28th July 1934 to 7th January 1996
If we look at the Tamil film music during the golden decade of 60’s , that was the time when all the veterans of the earlier two decades , like Papanasam Sivan, G Ramanathan, S.V. Venkataraman, S.M Subbiaha Naidu, T.G Lingappa, R Sudarsanam, C R Subbaraman etc. were not much active. It was the time when M.S Vishwanathan , initially with his partner Ramamoorthy and later on as a solo composer was at his peak. Only the legendary , classically oriented K.V. Mahadevan held on with his own unique style. That is why it was really a challenge for Varadarajulu Kumar (named Kumaresan at his birth ), popularly known as V. Kumar to enter the field with his debut film Neerkumuzhi in 1965 that was directed by K Balachandar-his mentor and long-time associate . In the initial years KB was a great support to him . A genius , who never got his due during his lifetime and as it happened with many other legendary artists , only after he passed away , people started realizing what a great legacy V. Kumar has left behind.
He had to find that niche between MSV & KVM , both unbeatable legends to be successful and relevant. It is really commendable that he could compose some great songs that continue to be appreciated by many , though some of them may not really know the composer behind those songs! Who can forget the evergreen “ Unnidam Mayangugiren”- one of KJ Yesudas’ topmost songs , Seerkazhi Govindarajan’s “Aadi Adangum Vaazhkaiyada” that can compete with his more famous Ullathil Nalla Ullam by MSV, the evergreen New-Year favorite song “ Naan Unnai Vaazhti Padugiren” by P Susheela, just to name a few . It is also a surprising co-incidence that two iconic songs -one in typical Madras Baashai and one in typical orthodox TamBrahm Tamil were composed by him. I am referring to “Va Vaadyare Oottanda” by Manorama and “Aduthathu Ambujatha Paarthela” by T.M. Soundararajan & P. Susheela .
V Kumar was born to Varadarajulu Naidu and Danabaghyavathi Ammal on 28 July 1934 in Madras as it was called then. He did not have any formal training in classical music but used to sit beside his sister when she was being taught and grasped some nuances. Having obtained a B.A degree from Loyola College, he initially worked for the Telephones Department. Like most of the music directors , his love for music kept him pushing and he formed a small troupe and conducted music programs as a passion . In the 60’s Tamil dramas were very popular and he started composing music for the stage. ‘Kann Thirukkuma?’ was the first play for which Kumar composed music. In due course, fate would bring him to the noted producer-director Kailasam Balachandar.
Starting off composing music for KB’s dramas , he had developed a good rapport with him, and their association continued for many years till the film Arangetram after which even KB moved on to MSV . When KB made his directorial debut with the film Neerkumuzhi, Kumar was his natural choice . It is said that for this film V Kumar was supported by an experienced musician Rajagopal Kulasekar , better known as R.K. Sekar and later his son A.R. Rahman went on to create great waves in Tamil film music.
Although Kumar was an integral part of KB’s early films and his best songs came with this association , after the film Arangetram, KB never worked with V Kumar. However he worked with other banners such as Mukta films. Many films of the 70’s had memorable songs by V. Kumar even though the films themselves went into oblivion.
He must have composed for 100 odd films, that mainly consists of Tamil and few Telugu films. His music had melodious tunes, unique string, guitar arrangements, with the charanam composed in a manner that one would usually not anticipate after listening to the pallavi. Other unique features in his songs were that the interlude music were sometimes extra-ordinarily long and even within the charanam , there was a slight extension just when we would normally think it would end. These features would make his song stand out from that of an MSV or KVM composition. Of course only a discerning listener would be able to make this out. It was ironic that many of his songs were thought to have been composed by MSV!
While compiling the list of songs for this blog , I realized one glaring omission-I could not find even one MGR film in his repertoire. And there was a lone Sivaji Ganesan film, though I would say that I am not an authority on statistics on Tamil film music. That could be one more reason why he remained obscure, mostly known only to the serious listeners and not to the masses.
On the personal front, little is known about him except that in 1969 he married the playback singer K Swarna and has a son, Suresh. He passed away on 7th January , 1994 and the news of his demise was relegated to an obscure corner of the newspapers.
I myself was not aware of most of his songs and only while researching for this blog, came across many rare and forgotten gems. If I had missed out any prominent song, it is only due to my limited knowledge and not for any other reason. I have listed 27 songs in the chronological order of the release of the films, with song/film/year/singers/lyricists mentioned in that order.
- Kanni Nathiyoram-Neerkumuzhi-1965-T.M.Soundararajan &
P. Susheela-Alangudi Somu
As already mentioned Neerkumuzhi was the debut film for V Kumar ( I shall refer to as VK going forward). Superb orchestration , coupled with a scintillating dance by Nagesh make this a delightful song to watch and listen.
2. Aadi Adangum Vaazkaiyada-Neerkumuzhi-1965-Seerkazhi Govindarajan-Suratha
When one talks about Seerkazhi’s most memorable film songs , Ullathil Nalla Ullam always come to top of the mind. Not lesser in depth and pathos, this song is also considered as one of his masterpieces, with those trademark, stress that he does with the words. Suratha’s lyrics condense life’s philosophy in few words and that elevates this song to higher level.
3. Oru Naal Yaaro-Major Chandrakanth-1966-P.Susheela-Vaali
When you watch this song, you will find it difficult whether to focus on the fantastic antics of Nagesh or the excellent orchestration by VK , where he recreates the sound of vessels banging, bangles tinkling or the scintillating singing of PS ! A superb ,melody composed by VK in the famous film Major Chandrakanth that was sole collaboration of Jayalalitha with K Balachandar. One can observe the genius of VK in just this song alone.
4. Kalyana Saapadu Podava- Major Chandrakanth-1966-T.M.Soundararajan-Vaali
Once again the team of KB, VK & Nagesh come out with an evergreen song . The main strength of this song is the excellent tabla & dholak. What a great percussion arrangement and in between VK makes TMS sing a small classical ‘ alaapanai’ that is so beautifully embedded within the song.
5. Vaa Vathyare Oottanda-Bommalattam-1968-Manorama-Vaali & M.L.Govind
Now-a-days in Tamil films there is a trend and craze for folksy songs that are termed “ gaana song”! This could be the first one to be composed way back in 1968. Composed by Vaali with lot of help from one M.L. Govind who knew the typical lingo that is popularly called Madras Bashai, Manorama has done a scintillating rendition. Anyone familiar with that lingo is sure to have a smile after listening to this fantastic song. Manorama used to sing earlier in dramas and was not an active singer at that time, especially in films. Hence VK was a bit apprehensive to have Manorama as the singer , especially the high notes at “ Nainaaa….” and “Machhaaan….” But he was awe-struck after listening to Achi singing that part with so effortlessly!
6. Aduthathu Ambujatha Parthela-Edhir Neechal-1968- T.M.Soundararajan & P. Susheela -Vaali
If ‘Vaa Vadyare’ showcased the typical Madras lingo , this one is an equally great classic that is composed by Vaali in typical Tamizh that is spoken by TamBrahms. We can call this song also as an anthem for that “ neighbour’s envy” complex. What wonderful lyrics, acting, singing by the legends TMS & PS who proved that they can sing anything and everything given to them. VK has composed this with a simple tune and orchestration but at the same time giving that comical effect in the tune itself. Absolutely no doubt that he was one of the most under-rated composers.
7. Thamarai Kannangal- Edhir Neechal-1968-P.B.Sreenivas &P.Susheela-Vaali
This is one of the most popular composition of VK. The great prelude and those extended interludes are as note-worthy as that of well -known composers. That characteristic string arrangement, use of guitar, saxophone and flute all blend together in a harmony that is evergreen! Not to forget the percussion arrangement with tabla and dholak playing along like a wave.
8. Punnagai Mannan-Iru Kodugal-1969-P.Susheela & Jamuna Rani-Vaali
Written by Vaali in a question-answer format that depicts the tussle between two women married to the same man, and composed by VK in a tune that brings out the struggle both the women are going through. VK has to be credited for bringing to limelight many singers of yesteryears who were confined to sidelines. For this song, he had brought in Jamuna Rani to sing along with P Susheela.
9. Kannoru Pakkam-Nirai Kudam-1969- T.M.Soundararajan & P. Susheela -Kannadasan
I think this could be the only film that VK composed for a Sivaji Ganesan film. Superficially if you listen to this song , it may sound like that of a typical MSV song for a Sivaji film, but the interludes and charanam are typical of VK.
10. Unnai Thotta Kaatru-Navagraham-1970-S.P.Balasubrahmanyam &P.Susheela-Vaali
One interesting aspect in VK’s compositions that I observe is the manner in which he extends the charanams a bit more than what we usually expect it to end. Beautiful , lilting melody, and the lyrics by Vaali is so imaginative-in each stanza he describes how the wind, the sea waves and the rain drops join both the lovers . Only in very few songs you get to hear the male singer only supporting with a humming. SPB in his early years had great support from VK and he himself acknowledged this in one of his programs Simply SPB that he did during the Covid-19 pandemic.
11. Nitham Nithamoru-Nootrukku Nooru-1971-T.M.Soundararajan -Vaali
One more example of VK taking the charanam to an extended part just when we expect it to end. I think this could be one very unique aspect of his tunes. The orchestration is never very grand ( obviously as most of the films he composed for were low budget ones) but he does lot of innovations within that constraint and makes the song interesting.
12. Naan Unnai Vaazthi – Nootrukku Nooru-1971-P.Susheela-Vaali
The string arrangements, bass guitar, drums, use of chorus -all make this song as good as you can expect any of the leading musical director of Tamil or Hindi films. It was a regular song in good old days during new year eves. The highlight of the song is that slow fading out of P Susheela’s voice at the end of each charanam.
13. Oru Malligai Mottu-Ranga Raatinam-1971- S.P.Balasubrahmanyam -Kannadasan
VK takes the usage of Hawaiian guitar, strings, accordion , flute to a different level. Add to that , SPB’s early youthful voice and his Rafi-esque style in elaborating the words ‘ mottuu..’ and ‘pattuu…’ Simply superb! However it is my observation that first part of the charanam and an accompanying brief violin phrase appear to have been inspired from the famous Hindi song Yeh Jo Mohobbat Hai from Kati Patang, though rest of the song is different.
14. Engellam Valaiosai Ketkindradho-Veguli Penn-1971-T.M.Soundrarajan-Kannadasan
If we listen to at least a dozen songs of VK then we can easily identify his style that was different from MSV & KVM. It would have been really a tough task for him to compose something unique when both these “ jambavans” were at their peak. Listen to this song to understand how beautifully he has arranged the charanams. TMS had the unique ability to mold his voice to suit the actor on whom the song was picturized similar to Mohammad Rafi and one can observe this , where he has modulated to suit actor Muthuraman and sounds different from that of a Sivaji or MGR song!
15. Unakkenna Kurachal Nee Oru Raja-Velli Vizha-1972-M.S.Vishwanathan-Vaali
What a great camaraderie the music composers of those times had! When VK composed this tune , that was to be picturized on an aged person’s character ( played by Gemini Ganesan) , he had decided this was to be sung by MSV . But the director K Balachandar was doubtful whether MSV would sing due to two reasons. One was whether he would sing for another composer’s tune and the other was both had not worked together till then.
However VK went ahead and went to MSV to request him. MSV was also initially hesitant as he said he sings very rarely and that too in his own compositions with the songs being not lip-synced by any actor and were mostly background songs. Once VK convinced him , MSV , after hearing the tune felt it was similar to his own style and added to that it was to be a background song . And what a great rendition by him! To this day a majority would be under the impression that as MSV had sung , it must be his own composition!
16. Kaathoduthaan Dhaan Naan Paduven- Velli Vizha-1972-L.R.Eashwari-Vaali
This could be VK’s most famous song. He did something truly innovative in this film by giving this melodious and soft song to L.R Eashwari and the other-a boisterous one to P Susheela ( Naan Satham Pottuthaan Paduven) . Both the singers are known for their skills in genres just the opposite! For LR Eashwari , this turned out to be one of her career best songs. Although the first lines of this song seem similar to Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan song from Hindi film Mera Naam Joker (1970) , rest of the song is totally different and shows VK’s caliber in taking a masterpiece of Shankar-Jaikishan and giving it a totally different treatment.
17. Moothaval Nee Koduthai Vaazhvile-Arangetram-1973-P.Suheela-Kannadasan
Arangetram means the debut, but sadly for the great association of K Balachandar and V Kumar , this movie turned out to be their last. To the best of my knowledge VK did not compose for any of KB’s film after this. This film was a bold , controversial film and one can say far ahead of its times. This song remains one of the most famous from this film.
Kannadasan had worked with V Kumar to a lesser extent and it was mostly Vaali who wrote most of VK’s songs. But the genius of Kannadasan is in full flow in this song. Like in many of K Balachandar’s films, he summarizes the entire story in three stanzas!
18. Devan Vedhamum Kannan Geethayum-Raja Nagam-1974- S.P.Balasubrahmanyam & P.Susheela- Vaali
One of the most popular songs of VK and SPB-PS team and a great hit when it was released. The overlapping of both the singers towards the end adds so much charm to the song. Once again , listen to the superb orchestration of VK in terms of the percussion arrangement , guitar , flute, synthesizer, and that typical VK’s strings -great!
19. Sivappu Kallu Mookkuthi-Ellorum Nallavare-1975- T.M.Soundararajan & P.Susheela -Kannadasan
Inn this song , listen to the innovations VK has done in the percussion. So different and charming. And when we have the evergreen pair TMS & PS , we get a simple, but memorable duet. Even towards the end of the song , VK does an unexpected humming , when we least expected it.
20. Unnidinam Mayangugiren-Then Sinthuthe Vaanam-1975-K.J.Yesudass -Vaali
If there is one song that is quintessentially V.Kumar , this is it. This is not only one of VK’s best , but even for KJ Yesudas, this can rank among his top 10! In his Simply SPB YouTube video, SPB explains how he missed the opportunity to sing this as he could not give dates to VK for the recording and ultimately , in his own words, ‘ the song went to the singer who rightly deserved it.’
The piano prelude, interlude, and that solo violin towards the end all make it a timeless classic. And not to forget the superb alaap by KJY. Thanks to Ms. Subashree Thanikachalam for featuring this song in one of her QFR series , I could learn that the piano was played by one Mr. Trevor Fernandez , the subtle but superb drums played by Mr. Noel Grant and that exquisite solo violin by Mr. Joseph. Great musicians and a legendary song composed by an unsung genius- V Kumar.
21. Vaazhvil Sowbagyam Vanthathu-Thoondil Meen-1977- S.P.Balasubrahmanyam & P.Susheela-Vaali
If one has to understand the quintessential VK style of composition , then this is the song to listen to , not once , but many times to understand how he comes out with an unusual charanam and blends it back to the Pallavi so effortlessly.
22. Ennodu Ennannavo Ragasiyam- Thoondil Meen-1977-Jayachandram & K Swarna-Vaali
The film Thoondil Meen had only two songs and I have included both of them here. VK had married the playback singer K. Swarna in 1969 and she has sung many songs for him. This is a rare song that has P Jayachandran & Swarna singing under the baton of VK . Listen to the superb guitar in the prelude and in subsequent interludes .
23. Madhanorchavam Rathiyoduthan-Sathurangam-1978- S.P.Balasubrahmanyam & Vani Jayaram-Vaali
I find lot of similarities between this song and the famous K J Yesudas Hindi song Mana Ho Tum Behad Haseen from the film Toote Khilone, music composed by Bappi Lahiri. Bothe films seem to be from 1978! I am not a historian of film music and hence leave it at that! But the orchestration and charanam cannot be said to be exactly same. The way SPB and Vani Jayaram have rendered this is something out of the world!
24. Saptha swara punnagayil kanden-Nadagame Ulagam-1979- S.P.Balasubrahmanyam & Vani Jayaram -Kannadasan
One more hidden & rarer gem from VK. I have to say that my experience while searching for VK’s songs was truly and enriching one and I could hear many melodious songs that I have not heard for ages!
SPB & Vani Jayaram -they had sung comparatively few duets together in Tamil but most of them are so good.
25. Oru Paarvai Paarkum bodhu-Nangooram-1979- S.P.Balasubrahmanyam & K. Swarna-Kannadasan -V Kumar with Premasiri Khemadasa
This film was unique in one aspect – the music is credited to both V Kumar and another Sri Lankan composer Dr Premasiri Khemadasa. Both the songs that I have included are mostly unheard , but I found them very melodious and having a distinct charm .
26. Aalayam Naayagan- Nangooram-1979- S.P.Balasubrahmanyam & S.Janaki-Kannadasan- V Kumar with Premasiri Khemadasa
A sweet melody, unfortunately now mostly forgotten. I was pleased to rediscover this song , that I must have heard more than 40 years back!
27. Pattu Poochi Pattu Poochi-Meendum Mahaan-1984- S.P.Balasubrahmanyam & KS Chitra-Vaali
Towards the end of his career, V. Kumar came out with this song and it was tragic to note he was just credited as VK in the album. Tamil music had changed a lot during this time , when the innovative sounds of orchestration, superior recording techniques employed by Ilayaraja ruled the roost.
I end this humble tribute to this simple gentleman , who remained so humble and unassuming like the music that he created, which , despite grand orchestrations or superior techniques , remained soulful and unique. It is indeed sheer coincidence that the day I complete this blog and publish it , happens to be his 28th death anniversary.
Acknowledgement & Disclaimer
I sincerely thank the publishers of following Internet sources for the information that I could gather for this article:
- You Tube
- Wikipedia
- Ms. Subashree Thanikachalam’s QFR series in YouTube
- A blog “ An Ode to V Kumar” published in newdhool.blogspot.com
The songs mentioned are from the popular, public domain and have been mentioned and 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.
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