Tag Archives: old-tamil-songs

Hindi film songs

Ganamani P. Leela- a singer very few may remember now

Leave a comment

19th May  1934 -31st Oct 2005

When someone takes the name of noted playback singer P Leela today, I think a majority may not be knowing her or even confuse her with the more popular P Susheela. True to the main idea behind this blogsite, I am trying to write about  all such forgotten artists so that at least in future their names and contribution to film music will always be remembered.

P Leela had a different voice that was both melodious and had a majestic ring that  suited Carnatic classical , folk, and of course the light music genres for films. She has  sung around 5000 songs in all the south Indian languages -her native Malayalam, Tamil , Telugu , Kannada and in other regional languages of India. She was given the titles  Ganamani, Ganavarshini, Kalarathnam etc among many others.

In the 1950’s & 60’s she had sung extensively in Tamil films and of course in other languages also , but my knowledge  is restricted to the Tamil film songs and so I will try to make a humble attempt to write about some of her great solos and duets. It has indeed been a great experience for me, mostly ignorant about many great artists of the golden era of Tamil music , to discover their songs.

Porayath Leela was born in Chittoor, Palakkad district of Kerala to V K Kunjanmenon Menon and Porayath Meenakshi Amma. She was the youngest among three daughters-Sharadha, Bhanumathi and Leela. Her father was a teacher in Ramavarma Higher Secondary School , Ernakulam . It was her father who inspired her to learn music and her first guru for Carnatic classical  music was Thiribuvana Manibhagavadhar, the uncle of musician T. V. Gopalakrishnan. Later on she was trained by many other vidwans like Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagawathar, Paththamadai Krishna Ayyar, Maruthuvakudi Rajagopala Iyer, and Rama Bhagavathar. On the advice of the headmistress of the school where Leela was studying , her father took her to Madras ( as it was known at that time) in the year 1944 and she learnt music like in a gurukulam under the tutelage of Vadakkancheri Ramabagavathar in Mylapore.

In the year 1948 , Leela got her first break as a playback singer in the film Kanganam that had music composed by Padmanabha Sastry. In the same year she also sang in the Malayalam movie Nirmala . By the 50’s she started singing in almost all the south Indian languages.

In an era when stalwarts well-versed in  Carnatic classical music  like M S Subbalakshmi , M L Vasanthakumari  & D. K. Pattammal were singing for films also, it was  P Leela’s immense talent and versatility that enabled her to create a name for herself. Leela could sing a song that had pure Carnatic classical base  -Kathiruppan Kamala Kannan , a folk song with the right accent and intonation- Thazhayam Poo Mudichu)  , a westernized tune- Raja Magal Roja Malar that had an Arabian feel, a folk and classical touch all in one song  , an intensely moving   female version of Endru Thaniyum Intha Suthantira dagam etc. For almost 20 years , starting from the late 40’s till late 60’s she was active in Tamil films. Of course in Malayalam she was one of the most prolific  singers and was quite active till the late 70’s.

When the Guruvayoor Dewaswom decided to bring out the album Narayaneeyam (Bhagavata Purana in poetic form composed by Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri, a celebrated Sanskrit poet of Kerala in 16th century) , names of several musicians like M.S. Subbalakshmi , M.L. Vasanthakumari  were considered and finally the Dewaswom approved P Leela to sing Narayaneeyam. “I got the chance to sing Guruvayarappan Narayaneeyam which I consider as an honour…”said Leela.

Known for her humility , in spite of being a very successful singer in all southern language films , she spent her later years with her nephews and nieces and focused more on classical concerts and light music programs. Unfortunately her marriage with a lawyer was not successful. During her lifetime she got many awards from various southern states , including the Kalaimamani award from Tamil Nadu, but as it always happens , the government of India awarded her the Padma Bhushan , posthumously in 2006.

An example of her humility and kind-heartedness was her gesture of suggesting the name of S Janaki, who was at that time still trying to make it big in Tamil films ,  for the masterpiece Singara Velana Deva in the film Konjum Salangai -a song that warranted matching the high octaves of Karakurichi Arunachalam’s nadaswaram. Very few in the music world would help a competitor!

The former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu , Jayalalitha had paid a glowing tribute to her after her demise:

 “One of the greatest vocal musicians of India, who made a name for herself by singing exquisite songs in her mellifluous voice in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu both for the film industry, as well as in Carnatic music. She had also rendered melodious devotional songs. Though she had been decorated with a number of awards including the Kalaimamani Award of the State Government for 1991-92, she was the epitome of humility and considered her contributions in the field of music a humble service to humanity and an offering to the Lord. In her passing, we have lost a great singer, leaving a great void in the world of music.”

With the limited knowledge that I have about her repertoire , I have selected 25 best songs by her , arranged in chronological order with the song , film , year, co-singers, music director and lyricist mentioned in that order.

  1. Amaidiyillatha Maname Yen Maname-Pathala Bhairavi-1951-Duet with Ghantasala-Ghantasala-Thanjai N Ramaiah Dass

A lilting romantic melody, with that typical majestic voice of Leela complementing Ghantasala , with whom she had sung so many songs in Telugu. The tunes of the 50’s had their own sweet charm.

2. Perinbame Vaazhvile Endrume-Devaki-1951-Duet with Tiruchi Loganathan-G Ramanathan-A Maruthakasi

I tried to get a good quality link to this song, but was unable to do so. A song that has so much energy bursting forth, composed by the veteran G Ramanathan, who had given so many memorable songs for P Leela. And what to say about Tiruchi Loganathan-whatever he sang were superb!

One interesting thing about this film is that , it is picturized on V M Janaki, who was the wife of late M G Ramachandran and was  the heroine in the film.

3. Ellaam Inbamayam-Manamagal-1951-M.L Vasanthakumari & P Leela-C.R Subbaraman-Udumalai Narayanakavi

C R Subbaraman was a legendary composer who had nurtured one more genius in Tamil film music-our own Mellisai Mannar MSV! The song Ellam Inbamayam is a great classical composition by C R Subbaraman, sung by M L Vasanthakumari and P Leela , and picturised on Padmini , in her debut film and her sister Lalitha. It is rare to see a song picturized with so many shots . It is said that the veteran actor-comedian , N S Krishnan who had produced and directed this film , had introduced all the technicians involved at the end credits of the film-definitely a unique concept for 1951! Note how P Leela has rendered this so well , singing with an established Carnatic classical singer like M L Vasanthakumari. Such songs will remain for posterity and it was truly a great experience for me to listen to this song after so many years.

4. Yaanai Thandham Pole-Amarakavi -1952-Duet with M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagawathar-G Ramanathan-Suratha

After the infamous Lakshmikanthan case , the legendary M K Thyagaraja Bhagavathar did act in few films , but unfortunately they were not super successful ones as compared to the 40’s which was the zenith of his career. However when  listen to  this song, we wonder why songs like this did not become famous. A superb composition , composed  by G Ramanathan , sung so well by P Leela and MKT. Note the innovative counter-melody created by G Ramanathan at the end of the song when P Leela does a humming that goes counter to the main song.

5. Konji Pesum Kiliye- Amarakavi -1952-Duet with MKT-G Ramanathan-Suratha

One more hidden gem from the same film -note how P Leela matches the high octaves of MKT so effortlessly. The song sounds deceptively simple but if you listen carefully , you can discover what intricate notes have been weaved in by GR and how both the singers have rendered them so well.

6. Vaaranam Aayiram Soozha Valam Seidhu -Thooku Thooki-1954- Duet with M.L. Vasanthakumari – G Ramanathan- Nachiyar Thirumozhi by Aandal

Thooki film is known for bringing together the two legends -Sivaji Ganesan and TMS together. Although the song Sundar Soundari Nirandariye is more popular, I have selected another song as the former is sung together by Leela & A. P Komala whereas the Vaaranam Aayiram Soozha Valam Seidhu has once again MLV and P Leela rendering a superb song in their typical classical style. The lyrics are from the literary works of Aandal , a devotee of Vishnu, composed in the 8th century. She is the only woman Aalwar among the twelve great devotees of Lord Vishnu.

7. Vaarayo Vennilaave -Missiamma-1955-Duet with AM Rajah-S Rajeshwara Rao-Thanjai N Ramaiah Das

Among the songs in this list, I think this one must be known to most of the readers. An evergreen melody composed by S Rajeshwara Rao with that mandolin being supreme in the orchestration.  Beautifully picturized on Gemini Ganesan and Savitri, songs like this  will remain evergreen for  centuries.  

  • 8. Therinthu Kollanum Penne-Missiamma-1955- S Rajeshwara Rao-Thanjai N Ramaiah Das

This song is surprisingly not that much popular in spite of having a superb piano playing throughout the song ( I understand that Piano was played by one Ramachandran Diwakar). It is very rare to see a song picturized with the leading lady playing a piano in our films.

9. Mayame Naan Ariyen- Missiamma-1955- S Rajeshwara Rao-Thanjai N Ramaiah Das

The film Missiamma and Vanjikottai Valiban had some of the best songs from P Leela. Only after listening closely to P Leela’s songs, I realized how she was able to mould her voice to different genres. It is really a pity that she was not utilized more in Tamil films ; of course I do not have anything against her illustrious contemporaries like P Susheela & S Janaki who are great artists without any doubt. This is only a longing that we could have enriched the treasure of the golden era with more of P Leela’s songs also.

10. Vaanga Machan Vaanga-Madurai Veeran-1956-Solo & Duet versions (with TMS) -G Ramanathan- Thanjai N Ramaiah Das

    If one listens to this song immediately after listening to the one in S. No 9, my observation must be ringing true. The way she adapts  to a  folk style in Vaanga Machan Vaanga is something truly amazing. There are two versions -the first one has P Leela dominating the first part only to handover the baton to another legend, TMS who elevates the song to an even higher level. The second link has a solo version by Leela.

    11. Aaha Inba Nilavinile Oho Jagame -Maya Bazaar-1957-Duet with Ghantasala- Ghantasala- Thanjai N Ramaiah Das

      One of the most entertaining films from the yesteryears, May Bazaar also had superb music. Although S Rajeshwara Rao was originally signed up , he left the film after composing 4 songs due to some differences , it was Ghantasala who completed the major part of the film. A soothing melody, with a scenic boat ride on a moonlit ride , the gentle voices of Ghantasala and P Leela take you into a tranquil world.

      12. Kannudan Kalandhidum Subadhiname- Maya Bazaar-1957-Duet with Ghantasala- S Rajeshwara Rao- Thanjai N Ramaiah Das

        One more duet by the P Leela and Ghantasala that has a pleasing melody from the blockbuster film Maya Bazaar.

        13. Neeyegadhi Eeswari-Annayin Aaanai-1958- S.M Subbaiah Naidu-A Maruthakasi

          Although I am not an expert in identifying the classical raagas, I understand this song is set on Charukesi raagam. An excellent rendition by P Leela , with so much of devotion and emotion that she has given to the song , especially at the high octaves in the charanam .

          14. Thai porantha vazhi porakkum-Thai Piranthal Vazhi Pirakkum-1958- T. M. Soundararajan, P. Leela, S. V. Ponnusamy & L. R. Eswari-K.V Mahadevan-A Maruthakasi

            Almost everyone in Tamil Nadu would be familiar with this song that is invariably played in radio on Pongal festival , the beginning of the Tamil month “ Thai.” No one would ever believe that P Leela’s mother tongue was not Tamil, when we listen to her songs-she sang with a perfect accent , more so when singing such folk songs that give a flavour of the rural life in Tamil Nadu.

            15. Kathiruppan Kamala Kannan-Uthamaputhiran-1958-G Ramanathan- T K Sundara Vadyar

              Right at the beginning of the song, by hearing that typical beat of tabla , we can understand it is the legendary  G Ramanathan’s composition. And who else to render a classic raagamilka song other than P Leela . Her mastery is evident throughout the song. It is a raagamalika consisting of Saramati, Tilang  and Mohanam raagas.

              16. Kondattan Mansukkule Kondattam-Uthamaputhiran-1958-G Ramanathan- K.S Gopalakrishnan

                You can discover the versatility of Leela’s singing when you listen to this  this song. Effortlessly she renders this fast -paced peppy number, with so much of energy!

                17. Kannun Kannum Kalanthu-Vanjikottai Valiban-1958-Duet with Jikki -C Ramachandra-Kothamangalam Subbu

                  I had covered this song in detail in my blog “ A musical journey-Tamil film music” and in  that I had focused more on the music director C Ramachandra and his outstanding orchestration . P Leela brings the right classicism to Padmini’s dance while another legend , Jikki ( P Krishnaveni) provides an equal counter-point by lending her vocals to Vyjanthimala’s dance. One can write pages about this song that is well known to every one interested in old Tamil songs, but I do not know how many would be remembering the singers who gave us this wonderful song.

                  18. Raja Magal Roja malar- Vanjikottai Valiban-1958-C Ramachandra-Kothamangalam Subbu

                    From the same film , here is one  hidden gem , that somehow remained a distant second to Kannum Kalanthu . While the latter was a duet with Jikki, in this song it is all the way P Leela who has rendered one of her all-time great songs. The song consists of three different parts with each one in a different genre that only a genius like C Ramachandra can think of. Starting off with an Arabian style , the song in the next part shifts to a typical folk genre and then moves on to a sort of westernized classical waltz and finally comes back to Raja Magal Roja Malar. P Leela proves her prowess in all the three styles and comes up with an immortal song. Those who are listening to this for the first time are bound to listen repeatedly in a loop!

                    19. Vennilave Thanmathiye- Vanjikottai Valiban-1958-C Ramachandra-Kothamangalam Subbu

                      One more gem from Vanjikottai Valiban , this time a sober and soft melody that caresses you with a mellifluous P Leela’s voice.

                      20. Thazhayam Poo Mudichu- Bhaga Pirivinai-1959- Duet with TMS -Vishwanathan Ramamoorthy-Kannadasan

                      It is surprising that we  have a popular song of P Leela under the music direction of Mellisai Mannargal Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy only in the year 1959 ! Although she had been singing for them right from Genova film (1954) and then in few films also in between, to the best of my research , I could not find any popular song in this combination. But what a great song this is! With just 3-4 instruments V-R composed a masterpiece of folk song that would always be listed at the top whenever one tries to make a list of best Tamil film songs in the folk genre. P Leela’s diction is so perfect to suit a typical village girl , with the veteran TMS adding his own charm.

                      21. Aanai Mugathone-Pillayar Kovilukku- Bhaga Pirivinai-1959- Duet with TMS -Vishwanathan Ramamoorthy-Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram

                      Honestly, I listened to this song for the first time only while working on this blog. Many songs from the film Bhaga Pirivinai were quite popular but somehow I had not listened to this earlier. A friendly teasing between the hero , Sivaji Ganesan, and a group of village girls, beautifully written by Pattukottai Kalyana Sundaram and superbly rendered by TMS & Leela. Not to miss the enactment on screen by the legend Sivaji.

                      22. Konjum Salangai Olikettu- Konjum Salangai-1962-S.M Subbaiah Naidu-Kannadasan

                      Although S Janaki’s life-time best song Singara Velane deva is the most popular song from this film, this one is equally mesmerizing.  A scintillating dance number composed by the veteran S M Subbaiah Naidu and rendered by Leela in her typical style.

                      23. Nilave Nee Intha-Pattinathar-1962-Duet with TMS-G Ramanathan-T.K Sundara Vathyar

                      I keep discovering so many unheard gems while working on my blogs. That is the greatest reward for me! Note when TMS sings for himself on screen, the voice sounds so different from his songs for MGR or Sivaji! And what to say about Leela? She has moulded her voice to suit the mood of the song , proving that she was one of the foremost playback singers.

                      24. Mugam Paarthathu  Pothatha-Tiruneelakandar-1972- C.N Pandurangan-Kannadasan

                      By the 70’s , the number of songs by Leela in Tamil films had reduced drastically, with MSV mostly composing songs with P Susheela or L R Eashwari and rarely S Janaki. The music composer C N Pandurangan is relatively lesser known , but I understand he had composed for 40 films in a career spanning 30 years. Despite being immensely talented commercial success evaded him and hence he is almost unknown today. This rare song in 1972 has P Leela singing with the same fervour. Once again a classical melody.

                      25. Sree Shiva Sutha -Karpoora Mullai-1991-Ilayaraja-Ilayaraja(?)

                      I was totally surprised to note that Leela had sung for Ilayaraja! Knowledgeable readers may comment if there was any other song in Tamil from these two. This song is from an obscure film Karpoora Mullai that was  a remake or rather dubbed version of the Malayalam film  Ente Suryaputhriku ( the link to the song also mentions that film only) . Even more surprising to note is that the song is mostly in Sanskrit and lyrics  has been credited to Ilayaraja. It is supposed to be based on a very rare raaga-Rukumambari. Note how at the age of  57 , Leela has rendered this so nicely.

                      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.

                      Hindi film songs

                      Pioneer of Tamil Playback Singing-Tiruchi Loganathan

                      2 Comments

                      24th July 1924-17th November  1989

                      The early years of Tamil film music was dominated by those male & female actors who were also good singers. In fact, if anyone wanted to get into acting , they had to be singers too. M.K Thyagaraja Bhagawatar , P.U Chinnappa, K B Sundarambal, N.C Vasantha Kokilam etc are some of the names one could think of. Towards the late 40’s,   a new trend started  when some of the actors who were not basically  singers got to “ sing” them on screen with the help of playback singers. Although I am not a qualified film historian, from what I could learn from various sources , in the 1947 film Rajakumari , M.M Mariappa and his cousin Tiruchi Loganathan  became the first male playback singers . Mariappa was also a stage actor and he  sang few songs for the emerging  star M.G Ramachandran ,  who had his first  lead role in this film  and went on to dominate not only Tamil films , but politics for a very long time. In that film,  for  M.N Nambiar,  Tiruchi Loganathan  sang Kattinile Naangal Vazhvathe -a duet with K.V Janaki who was the first female playback singer in Tamil films. So, it could be said the in all probability Tiruchi Loganathan was truly the first male playback singer in Tamil films.

                      The decade of 1950’s was a happening time with many legendary singers making their mark like T. M Soundararajan, P.B Sreenivas, A.M Rajah, Seerkazhi Govindarajan etc. Before these singers could make a name for themselves ,  it was  Tiruchi Loganathan who established himself as a leading playback singer. The  number of songs he had sung may be lesser in terms of quantity, but many of the songs he rendered became iconic and are remembered even after 70+ years . Some of us may not know  the singer who sang  Vaarai Nee Vaarai, Aasaiye Alaipole, Velli Panimalayin Meedulavuvom but definitely these songs are well known to us.  Tiruchi Loganathan’s birth centenary year , 2024 has almost passed on without much talk about him. When I did my usual search in the Internet for this blog, I was pained to note  woefully inadequate articles  about him.

                      Ever since I started my blogs, the greatest satisfaction I get is the opportunity to listen to a multitude  of singers. To be honest , except for 4 to 5 songs of Tiruchi Loganathan , I have not listened to many . The sheer variety he has demonstrated by singing patriotic, comical, sad, philosophical, and romantic songs is no less than many other playback singers who had become quite successful. I fail to understand why he did not sing after the early 60’s. He was alive till 1989 and as per whatever information I could dig out, he seems to have completely faded away after the 60’s. Maybe it was his own choice to take an early retirement. However his sons became playback singers like Deepan Chakravarthy, & T.L Maharajan,

                      There are many anecdotes about him and he comes out as a person who was not primarily  after money . When he was offered to sing a song for the hero in a film , after having sung 4 songs for the comedian , he refused,  stating it would not be appropriate and instead  introduced his friend Seerkazhi Govindarajan. Also, for the film Kappalottiya Tamizhan, he refused to take any remuneration as he was basically a freedom-fighter  and felt it was not right  to take money for this film. His generosity  reminds me of another legendary singer , incidentally born in the same year, 1924-Mohammad Rafi!

                      Tiruchi Loganathan ( for simplicity I will henceforth mention as TL) was born to Subramania Achari, in a family of traditional goldsmiths, and did not have any formal education. The family business also did not  interest him and his mind was on music. Fortunately,  his father noticed his keen interest in music and encouraged him . The young TL went on to perform musical plays along with his cousin M. M Mariappa and also learnt music under the tutelage of Nataraja Pillai , a noted  music guru.

                      After his debut in the 1947 film Rajakumari, in the 1948 film Abhimanyu, TL sang a duet with U.R Jeevarathnam “ Pudhu vasanthamaame vaazhvile’. There is an interesting story behind this  song . It was composed by the young  M.S Vishwanathan who, at that time,  was just an errand boy in Jupiter Pictures and S.M Subbaiah Naidu was the music composer for the film. When SMS was trying to compose the tune and had taken a break , MSV tuned the song and was playing it on the harmonium . When SMS entered the studio, he was frightened initially, but SMS liked the tune and recorded the song and only after the song became popular , announced that it was tuned by the young MSV!! If he had initially mentioned that it was composed by an inexperienced boy , the song could have got rejected! Listen to that song that could be MSV’s first composed song!!
                       

                      Then came the 1950 film Manthiri Kumari , and with the immortal song “ Vaarai Nee Vaarai, there was no looking back for Tiruchi Loganathan . The film makers were somewhat apprehensive about this song that featured towards  the end of the film as an afterthought . On release , the producer & director were surprised to note that this song was in everyone’s lips and so it was retained! The same film had one more gem of a song by him “ Ulavum Thendral Kaatrinile” , once again , a duet with noted singer  Jikki.

                      In the next few years TL became a much sought-after singer for his clear Tamil diction and voice modulation : just note how he rendered Adikkara Kai Thaan Anaikkum in a ‘tipsy’ style, with a perfect hiccup or the famous demonic laugh in ‘Kalyana Samayal Saatham’!. The songs featured in my list below , showcase the immense variety in TL’s singing. With the limited knowledge that I have in general about Tamil film music and specifically about Tiruchi Loganathan, I have tried to compile few of his best songs . These are sequenced in chronological order of the film’s release , with song-film-year-music director-lyricist -co-singer mentioned in that order.

                      • Vaarai Nee Vaarai-Manthiri Kumari -1950-G Ramanathan-A Maruthakasi-Duet with Jikki

                      The first song that would come to anyone’s mind if we mention the name  Tiruchi Loganathan . A superb tune, orchestrated in G Ramanthan’s inimitable style and sung by TL with a tinge of that villainy appropriate for the situation of the song. It is supposed to be one of those rare songs where the entire sequence was shot earlier and the song was written and composed later. Although the actual hero in the film was the veteran MGR , this was picturized on S.A Natarajan, playing an anti-hero  role. He takes the heroine to the top of a hill with an intention to push her -note the lyrics that Maruthakasi had written with a hidden meaning to an apparently romantic song!

                      • Ulavum thendral kaatrinile- Manthiri Kumari -1950-G Ramanathan-A Maruthakasi-Duet with Jikki

                      This is another gem from the same movie. Note the change in TL’s singing as he switches to a more romantic tone as compared to “ Vaarai”…The song is  beautifully written, composed like a waltz by the veteran G Ramanathan  and sung in a question-answer format. Note how TL places so much of stress in the lines “ Ithayam antha malaikku yethu ” or “ Unathu Kadaikkan Paarvai kaatum” ! We see the early signs of how he refined the art of  playback singing !

                      • Koovamal Koovum Kokilam-Vaira Maalai-1954-Vishwanathan -Ramamoorthy-Kannadasan-Duet with M.L. Vasanthakumari

                      I do not know why  the famous musical duo Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy did not utilize the talents of TL much. Maybe after they discovered TMS who became the de-facto voice for both the leading stars MGR & Sivaji Ganesan , they could not give much opportunities to TL . This is one of their  early compositions and is picturized on  R.S Manohar, more famous for his magnificent mythological dramas and mostly in negative roles in later films. Picturized in the beautiful Lal Bagh garden in Bengaluru , this is also visually a charming song with a simple delightful tune.

                      • Vanjamitho Vaanjai Itho-Vaira Maalai-1954-Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy-Kanaga Surabhi-Duet with M.L Vasanthakumari

                      The same film Vaira Maalai has one more beautiful duet by TL & MLV. Observe how TL has sung this with a soft , romantic tone and contrast this with his other songs that will be coming up in my list.  Truly he was a pioneer in playback singing!

                      • Kalyana Samayal saadam-Maya Bazaar-1957-Ghantasala-Thanjai N  Ramaiah Dass

                      One of the most popular songs of TL! A delight for both music lovers and food lovers! That laugh is something fabulous that TL rendered so nicely. This tune is basically an inspired one ( from  The laughing Policeman by Charles Penrose ) but in my very humble opinion, both Ghantasala , the music composer and TL , the singer,  have to be complimented  for elevating the song to a different level. Also, we should not forget the veteran S.V Ranga Rao for enacting the role of Ghatotkachan so nicely. The film Maya Bazaar remains a masterpiece till today remembered for its excellent photography.

                      • Chinnakutti nathana chillaraye-Aaravalli-1957-G. Ramanathan-Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram

                      This is was a pleasant discovery for me while researching for the blog! What playful lyrics by Pattukottaiyar in this typical folk song and I am truly amazed to observe how the supremely talented TL has demonstrated so many genres within  the limited number of songs  he sang!

                      • Aasaiye alaipole-Thai Pirantha Vazhi Pirakkum-1958-K.V Mahadevan-Kannadasan

                      Definitely among the topmost hits of TL , I had also mentioned this song in my blog on K.V Mahadevan. From the romantic to the comic and now a philosophical TL ! The lines by Kaviarasar tuned so exquisitely by KVM are brought to life by TL’s superb rendition with a flawless diction. Each and every line and word are ‘chiselled’ by him while singing. That special alaapanai in the last charanam , after the line “soorai kaatru veesinal thoni ottam mevumo” and at the end of the song are simply out of the world.

                      • Purushan veetil vazha pogum penne-Paanai Pidithaval Bhagyashali-1958-S.V Venkataraman- T.K Sundara Vadyar

                      It is said that those days ,in villages of TN, every wedding had this  song played . Today feminists may consider the lines a bit male-dominated , but we are talking about TL’s singing-just note how, as a brother he provides  advice to his  newly married sister . The anecdote I had mentioned in the introduction about TL introducing Seerkazhi Govindarajan to the producer for the hero’s song was pertaining to this film.

                      • Cycle varuthu cycle varuthu-Neelavukku Neranja Manasu-1958-K.V.Mahadevan-A. Maruthakasi-Duet with L.R Eashwari

                      One more example of TL’s comical style , this time for the evergreen comedian Thangavelu. Did this song give Thangavelu the prefix to his name “ Danal Thangavel” ?

                      Danaaal nu adikkara bellum sariya illeenge! As the perfect playback singer , he modulates his voice to suit Thangavelu to a tee!

                      • Originality Osantha Quality- Neelavukku Neranja Manasu-1958-K.V.Mahadevan-A.S.Narayanan

                      I wonder why some songs we did not hear at all  in so many decades! I consider myself to be an avid listener of old Hindi and Tamil songs and I am sure I have never heard this before. One can never imagine KVM , more famous for his classical based songs, coming out with such a peppy comical song . TL does full justice to the composition . Please do not  miss the superb rock & roll style orchestration at the end. Truly a rocking number! Incidentally the lady who plays the role of grandmother in the song , C.T.Rajakantham is TL ‘s mother-in-law!.

                      • Adikkira kai than anaikum-Vannakili-1959-K.V.Mahadevan-A. Maruthakasi-Duet with P Susheela

                      TL proves he is no less when rendering a tipsy song , with a perfect hiccup adding to the charm. A rare duet of TL with the nightingale P Susheela. Once again I am tempted to compare TL with my favourite singer Mohammad Rafi who used to sing those ‘ sharabi’ type of songs so beautifully .

                      • Ooraar urungaiyile-Naalu Veli Nilam-1959-K.V Mahadevan & M.K Atmanathan-Folk song-Duet with L.R Eswari

                      One more hidden gem that I discovered only while researching for this blog. It is sad that many such songs of TL have faded away from popular media. Thanks to YouTube we are able to discover these gems. A typical folk song sung so nicely by both TL & LRE.

                      • Kaiyile vaaginen paiyile podale -Irumbuthirai-1960-S.V.Venkataraman- Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram

                      The revolutionary poet Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram comes out with a beautiful philosophical song with a tinge of comedy and sadness combined , brought to life by TL’s simple but elegant singing. Thangavelu has enacted on screen so well!

                      • Kangalum Kavipaduthey-Adutha Veetu Pen-1960-Adi Narayana Rao- Thanjai N  Ramaiah Dass-With Seerkazhi Govindarajan

                      Almost a decade later  the team of Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey , Mehmood , RD Burman came out with the boisterous Ek Chatur Naar Karke Singaar song  in the film Padosan ( a remake of Adutha Veetu Pen)  . But it was TL and Seerkazhi who set the tone for this classical but comic masterpiece way back in 1960 itself. When two legends compete with each other , even in a comical situation , it is sheer pleasure to listen.

                      • Velli pani malayin-Kappalottiya Tamizhan-1961-G Ramanathan-Mahakavi Subrahmanya Bharatiyaar

                      We now come to the magnum opus of TL. Kappalottiya Tamizhan had three fantastic songs by TL , all picturised on the great Mahakavi Subramania Bharatiyar , played by veteran actor S.V. Subbaiah. There have been many films that featured songs written by the great poet and  freedom fighter but G Ramanathan’s compositions in this film are considered among the best ever on Bharatiyar’s songs. The sheer energy in this song is superbly brought out by GR’s tune and TL’s singing. TL’s close associate Seerkazhi also joins at the end of the song and makes it an evergreen song.

                      • Yendru thaniyum intha suthanthira thaagam- Kappalottiya Tamizhan-1961-G Ramanathan-Mahakavi Subrahmanya Bharatiyaar

                      The longing for freedom,  so nicely written by the Mahakavi is poignantly brought out in TL’s singing. There is both an element of anger or frustration and at the same time a  sense of sadness in Mahakavi’s words and if you hear it keenly , TL has brought out the emotions so finely.

                      • Thanneer Vittom Valarthom- Kappalottiya Tamizhan-1961-G Ramanathan-Mahakavi Subrahmanya Bharatiyaar

                      Only a truly great playback singer can render a ‘Kalyana Samayal Sadam’ and a ‘ Thanneer Vittom Valarthom’ with equal fervour. Such a contrast in style! It is said TL fainted after completing the recording of this song .

                      To know that he refused to take remuneration for the songs in this film proves what dedicated artists we had those days.

                      • Chinna arumbu malarum-Pangaaligal-1961-S Dakshinamurthi-A Maruthakasi

                      I come to the end of my short compilation with a soulful lullaby sung by TL for an unlikely actor on screen. Who can ever imagine the maverick M.R.Radha singing a lullaby ! Just close your eyes and listen to this song-you can really feel as if M.R Radha is singing ( he had a very unique voice that was his trademark!). One more feather in TL’s cap-what a complete playback singer he was. Truly THE pioneer!!!

                                 I hope I was able to do a tiny bit of my tribute to this versatile singer who definitely deserved many more songs. One interesting observation – there is not a single song in the above list where he has sung for leading actors like  MGR , Sivaji Ganesan , Gemini Ganesan etc . Could be possible that  my search was not exhaustive . Was that  one of the reasons why he faded away from the industry ? Any knowledgeable reader can comment on that….. 

                      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. Wikipedia
                      3. Ms. Subashree Thanikachalam’s QFR YouTube series
                      4. Interviews with sons of Tiruchi Loganathan 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.