The entire song gives a feel of a whiff of fresh air gently caressing us. Both PBS and PS excel in those intricate alaap in the charanams. Parallel to PBS & PS ‘s duet , there is an exquisite duet orchestrated by GR between the sitar and clarinet. And above all, that famous Bhairavan’s   tabla nadai completes the song with a flourish.

20.Vanamevum Rajakumara-Raja Desingu-1960-Thanjai Ramiah Das- Seerkazhi ,Jikki ,C S Jayaraman & P Bhanumathi

If we go through the songs of GR , we understand  how he had composed some of the best songs for almost all the legendary yester year singers. For a normally “ devotional song expert Seerkazhi Govindarajan” , GR offers a superb romantic number to him. All the four singers, Seerkazhi, Jikki, C S Jayaraman ( surprisingly singing for MGR!) and P Bhanumathi  freak out during the charanam with their mastery in alaap. GR takes us through a differing pace in this song, starting off with a fast pace in the Pallavi  and then slowing down in the charanam to just the singer and a harmonium in perfect synchronization and then picks up speed , slowing down in between…a roller-coaster experience!

Enjoy this lilting quartet!

21.Vellippani Malayin Meedhulavuvom-Kappalottiya Thamizhan-1961-Mahakavi Subramania Bharatiyar- Seerkazhi & Tiruchi Loganathan

For the most respected poet in  Tamizh, Mahakavi Subramania Bharatiyar’s lines, GR must have composed many immortal tunes. This film was mainly about the freedom fighter V. O Chidambaram who was also known as Kappalotiya Tamizhan as he had challenged the British Empire by running his own shipping company to break their monopoly at that time. He was charged with sedition and sentenced to life imprisonment. This film was a biography of that great freedom fighter.

The song Vellipani malayin meedulavom is a very popular patriotic film song written by the Mahakavi. GR relies just on his tabla  and the powerful vocals of two legends-Tiruchi Loganathan and Seerkazhi Govindarajan who render full justice to the power-packed, optimistic lines of the great poet.

22.Kaatru Veliyidai Kannamma- Kappalottiya Thamizhan-1961- Mahakavi Subramania Bharatiyar -PB Sreenivas & P Susheela

Like many of his other films, GR creates several hit songs in a single  film. Kappalotiya Tamizhan was no exception. This is once again a melodious duet sung by PBS and P Susheela, written by the Mahakavi.

23.Endru Thaniyum Indha -Kappalottiya Thamizhan-1961- Mahakavi Subramania Bharatiyar- Tiruchi Loganathan

A lament of the poet Mahakavi Bharatiyar on when India would be free from the  slavery to British is poignantly brought out in this song by both GR & Tiruchi Loganathan.

24.Oru Mada Maadhu -Pattinathaar-1962- Saint Pattinathaar -TMS

GR was indeed blessed to have composed music for many historical, mythological , patriotic, and philosophical films. His genius made him compose this song with nothing but a simple percussion, with TMS ( who also acted in the titular role) going inside the soul of the song to render this masterpiece.

Pattinathar was a poet -saint who lived in the 14^th century in Tamil Nadu. In this 5-minute song he explains the entire journey of man right from the formation of embryo to ultimately becoming ash. While working on this blog , I came across this song, which really surprised me as I had never heard it before. I was too moved listening to this-wish I was more knowledgeable in understanding  the classic Tamizh language.  To be honest, this song really moves you to tears.

Saint Pattinathar  had composed the entire life’s journey  and giving full respect to the lines,  GR had composed a simple but sublime tune.  TMS, with his impeccable Tamizh emotes the song that , I feel no other singer can ever dream of.

25.Kannan Mananilayai Thangame Thangam-Deivathin Deivam-1962-Mahakavi Subramania Bharati-S Janaki

I conclude the blog with  this musical masterpiece of GR that was from a film called Deivathin Deivam , which turned out to the last film he worked on completely. Like the popular cliché goes, one should say this was his swan song.

S Janaki, the immensely talented singer who got her dues much later in her career, renders a masterpiece ( for want of adjectives, I am using this!). One more superb raagamaligai from GR, that starts off with Bhimpalasi , then meanders to a soft Bhageshree and ends with  raag  Bihaag that oozes romance. Matching step by step with SJ is the veenai played with so much of classicism .

The intricate alaap, use of shehnai in the first charanam set in Bhagashree , the soft , caressing notes of the flute in the second charanam set in Bihaag raagam and then at the end the veenai with accompanying percussion of tabla and mridangam alternating …there is no way I can describe these songs. Just listen to it and get immersed in the genius of the great composer  G Ramanathan and pay our respects to him.

I should acknowledge at the end that writing this blog about the genius G Ramanathan was a very humbling and moving experience for me. I felt the utter lack of knowledge about the intricacies of Carnatic classical music and if I had known a little of that , I could have written in a better way. Researching for this blog , I was able  to hear so many unheard songs ( for me!) , so many gems from the singers of those times and could only wonder at the very rich heritage of music they had left behind. It may take one’s lifetime to explore them and do proper justice.

As compared to the quality of the music and the songs , I know  this is an amateurish attempt by me  to showcase the genius of a master composer. I request readers to consider this as a tribute by a passionate music lover and not from a person who is in any way qualified to talk about the phenomenon called G Ramanathan.

Acknowledgement & Disclaimer 

I sincerely thank the publishers of following blogsites & Internet sources for the information that I could gather for this article:

1. You Tube
2. Ms. Subashashree Thanikacahalam’s You Tube channel: Ragamalika TV-QFR series.
3. Wikipedia

The songs mentioned are from the popular, public domain and have been mentioned /embedded here   only for the listening pleasure of the music lovers. This blog does not claim any copyright over them, which rests with the respective owners of the rights.