Born: 7th December 1939
Lourde-Mary Rajeshwari, better known as L.R Eshwari is unique because it is very rare to have a female playback singer with a natural vibrato in her voice. In Hindi film music, we had Talat Mehmood among male singers , but he was more famous for his silky, velvety toned Ghazals. LRE ( I shall abbreviate henceforth in this article for brevity) had that natural vibrato that she used for singing many peppy , foot -tapping songs and at the same time, she could even sing with a whispering tone , a romantic soft number, an intense devotional song , a comical folk song etc…In the times of 1950’s and 60’s when most of the female playback singers had strong classical training , she held on to her own unique style with a natural talent and without much training.
She was named Lourde-Mary Rajeshwari by her parents Regina Mary Nirmala and Anthony Devraj and she was born on 7th December 1939 in Chennai. Since there was already a famous singer by the name M S Rajeswari , later on she was given the name L.R Eshwari. Like few other famous playback singers, she also did not learn music formally and one can say , was a self-made singer. After losing her father when she was very young, the family went through lot of difficulties and LRE used to accompany her mother to music studios where her mother used to sing as part of chorus. Whenever there was a shortage of singers to perform the chorus , even as a child artist, she got a small chance. In one of her interviews , she narrates how a recording engineer rejected her even for chorus singing and ironically within few years , the same person recorded her first song as an individual singer! She had even consoled her mother after that rejection by the recordist ,by saying ‘ don’t worry -one day the same person will record my song!
Her first break came from K. V. Mahadevan in 1958 in the movie Nalla Idathu Sammandham, her first solo song recorded in this movie was “Ivarey Thaan Avare” -incidentally the meaning of first line translates to ‘ this is that same person-she said with a smile in her interview that fate could have meant the song was referring to that same recordist who first rejected her and later recorded her first song!.
Though she sang few more songs after this , the major recognition for her came from the song “Vaarai En Thozhi Vaaraayo” from the movie Pasamalar-1961 which she sang under the baton of Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy. V-R and later on MSV as independent composer , gave her most of the memorable songs in her career.
Stereotyping of actors or singers is a common trait in our film industry. Slowly LRE got branded as the singer for most of the peppy , cabaret songs or for songs picturised on the second heroine ( the main heroine mostly had the legend P Susheela as the playback). However, LRE made a mark for herself by utilizing the opportunity she got to record few non-film devotional songs for a private recording company. Even the venerable HMV gave her an opportunity to record many devotional songs mainly on Amman ( as Devi is known in Tamizh). In Tamil Nadu, during the holy month of Aadi ( mid-July to mid-August) all Amman temples perform many rituals to appease the Goddess and during those times her songs became a regular feature. Similarly in marriages , there was a trend to play film songs suiting the wedding ceremony and her “ Vaarai En Thozhi Vaarayo ( that describes a new bride’s entry to marital life) was a regular feature.
The devotional songs made her a household name and she created a niche for herself. Further , her natural vibrato was perfect for humming and there are some songs in which she elevated to the song to great levels just by her excellent humming alone. She also sang excellent duets with leading male singers and also the legend P Susheela.
The decades of 1960’s and 70’s saw her rising to great heights. Her song Pattathu Rani Paarkum Parvai is considered as a masterpiece for the manner in which came out with superb variations , including a ‘panting sound’ ( as per the scene she does this when the character is being whipped as part of a stage song) . More details about this landmark song in my listing below. She proved her mettle with songs like Kathoduthaan Naan Paaduven , singing in a whispering tone unlike the high-pitched cabaret or peppy songs.
In mid-70’s, with Ilayaraja entering the Tamizh music industry, she got lesser opportunities as IR preferred a new generation of singers. However she continued to sing on stage shows and continued her devotional songs. Many years later , her song Kalasala Kalasala in 2011 film Osthe surprised everyone with her singing remaining intact at the age of 72! And even more surprising was a cameo appearance along with singing the “ Aadi Kuthu” song for the 2020 film Mookuthi Amman at the age of 81!.
I have tried to list few solo, duet and triad songs to the best of my ability ( I had to leave out one of her most popular songs-Elantha pazham for obvious reasons!)
Categorized into solo, duets with TMS, P Susheela and other singers , are some of her memorable and few rare songs. I have given the song/film/year/music director/lyricist / co-singer(s) in that sequence .
Solo songs
The song that brought LRE immense fame was this solo ( with chorus) from the epic film Pasamalar. The song also became a regular feature in many weddings in Tamil Nadu during those days.
2. Malarendra Mugamondru-Kadalikka Neramillai-1964-Vishwanthan Ramamoorthy-Kannadasan-(Yodelling by M S Raju)
Kadalikka Neramallai was a classic comedy movie by C V Sridhar and all the songs are remembered even today. This one , a breezy dance number with superb yodelling by M S Raju ( Remember him from the famous Neeye Unakku Endrum song with TMS).
3. Aadavarellam Aadavaralam-Karuppu Panam-1964- Vishwanathan Ramamoorthy-Kannadasan
One of the best Jazz plus Rock & Roll style songs composed by V-R and so perfectly executed by LRE. Who says this song is from 1964? This can be popular among today’s generation if it is played . LRE sings this like a seasoned jazz singer!
4. Palinginal Oru Maligai-Vallavan Oruvan-1966-Veda-Kannadasan
Veda was often criticised for using other tunes for his songs-but he did compose many original songs also. Somehow , his ‘inspired’ songs became very famous. He used to say when the producers want him to use a particular tune, his job was to execute that task to perfection! And he never spoiled any song unlike the ‘so-called’ remixes today and in fact many a times enriched them with his own small innovations. One more memorable song of LRE , in that typical jazz style. I have given the link to the original Artie Shaw’s Frenesei played on clarinet.
5. Pattathu Rani Paarkum Parvai-Sivantha Man-1969-M S Vishwanathan-Kannadasan
Pages can be written about this epic masterpiece created by MSV, LRE & Kannadasan. Right from the humming at the beginning till the end , it is LRE at her best ever. The film Sivantha Man was simultaneously made as Dharti by C V Sridhar and veteran music composers Shankar Jaikishan composed the music. Though SJ were the emperors of Hindi film music, somehow for this song they wrongly chose Lata to sing the Hindi version which was not her forte. The ’panting’ sound created by LRE whenever there is a whip lash as per the storyline is simple out of the world and only she could do it. The orchestration by MSV deserves a separate write-up. This song will always be counted among the top songs ever composed in Tamil film music.
7. Kathoduthan Naan Paaduven-Velli Vizha-1972-V Kumar-Vaali
V Kumar was a genius composer who had to remain under the shadows of other legends like MSV & KVM. This song by LRE , sung in a whispering tone shows her versatility.
8. Adi Yennadi Ulagam-Aval Oru Thodarkathai-1974-M S Vishwanathan-Kannadasan
K Balachandar’s movies always had excellent songs , not only for their musical value but the way the songs carried the story through with superb lyrics. The way she sings with a powerful throw of her voice differentiates her from other singers.
Duets with T M Soundararajan
Though LRE sang duets with many singers, her duets with the legend, T M Soundararajan are not only more in numbers, but are equally popular and evergreen. In some of the songs, she does just the humming only and what great songs they turned out to be! I have listed ten best duets of this pair. TMS’ majestic voice coupled with LRE’s equally powerful singing make them delightful to hear.
- Kallellam Manika Kallaguma-Aalayamani-1962-Vishwanathan Ramamoorthy-Kannadasan
One of the most soulful , melodious duets from TMS& LRE, the humming by LRE is simply out of the world. With TMS going all out with his superb Tamizh diction in rendering this masterpiece, one can keep hearing this again and again, without ever getting tired of it.
2. Avalukkenna Ilagiya Manam-Server Sundaram-1964-Viswhwanathan Ramamoorthy-Vaali
This is one of the rare songs in which we could see the legends MSV and TMS on screen briefly. The rhythm pattern is infectious and one of the best by mellisai mannargal Vishwanathan and Ramamoorthy. For LRE this is a perfect tune , giving her lot of scope to sing with that signature vibrato in her voice.
3. Pavazhakodiyile Muthukkal-Panam Padaithavan-1965-Vishwanathan Rammoorthy-Vaali
Similar to Kallellam Manikka Kal Aaguma song , this has only humming by LRE and it is really amazing how a singer can make it a memorable song just with by humming along ! Of course the tune is so catchy , with TMS adding his own style to the song. Not to forget the superb poetry by Vaali that describes the beauty of a woman is a literary style.
4. Paarvai Ondre Pothume-Yaar Nee-1966-Veda-Kannadasan
Inspired from the Hindi song composed by Madan Mohan-Shok Nazar Ki Bijliyan for the film Woh Kaun Thi which was originally solo, Veda beautifully made it into a duet. The Tamil version is even more popular , I can say. Veda, as I had mentioned earlier used many original tunes created by others for his inspiration , but he improvised a lot and that is why his songs became quite popular in Tamil also. TMS & LRE have given their best to make it an evergreen song.
5. Muthukulikka Vareegala-Anubavi Raja-1967-M S Vishwanathan-Kannadasan
MSV composed a tune that was far ahead of his times-even the present generation would find this song peppy and catchy . The lyrics ooze with the dialectic flavour of the parts of Thoothukudi ( famous for muthu-pearls) , the tune with an Arabic/Middle-Eastern flavour and the singers TMS & LRE perfectly mould their voice to the on-screen actors Nagesh and Manorama. That was how legendary songs were created by those legendary artists. R D Burman liked this song so much that he recreated this almost as it is as with even the first few words exactly as “ Muthukulikka Vareegala” in Hindi for the film Do Phool which was a remake of Anubavi Raja Anubavi.
6. Thulluvatho Ilamai-Kudiyiruntha Kovil-1968-M S Vishwanathan-Vaali
One of my all-time favourites by TMS & LRE. The Spanish style tune, on-screen picturization also in that same style , MGR’s energetic dancing , last but not least the out-of-the world rendition by TMS & LRE-all make this one of the best songs from the team of MSV-TMS-LRE-Vaali.
7. Ninaithathai Nadathiye Mudippavan-Nam Naadu-1969-M S Vishwanathan-Vaali
With an excellent orchestration , MSV also does an innovation by having TMS & LRE sing different tunes in the Pallavi and beautifully synchronizing them. The video available in YouTube is of poor quality and so I have linked the audio only.
8. Naam Oruvarai Oruvar Santhithom-Kumari Kottam-1971-M S Vishwanathan-Vaali
One more song that brings out the superb singing skills of LRE and the natural vibrato in her voice.
9. Kettukodi Urimimelam-Pattikada Pattanama-1972-M S Vishwanathan-Kannadasan
Today everyone talks about the innovations done by many other music directors and sadly the pioneer of such innovations is almost forgotten! MSV uses western percussion instruments when TMS is singing in our folk style and our traditional percussion instruments when LRE is singing in western style! The energy in the song from TMS & LRE , and on-screen by Sivaji and Jayalalitha is truly amazing.
Duets with P Susheela
With contrasting voices and style of singing, P Susheela with her soft , sweet singing and LRE with her bold, earthy tones made a perfect pair. I have listed just a few memorable duets from this pair.
- Unathu Malar Kodiyile-Paada Kaanikkai-1962-Vishwanathan Ramamoorthy-Kannadasan-Duet with P Susheela
Kannadasan comes out with superb lyrics , with a slight change of words to describe how the two heroines on screen feel about their lover ( who happens to be the same person!). The soft and sober manner in which Susheela sings is contrasting to how LRE , with her natural vibrato convey her feelings in an assertive manner.
2. Chittira Poovizhi Vasilile-Idayathil Nee-1963- Vishwanathan Ramamoorthy-Mayavanathan-Duet with P Susheela
With minimum orchestration, the song is elevated to its great heights by the excellent lyrics of Mayavanathan and the contrasting singing by the two legends.
3. Thoothu Sella Oru Thozhi-Pachhai Vilakku-1964- Vishwanathan Ramamoorthy-Kannadasan-Duet with P Susheela
One of the best duets by this legendary pair, with the mellisai mannargal and Kaviarasar as usual complementing each other with their music and lyrics.
4. Malarukku Thendral Pagaiyanal- Enga Veetu Pillai-1965- Vishwanathan Ramamoorthy-Alangudi Somu-Duet with P Susheela
The reason why the songs of golden era inspire persons like me to keep writing about them even if very few only read them is that the lyrics were of very high quality, of course apart from music and singing. Not only the leading lyricists like Kannadasan , but there were so many others who enriched the film music . Alangudi Somu comes out with so many combinations of things that become enemies- “ pagai” to each other like “ Malarukku Thendral, Nilavuku Vaanam, Paravaiku Siragu, Uravuku Nenje, Padagukku Tuduppu etc. The beauty of the poetry is that these are by nature not supposed to ‘enemies’ to each other! One more immortal duet by PS & LRE that will haunt you long after you listen to the song.
Duets with Other singers/Triads
In this last section, I have selected few rare combinations of duets that LRE had sung with other singers and also included one triad that has TMS & PS singing with her. Starting from the yesteryear , first male playback singer of Tamil music, Tiruchi Loganathan to Yesudas and SPB , the list covers many other male playback singers.
- Ooraar Urangaiyile-Naalu Veli Nilam-1959-K V Mahadevan-Traditional folk song- Duet with Tiruchi Loganathan
A typical folk song that has been taken for film, KVM comes out with a simple but catchy tune that has been rendered with energy by TL and LRE.
2. Kattodu Kuzhalada Ada-Periya Idathu Pen-1963- Vishwanathan Ramamoorthy-Kannadasan-With TMS & P Susheela
One can visualize a typical village in Tamil Nadu just by listening to this song-it is to the great credit of artists involved by creating such masterpieces.
3. Buddhi Sigamani Petra Pillai-Iruvar Ullam-1963-Kannadasan-Duet with A L Raghavan
For a long time, I have been thinking of writing about a singer who , in today’s world , must have been almost forgotten-AL Raghavan. Unfortunately I do not know much about his songs and so will take some more time for that. I had completely forgotten this song for decades and only now , while looking at LRE’s duets with other singers, I could locate this. What a beauty of a song!
4. Kannirendum Minna Minna-Aandavan Kattalai-1964- Vishwanathan Ramamoorthy-Kannadasan-Duet with P B Sreenivas
LRE dominates the song with her intricate singing, and of course the golden voice of PBS complements so beautifully. V-R takes to Europe, Latin America with their out-of-the-world orchestration that was made in 1964 and can easily be considered as a song made today! A pleasure to hear this song again and again.
5. Raja Rajashri Rani Vanthal-Ooty Varai Uravu-1967-M S Vishwanathan-Kannadasan-Duet with P B Sreenivas
As I keep re-discovering each golden era songs, I am truly amazed at the creativity of the legendary composers like MSV! What innovation and freshness in their tunes that make them enjoyable even today. Once again the contrasting voice of PBS and LRE create sheer magic.
6. Ammano Samiyo-Naan-1967- T K Ramamoorthy-Kannadasan-Duet with Seerkazhi Govindarajan
After T K Ramamoorthy separated from his long time associate MSV , he did compose independently for few films , but unfortunately could not get much success like MSV. This is one his memorable songs , with LRE giving great energy to the song with another legend-Seerkazhi Govindarajan.
7. Love is fine darling -Thavapudalvan-1972-M S Vishwanathan-Vaali & Randor Guy-Duet with Ajith Singh
Thavapudalvan had some excellent songs like Isai Kettal Puvi Asainthadum and Ulagin Mudal Isai . This unique song with English and Tamil lyrics was one more innovation in Tamil film music and became quite popular.
8. Hello My Dear Wrong Number-Manmatha Leelai-1976-M S Vishwanathan-Kannadasan-Duet with K J Yesudas
One would normally never expect K J Yesudas to sing a song like this as this was not his style during those times, when he was well-known and established as a classical singer. But that was MSV’s master stroke and to pair with LRE for whom a song like this was a cake-walk.
9. Inimai Niraintha Ulagam-Ninaithale Inikkum-1979-M S Vishwanathan-Kannadasan-Duet with SPB
The musical , Ninaithale Inikkum was a milestone in MSV ‘s musical journey, especially in late 70’s when Ilayaraja was already creating waves. For SPB and LRE this song is a breeze.
Acknowledgements and Disclaimer:
I sincerely thank the publishers of following Internet sources for the information that I could gather for this article:
- You Tube
- Wikipedia
The songs mentioned are from the popular, public domain and have been embedded here only for the listening pleasure of the music lovers. 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.
