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.
- 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:
- You Tube
- Wikipedia
- 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.
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