Part 2-Her excellent duet songs

30^th November 1945 -4^th February 2023

I had covered Vani Jayaram’s superb twenty solo songs in my Part1 of the blog on her. Now let us look at some of the equally excellent duets that she had sung with many leading singers . Vani Jayaram should have deserved more solos but somehow she sang relatively lesser number of solos compared to duets.

One aspect of VJ that I forgot to mention in Part1 was that she had many other talents like writing  poetry in Tamizh , drawing, painting  which she had revealed in some of her interviews. In fact, in her school days , she had even acted ! Her parents had named her rightly Kalaivani. Whenever I watched her interviews and also tributes to her by her contemporaries, she comes across as a very humble human being, soft-spoken and a punctual, disciplinarian . Also a delight for all the music directors she worked with as she used to grasp the tune immediately and render them with least number of takes. In the days when entire song had to be done as many times as someone makes a mistake, this was a great blessing for everyone.

VJ had a tough competition with the legend P Susheela still going strong , S Janaki being supported by Ilayaraja to a great extent but despite this , she had fabulous duets with all the leading male playback singers like TMS, SPB, KJY , Jayachandran, Malaysia Vasudevan etc.

As much as her solos were excellent, Vani Jayaram’s duets had a charm of their own. When she started singing in a big way, the veteran T.M Soundararajan was slowly getting replaced by others and so we have very few duets of her with him. In Tamizh , she had some excellent duets with K J Yesudas , with both being masters in the classical genre. In other languages like Kannada, Telugu, she had many duets with S P Balasubrahmanyam. I have tried to list , to the best of my ability, some of her fabulous duets with the leading male playback singers and few rare ones with her contemporary female playback singers also. I could discover a rare triad-maybe the only one song that all the three legends of South Indian female playback singers had sung together-P Susheela , S Janaki & Vani Jayaram-although I would not say it is a great song, for the sheer rarity, I have included it at the end.

Duets with T M Soundararajan

Many-a-times songs by a particular combination of singers may be less in numbers but they leave behind memorable songs. TMS & VJ is one such combination. Whenever we talk of duets of TMS it was all along with the legend P Susheela , and few with S Janaki and L R Eashwari . I do not know how many duets he had sung with  VJ but I have tried to select three  great duets by these two gifted singers.

1. Aandavan Illa Ulagamethu-Oru Oothaapoo Kan Chimittugirathu-1976-V Dakshinamurthy-Ra. Pazhanisami

V Dakshinamurthy was a much-revered music director in South, mainly in Malayalam films . In Tamizh he had composed for very few films , but whatever he composed had a different tone and evergreen melodies. Both TMS and VJ start off at their trademark high notes. I do not know much about the lyricist Ra Pazhanisami , but he seems to have written with innovative imagination  like , Nadi irunthal meen irukkum, Vidhi irunthal sernthirukkum….kaalam , athan kolam, yengo , yengo.

2. Ammanai Azhagu Migum Kanmanai-Avan Oru Sarithiram-1977- M S Vishwanathan -Kannadasan

Set in a relatively rare raagam Dharmavati, this is one of the most famous duets from this pair. TMS starts with his usual magnificent tone , followed by VJ’s adding her intricate touches . When we have two legendary singers and two immortal music director-lyricist MSV and Kannadasan , we can only expect a masterpiece.

3. Ethhanai Malargal-Oru Nadigai Nadagam Paarkiral-1978-M S Vishwanathan-Jayakanthan

In my part 1 , among the great solos of VJ, I had included her Veru  Idam Thedippovaalo from the film Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal.  From the same film maker Jayakanthan , there was one more offbeat film Oru Nadigai Nadagam Paarkiral , with MSV somehow creating very different style of songs for his films-these films had just a couple of songs only but are vintage MSV. Once again TMS and VJ come out with their great skills in rendering the intricate alaapanais that MSV ‘s tunes invariable have.

The only duet with P B Sreenivas

4. Oru Paarvai Pothum-Vadamaalai-1979-M.S.Vishwanathan-Lyrics(?)

Just as I was concluding that there was no duet in Tamizh films by P B Sreenivas and Vani Jayaram, I was lucky to come across a video in YouTube in which VJ was being felicitated in the presence of the veteran singer PBS and he himself reminded VJ that they had sung this only duet in Tamizh. I tried my best to find out about the lyricist for this song, but could not get any information. Nothing is known about this film also, except for meagre details in the IMDB site that states this was directed by one Maruthi Valli-in all probability the film never got released is my guess.

But leave all that aside-what a great tune by MSV -note the special tabla pattern towards the end of the song-trademark MSV! One really wishes PBS and VJ had sung more songs together.

Duets with K J Yesudas

5. Swargathin Thirappuvizha-Pallandu Vazhga-1975-K V Mahadevan-Pulamaipithan

Surprisingly , KV Mahadevan , who had enabled two National awards for VJ by way his Sankarabharanam and Swati Kiranam in Telugu, seems to have composed relatively few songs for her in Tamizh. This film ,a remake of the famous Hindi  Do Ankhen Barah Haath that did not have any place of romance , had this famous duet in the Tamizh version. A typical KVM tune , with KJY and VJ providing a breezy duet. Personally I would rate the duets of VJ with K J Yesudas as among her best ever. I have selected seven here and all are true gems.

6. Gangai Yamunai Inguthan-Imayam-1979-M S Vishwanathan-Kannadasan

One of the most popular duets from this golden pair, along with Antha Maanai Paarungal azhagu. By the late 70’s music style in Tamizh films had changed dramatically with the entry of Ilayaraja and his excellent orchestration. However our dear Mellisai Mannar stood firm with the inherent strength of the great, eternal melody in his tunes that would keep alive his songs even after decades.

7. Anthamanai Paarungal Azhagu-Andaman Kadali-1978- M S Vishwanathan- Kannadasan

Is there anything needed to be written about this masterpiece. For MSV, a simple guitar was enough , ably supported by two great singers to come out with a song that sings so melodious even after more than four decades.

8. Ninaivale Silai Seidu- Andaman Kadali-1978- M S Vishwanathan- Kannadasan

The fortunes were turning among the singers, with the new taking over form the old. Andaman Kadali had two songs by the veteran TMS but the two duets of KJY-VJ are popular to this day. Of course this is not a comparison as all great artists also go though a time when the new takes over. That typical rhythm pattern of MSV , the exceptional high notes through which both KJY & VJ glide over so effortlessly-all make this a great song.

9. Thendralil Aadum Koonthalil-Maduraiyai Meeta Sundarapandian-1978-M S Vishwanathan- Pulamaipithan

The film Maduraiyai Meeta Sundarapandian was last film of MGR as was already the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu by the time this movie was released. Although the film was not a big commercial hit, as usual the songs were too good as MGR always had the great ability to select the best among the best tunes . A superb raagamalika by MSV , starting off with Suddha Saveri, then progressing into Abheri and Charukesi  raagas, he rightly chose the two legends KJY and VJ , masters in the classical genre. 

10. Gangai Nadi Oram-Varaprasadam-1976- R Govarthanam-Pulamaipithan

This could be among  the early duets of KJY and VJ , with R Govarthanam composing a superb melody. It is said that Ilayaraja had composed the background score for this film-could be his first background score and also did the arrangement of music .

11. Thangathil Mugameduthu- Meenava Nanban-1977-M S Vishwanathan-Muthulingam

There are no limits to the innovations that MSV did in his compositions . The rhythm pattern , including that beat that is played after VJ does a small alaapanai is something that we wait with bated breath! Throughout the song the intricate alaap done by both KJY and VJ elevates the song to a different level.

Duets with S P Balasubrahmanyam

12. Bharati kannamma-Ninaithale Inikkum-1979-M S Vishwanathan-Kannadasan

S P Balasubrahmanyam and Vani Jayaram is another successful pair. Who can forget their classical masterpieces in the Telugu film Shankarabharanam . That film fetched VJ her second National award. Ninaithale Inikkum was a musical bonanza and this song is one of the most popular duets of this pair.

13. Ore Naal Unai Naan-Ilamai Oonjaladugirathu-1978-Ilayaraja-Vaali

As I had mentioned in my Part 1 on VJ’s solos, although she sang relatively lesser songs for Ilayaraja, whatever she sang for him turned out to be great hits.

14. Ilakkanam Marutho-Nizhal Nijamaagiradu-1978- M S Vishwanathan-Kannadasan

There were few songs in the noted director K Balachandar’s films , that were composed by MSV and written by Kannadasan that would summarize the entire film in just three stanzas . This is one great example of that. SPB & VJ breathe in life to the great lyrics and tune of Kaviarasar and the Mannar.

15. Madanorchavam Rathioduthan-Sadurangam-1978-V Kumar-Vaali

While writing about the most under-rated music director V Kumar in my blog , I realised what great tunes he had composed. This is one of the most memorable duets of SPB & VJ. The song reminds me strongly of Mana Ho Tum Behad Haseen sung by K J Yesudas for the Hindi film Toote Khilone by Bappi Lahiri. Both the films were released in 1978 ; difficult to make out who inspired whom. But leaving that aside , it is superbly rendered by SPB & VJ in Tamil and KJY in Hindi! Of course V Kumar’s orchestration is more innovative and ahead of its time.

16. Anbu Megame Ingu Odiva-Engamma Sabatham-1974- Vijay Bhaskar-Kannadasan

This is the first duet of SPB & VJ in Tamizh, composed by the famous music director from the Kannada film industry, Vijay Bhaskar. Many-a-times we observe that there is a total freshness in the tunes composed by music directors who are not from the mainstream in a particular language. Vijay Bhaskar had composed some brilliant songs and one can appreciate the absolute freshness in both SPB & VJ’s voices.

17. Kalam maralam nam kadal maruma-Vazhkai-1984-Ilayaraja-Vairamuthu

The alaapanai at the very beginning of the song sets the base for a great song. IR’s orchestration at its best , coupled with SPB’s and VJ’s crystal clear singing.

18. Naana Paaduvathu Naana-Noolveli -1979-M S Vishwanathan-Kannadasan-With SPB & L R Anjali

Vintage MSV composition , with that trademark tabla taking through the songs with so many twists and turns. An intricate composition that SPB and VJ make it seem so easy to sing! L R Eashwari’s sister , Anjali adds those peppy parts of the song.

Duets with P Jayachandran

19. Aadi Velli Thedi Unnai-Moondru Mudichu-1974- M S Vishwanathan-Kannadasan

The contemporary of K J Yesudas from the Malayalam film industry ,P . Jayachandran had the great ability to come out with hits after hits in Tamizh films. Almost all the songs he sang in Tamizh were super hits. The two songs from the film Moondru Mudichu are amazing for the ‘ anthathi’ style lyrics of the one and only Kaviarasar Kannadasan, composed brilliantly by MSV and sung by Jayachandran and VJ.

20. Vasantha Kaala Nadigalile- Moondru Mudichu-1974- M S Vishwanathan-Kannadasan-With Jayachandran & MSV

An unconventional song in the sense that it starts off as a gentle romantic one , with the main characters of the movie having a leisurely boat ride. The twist comes when the character played by Kamal Hassan falls into the river accidentally and does not know swimming-the character played by Rajinikant watches menacingly , without rescuing him and a hapless heroine Sreedevi pleads him to save her lover, but he intentionally lets him drown. The menacing vocals of MSV takes the song to a different tone and Kaviarasar ends the anthathi with Vithi vagaiyai mudivu seyyum vasantha kaala neeralaigal. An iconic song by Vani Jayaram with Jayachandran, that remains in our memory forever.

21. Kavithai Kelungal-Punnagai Mannan-1986-Ilayaraja-Vairamuthu

There are very few duet  songs in which the male singer contributes only by humming or just few ‘alaapanais.’ This is one such song and I was in two minds whether to include this in my list. But this is just a superb rendition by VJ and without any doubt Jayachandran makes his mark with those alaapanais in the interludes. VJ essays those  terrific charanams in her characteristic flair.

Duets with Malaysia Vasudevan

22. Oru Kaathal Enbathu-Maatran Thottathu Malligai-1984-Shankar Ganesh-Pulamaipithan

While searching for best duets of Malaysia Vasudevan and VJ, I was lucky to discover this rare gem.  MV  had a distinct voice that one can say had some  similarity with TMS but still he could chart his own unique place among the male playback singers. The number of duets with VJ may be less in numbers but the two songs I have listed are definitely worth listening to .

23. Enni Irunthathu eedere-Antha Ezhu Naatkal-1981-MSV-Vairamuthu

Duets with other female singers

24. Kelviyin Nayagane- Aboorva Raagangal-1975-M S Vishwanathan-Kannadasan-Duet with B S Sasirekha

In film music , duet songs between female singers generally revolve around two characters who are both friends , sisters and sometimes even two heroines loving the same hero! It is rare to see a song that is sung by a mother and daughter and that too an estranged one and if you add the situation that summarizes the entire film, you have almost only one song and what a masterpiece we got from the harmonium of MSV, pen of Kannadasan and the impeccable vocals from VJ and B.S  Sasirekha. Kannadasan’s memorable words “illatha medai ondril ezhuthatha nadagathai ellarum nadikkindrom , naame ellorum paarkindrom,” the way MSV composed this brilliantly starting off with Darbari Kanada , then shifting to Brindavani and at the end Madyamavathi, Vani Jayaram and B S Sasirekha’s reaching those  Mt Everest-high notes with their out-of-world singing …no one can describe such songs-we have to immerse ourselves in its beauty and wonder at these artists!

Songs like this must be one in a million-I wish that future generations well into the next centuries must listen to this and wonder at with limited technology , the legends were able to create music that remain eternal.

One last word but not the least-the way the song was picturized by the legendary director K Balachandar is something we should not forget to appreciate, and so is the acting by lead actor Sreevidya.

25. Intha Pennodu Piranthathu Nadanam- Samayalkaran-1974-M S Vishwanathan-Vaali-Duet with S Janaki

I keep discovering more and more rare songs while hunting around for songs for my blogs and that is my greatest reward! When we have two great singers who are well known for the ease with which they travel through the intricate notes , then what more do we wish for! The film must have been long forgotten and it is a pity that such a nice song was lost in an obscure film!

26. Kollaiyittavan Neethan-Ninaithathai Mudippavan-1975-M S Vishwanathan-Pulamaipithan

We have one of the greatest female singers of our country, P Susheela pairing with VJ in this duet from one of MGR’s last films before he entered into politics in a big way. The song has many references to his political views .  There is one more famous duet of PS with VJ in the film Paritchaiku Neramachu-Malligai Poocharam . I just selected one -both these songs may not do justice to the talents of these two legendary singers but they are worth listening to just for the sake of rarity .

27. Vanthale thekku seemaiyile -Pondatti Sonna Kekanum-Chandrabose -Vaali- A rare triad of P Susheela, S Janaki and Vani Jayaram

I conclude this blog with a very rare  triad by all the three legends-P Susheela, S Janaki & Vani Jayaram. Although one wishes that someone could have composed a better song with the immense talent of all the three great female singers  , still this one has that unique rare quality.

Acknowledgements and Disclaimer:

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

1. You Tube
2. Wikipedia
3. Ms Subashree Thanikachalam’s QFR series in YouTube

The songs mentioned are from the popular, public domain and have been 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 The photograph is taken from the internet, duly recognizing the full copyrights for the same to the  original creator or the site where they were originally displayed .This blog does not claim any copyright over them, which rests with the respective owners of the rights.