1^st July 1929 -8^th Apr 1989

Sometimes it so happens , purely by coincidence , that when I select an artist for my blog, his/her birth anniversary falls to close to the date I may complete it. It gave me immense pleasure to note that this blog will be published close to the 96^th birth anniversary of a unique music composer and singer who was well known in the 50’s & 60’s and gave some immortal melodies with his honey-laced vocals and equally melodious tunes.

Aemala Manmadharaju Rajah, popularly known as A. M. Rajah (1929–1989 )  was born on 1 July 1929 in Ramapuram village, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh. His father died when he was just three months old and the family later moved to Renukapuram, Chittoor District , A.P. He completed his  graduate studies from the famous  Pachaiyappa’s College with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Music was always his passion and he used to win many prizes in the college music festivals.

Whilst studying , Rajah wrote, composed, and sang two songs in Telugu with the instrumental support of the music director K. V. Mahadevan for His Master’s Voice. These songs were broadcast by All India Radio and  caught the attention of S. S. Vasan, noted film producer. After listening to these songs, Vasan, with the approval of his music director Emani Sankara Sastry, booked Rajah for his upcoming film, Samsaram. The song Samsaram Samsaram Samsaram, sakala dharma saram was well received by the listeners and he had made his mark. Slowly he started singing in his mother tongue Telugu and other languages like Malayalam and Kannada.

He even  acted and sang in Pakkinti Ammayi (1953), which was a precursor to the famous film Padosan in Hindi and Adutha Veetu Pen in Tamil. Those days many Hindi films used to be dubbed in Tamil and one such film “ Aah” was released as “ Avan” in Tamil. In 1953, Rajah and Jikki were chosen by the leading composers Shankar- Jaikishan and Raj Kapoor to render the songs in the  Tamil version and it is said they were the first pair from South to go to Mumbai and sing . Rajah also sang in a few Sinhala films produced in Chennai and Sri Lanka with Jikki and K. Jamuna Rani.

In the early years as a singer he had sung for the leading actors of those time like M G Ramachandran & Sivaji Ganesan in Tamil, N T Rama Rao & A Nageshwara Rao in Telugu, Prem Nazir and Satyam in Malayalam. Later on , in Tamil films, T M Soundararajan became the voice for both MGR and Sivaji and Rajah had his voice perfectly matched as the voice of another leading actor Gemini Ganesan. Only with the rise of P B Sreenivas as voice of Gemini, Rajah became less preferred. There are many stories about his stubbornness and short-tempered nature that made him a misfit in the whimsical film industry. I find some similarities between these stories to that of another such genius music composer in Hindi films Sajjad Husain. We do not know what happened exactly and hence I will not dwell upon them. Many artists have such  strong individual principles or beliefs that they do not compromise with and hence they are often misunderstood , especially in the commercially driven film industry.

As listeners , our loss is that due to this trait, most of the leading composers of Tamil films, M.S Vishwanathan and K V Mahadevan did not have many songs for him and hence we can only wish we had more from these greats. Never-the-less whatever Rajah sang , they are hits and are with a sublime melody that one would like to listen now, even after 60-70 odd years they were composed. His voice had a very soft feel , almost one can say a feminine touch that suited intensely romantic songs, pathos and those with a classic base. He would also surprise us with a peppy “ Oho Enthen Baby Nee Vaarai Enthen Baby” and “ Paatu Padava Paarthu Pesava” that shows his versatility.

Rajah’s debut as music composer was for Sobha , a Telugu film made in 1958. Later his close friend and noted producer-director-writer C. V. Sridhar  gave him the second break as an independent  music director, in his own debut film as director-Kalyana Parisu. He fulfilled  his promise that the day he directed his first film, Rajah would be its music director. Rajah received the Madras Film Fans Association award of Best Music Director in 1959 for this film. This film was a roaring success for both C V Sridhar and Rajah.

In the year 1958, Rajah married Jikki ( Pillavalu Gajapathy Krishnaveni) with whom he had earlier sung many duets, They were blessed with six children and some are still associated with music . It is commendable that despite Jikki being his wife, Rajah had sung many memorable songs with other singers like P Susheela and S Janaki in his own compositions . Of course many duets of Rajah & Jikki are evergreen.

Due to his own difficult ways, he slowly withdrew himself from the film industry after the mid-60’s and focused on his tourist car business in which he was successful. Also he did lot of music shows with Jikki in India and abroad and kept himself active with his music. Many years later , in 1971,  the unassuming , genius composer V Kumar coaxed Rajah out of his self-imposed exile and gave him an opportunity to sing “ Mutharame Un Oodal Yennavo” song for the film Rangarattinam and it became a hit. Music duo Shankar-Ganesh came up with one more evergreen number Senthamaraiye Senthen Ithazhe for the film Puguntha Veedu in 1972. Later Rajah also composed for few films in the early 70’s but they were not so popular except for few like Raasi Nalla Raasi for Veetu Mapillai in 1972.

On the 8th of April, 1989, while travelling for a music show in Kanya Kumari,  Rajah got down from the train in the Valliyur station as he was concerned about a boy from his troupe missing. Unfortunately when the train started moving , he tried to board , but slipped in the gap and got crushed by the train . A very sad and unfortunate end to a great genius. To the best of my knowledge one more genius music director Vasant Desai had a similar unfortunate fatal accident  , slipping in an elevator shaft in his own apartment block in Mumbai.

When one more Raja from Pannaipuram , Tamil Nadu entered the film industry with his musical hit Annakili in 1976, the film maker Panju Arunachalam added the prefix Ilaya to differentiate from A M Rajah and he was subsequently known as Ilayaraja. It is interesting to note that for a very brief period , Ilayaraaja had worked as a guitarist for  A M Rajah also !

I have listed 30 songs , and arranged them in two parts: first part has A M Rajah as a singer in other music directors’ compositions , second part has Rajah as a music director with songs that he had sung solo/ with other singers.

Since the number of songs are higher than my usual list that has 20-25 songs, I am keeping the description minimum for the sake of brevity.

Part 1-A M Rajah singing for other music composers (Song/ Film/ Year of film/ Music director/ Co-singer/ Lyricist/)

1. Samsaram Samsaram-Samsaram-1951- Emani Shankara Sastry-A M Rajah-Kothamangalam Subbu

Rajah’s debut film as a singer and note how at the young age of 22 , his voice and singing had so much of maturity!

2. Sirpi sethukkatha porchilaiye-Ethir  Parathathu (1954)-C N Pandurangan-A M Rajah -K.P Kamatchi Sundaram

I had never heard this song till the time I started writing this blog-what a superb tune, depth, pathos in Rajah’s singing and not to forget the legend Sivaji’s expressions in enacting the song on screen. While researching for my blogs I came across this composer C N Pandurangan-and do not know much about him. I should try to explore more of his music-appears to be one more unrecognized artist in the film world.

3. Mayakkum Maalai Pozhude-Gul-E-Bakavali-1955-Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy ( Originally composed by KVM for Koondukili)- A M Rajah with Jikki

I learnt that this tune was originally composed by K V Mahadevan for the film Koondukkili but was not included and later it was taken for this film , with the credit accorded to Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy who had composed all others songs in this film.  In his early days, Rajah had sung for both Sivaji and MGR and those were popular ones too.

4. Vaarayo Vennilave-Missiamma-1955- S Rajeshwara Rao-A M Rajah & P Leela-Thanjai N Ramaiah Das

With immortal songs like this , Rajah became the de-facto voice of Gemini Ganesan. This one is so popular even today with that superb mandolin-could be one among the best songs that used this instrument.  My recent blog on P Leela also included this song-two legends singing together!

5. Brindavanamum Nandakumaranum- Missiamma-1955- S Rajeshwara Rao- A M Rajah & P Susheela -Thanjai N Ramaiah Das

It is interesting to note that this song alone was taken as it is for the Hindi version of this film ( Miss Mary -1957 ) by Hemant Kumar, whereas other songs were originally composed for the Hindi version. It is said Rajah was always inspired by the singing of Mohammad Rafi and Tlaat Mehmood and one can find that gentle, ghazal-like feel in many of his songs and compositions. Interestingly the Hindi version Brindavan Ka Krishna Kanhaiyya was sung by Rafi & Lata.

6. Then Unnum Vandu-Amara Deepam-1956-T Chalapati Rao- A M Rajah &P Susheela -K.P Kamatchi Sundaram

A lilting melody by the vetran music director in Telugu films, T Chalapati Rao-Rajah and P Susheela had sung many such sweet romantic duets.

7. Masilla Unmai Kathale-Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum-1956-S Dakshinamurthy-1956-A M Rajah & Bhanumathi-A Maruthakasi

It is my own observation that when female singers with a powerful voice like Bhanumati sing along with a gentle -voiced male singer , those songs have their own unique charm. One more example of Rajah with a super-hit song for MGR.

8. Kanmudum Velayilum Kalai-Mahadevi-1957-Vishwanathan -Ramamoorthy- A M Rajah & P Susheela -Kannadasan

Songs like these are simply gentle breeze that caresses us while we get immersed in their inherent melody and in  the honey-laced voice of Rajah.

9. Thendral Uranguya Pothum-Petra Maganai Vitra Annai-1958-Vishwanathan Ramamoorthy- A M Rajah &P Susheela – A Maruthakasi

There must be few songs like this that have so many words in the lyrics . One of the most popular songs of Rajah , this can be heard multiple times without getting bored simply because of the impact of lyrics, tune, and exceptional singing by the two legends-Rajah and Susheela .

10. Aadada Manamum-Kalathur Kannamma-1960-R Sudarsanam- A M Rajah & P Susheela -Ku Ma Balasubramaniam

R Sudarshanam was always referred to as Sudarshanam Master-and he proves that he is a real master with this composition and the next one in my list. Note those fast-paced rhythm with table, dholak and bongos and that exquisite accordion! Rajah’s voice literally feels like a rose petal when he sings that second charanam-Roja-Puthu Roja-Azhagu Roja , fully enhancing the tune beautifully thought out by Sudarshanam master with a change of pace!

11. Kangalin Vaarthaigal- Kalathur Kannamma-1960-R Sudarsanam-A M Rajah &P Susheela-Kannadasan

I was under the impression that only TMS-P Susheela gave excellent duets, till I listened to so many from Rajah-Susheela pair. Though these may be lesser in number, many of them are evergreen and still sound so fresh.

12. Thuyilatha Pen Ondru Kanden- Meenda Sorgam-1960-T Chalapathi Rao- A M Rajah &  P Susheela -Kannadasan

Any song that has the good old waltz rhythm is always a hit! And when you have the gentle vocals of Rajah , a superb piano , excellent orchestration , including that special touch of Chalapati Rao towards the end of the song  with a delightful piano replacing the usual question and answer “ yaaro-neethan” , what else do we want!

13. Kalaiye Yen Vazhkaiyin Thisai-Meenda Sorgam-1960-T Chalapathi Rao-A M Rajah &  P Susheela-Kannadasan

Rajah proves in this song what a great command he has on the classical genre. This superb Bhageshri raagam based melody is an absolute delight with that innovative humming of P Susheela. The alaap at the very beginning of the song is something to cherish -Rajah is simply superb in this.

14. Mutharame Un Oodal Yennavo-Rangaraattinam-1971-V Kumar-A M Rajah & L R Eashwari-Vaali

As mentioned in my intro , it was after a long hiatus Rajah was coaxed out of his self-imposed hibernation that V Kumar gave him a second innings with his song. A unique combination of Rajah with L R Eashwari. V Kumar had his own distinct style and he used to experiment with different pairs of singers-Rajah’s voice in the 70’s had a slightly different texture.

15. Senthamaraiye Senthen Ithazhe-Pugunda Veedu-1972-Shankar-Ganesh-A M Rajah & Jikki-Vaali

The duo Shankar-Ganesh started off as a team but due to the unfortunate demise of Shankar who was the younger brother of noted music director C R Subbaraman. Later Ganesh continued with the title Shankar -Ganesh and created his own niche. This song is one of the most popular after Rajah’s come back.

Part 2- A M Rajah as a music composer  (Song/ Film/ Year of film/ Co-singer /Lyricist)

A M Rajah got his first break to compose music in Tamil films with C V Sridhar’s Kalyana Parisu. Both the film and its music were well received and this set the stage for Rajah to compose music for many films. However I have selected three of his major works as they contain some of his best compositions-Kalyana Parisu, Then Nilavu and Aadi Perukku. Among his works in the 70’s I could find one song that stood out-from the film Veetu Mappillai.

1. Vaadikkai Maranthathum-Kalyana Parisu-1959- A M Rajah & P Susheela -Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram

What a terrific fast paced interlude Rajah had thought of in this song, with those beautiful string arrangements! Not to miss that superb humming by Susheela and Rajah…

2. Kathalile Tholviutral Kanni- Kalyana Parisu-1959- A M Rajah & P Susheela-Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram

This film was known for the lead pair’s failure in their love and this song became sort of an anthem . The intense pathos in both the composition and singing stand out.

3. Thullatha Manamum Thullum -Kalyana Parisu-1959-Jikki-Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram

Jikki was known for her exceptional vocal skills and had sung for many other composers also, apart from her husband Rajah’s tunes.

4. Kaalaiyum Neeye Maalaiyum neeye-Then Nilavu-1961- A M Rajah & S Janaki -Kannadasan

One more example of Rajah’s command over the classical genre similar to Kalaiye En Vaazhvin . Was it a co-incidence that one had P Susheela humming throughout the song and the other one S Janaki? There are conflicting ideas about the raagam in which this is based-Hamsanandi or Basant-I am not an expert and I would just like to close my eyes and listen to this scintillating rendition.

5. Oho Enthan Baby- Then Nilavu-1961-A M Rajah & S Janaki-Kannadasan

Then Nilavu was without any doubt the magnum opus of Rajah with all the songs being super hits. And this song and  Paatu Padava are the most famous of his songs.

6. Nilavum Malarum- Then Nilavu-1961- A M Rajah & P Susheela -Kannadasan

One more example of my theory-any song that has a waltz-based rhythm will always be a mega hit! Both Rajah and Susheela render such a great romantic melody!

7. Paattu Padava- Then Nilavu-1961-A M Rajah -Kannadasan

For many this could be one of the most popular songs of Rajah. I find shades of O P Nayyar’s typical tonga-rhythm ( horse hoof beat) and even his typical orchestration style in this but one should really appreciate that Rajah had not taken any specific song but just took the essence of OPN’s style . That mandolin , flute and violin arrangement is absolute class!

8. Chinna Chinna Kannile- Then Nilavu-1961- A M Rajah & P Susheela -Kannadasan

This song is picturized with the lead actors Gemini Ganesan and Vyjanthilamala in a Kashmiri style costume and Rajah composes a superb lilting  melody that is in perfect sync with that.

9. Malare Malare Theriyatha- Then Nilavu-1961- P Susheela-Kannadasan

When it comes to solo songs , especially with a touch of pathos , then who else but the great legend P Susheela to render it. This film also has an excellent  solo-Oorengum Thedinen Oruvarai Kanden- by Jikki but I had to exclude that -already my blog has crossed its usual length!

10. Thanimayile Inimai Kaana-Aadiperukku-1962- A M Rajah & P Susheela -K D Santhanam

After Kalyana Parisu and Then Nilavu, if there was one film that had superb songs composed by Rajah , it was Aadi Perukku. This one is also one of the well-known songs of Rajah.

11. Pengal Illaatha-Aadiperukku- 1962- A M Rajah & P Susheela -Kothamangalam Subbu

Qawwali is a genre that is very rarely heard in Tamil films. Rajah shows his mastery even in this genre.

12. Kannizhantha  Manithar Munney Oviyam- Aadiperukku-1962-A M Rajah & P Susheela-Kannadasan

Kannadasan as usual comes out with so many similes to describe the story in his inimitable style , superbly composed by Rajah , sung by him along with Susheela.

13. Puriyathu Vaazhakaiyin Ragasiyam Puriyathu-Aadiperukku-1962-P B Sreenivas -Suratha

I had never heard this song and also never thought there could be a song composed by Rajah but sung by P B Sreenivas, whose voice also somewhat sounds like Rajah’s. In fact PBS later on became the de-facto voice of Gemini Ganesan. Though picturised as a background song, this is a very rare song and has some excellent lyrics by the lesser-known poet Suratha , tuned in with an intense pathos by Rajah.

14. Kaveri Oram Kavi Sonna Kaathal-Aadiperukku-1962-P Susheela -K D Santhanam

Apart from the superb singing by Susheela and a beautiful westernized orchestration by Rajah, do not miss the superb dance by Chandra Babu. One can keep admiring Rajah’s vast repertoire in composing so many genres. I really cannot understand why songs like these were never heard much.

15. Rasi Nalla Rasi-Veetu Mappilai-1972-A M Rajah & Jikki-Vaali

A M Rajah made a comeback as a singer and composer in the 70’s but by that time music trend was slowly changing . Still he did come out with some memorable songs like this one, singing along with his life-companion Jikki.

Whenever I try to write about those artists , whose songs I had not heard much till the time I start writing my blog, I am fully aware that I am not doing a good job as one should have immersed oneself for a long time in that artist’s music. However , personally for me it has been a great experience to listen to such a huge variety of music and it shows  how many such legends had enriched our film music with their incredible talent.

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. Quarantine from reality series in YouTube by Ragamalika TV

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.