The very mention of this name would evoke lot of memories for music lovers and their song index in the brain will immediately fetch “Naan unnai vaazhthi paadugiren”, “Oru naal yaaro enna padal”, “Unnidam mayangugiren” etc. Thus was this man’s melodious tunes lingering in everyone’s mind even after so many decades. If Mellisai mannar is the Melody Creator/king, Kumar was his immediate follower & the only real follower I would say.
Kumar started to compose music for stage plays and hence found a friend in K.Balachander who was prominent among stage show lovers. Balachander who staged some wonderful play(s) finally became a film director with his debut movie “Neer kumizhi” for which he summoned his friend Kumar to compose the music. Neerkumizhi also announced the arrival of another melody maker Kumar. NeerKumizhi had wonderful songs composed by kumar. Who can forget “aadi adangum vaazhkai ada by Seergazhi(lyrics penned by Suradha). The same Isai maniyar who sang “Samarasam ulavum” in 50’s got a wonderful opportunity in Kumar’s debut movie to sing the meaningful “Aadi adangum vaazhkaiyada” which was tuned to the great lyrics by uvamai kavingar Suradha. NeerKumizhi also Kanni nandhiyoram by TMS & Susheelamma(lyrics by Alangudi Somu). Kumar’s association with P.Susheelamma with this film and she was his favorite singer till his last breath. He always composed the opening song of the film with PS in mind and she delivered it even better than he always imagined.. Neeril Neendhidum meeniname a lovely solo by PS was the first ever solo by her for Kumar.
KB’s next venture was the famous Naanal, a tamil adaptation of Desperate hours a kind of different storyline for tamil movies yes story about four escaped convicts seeking shelter in K.Vijayan’s house and the consequences following that makes the plot. Kumar gave a brilliant score for this movie and songs are popular even now. Kuyil koovi thuyil by Soolamangalam, Enna than paaduvadhu by Susheelamma brought out the situation of a girl caught between 4 ruthless convicts but mouth sealed and had to dance in front of her to be groom’s family, a brilliant attempt by kumar and meaningful lyrics by Alangudi somu. Another song with word play by Suradha was “Vinnukku meladai” by TMS & PS was quite popular, aired frequently on radio those days.
It was only for KB films Kumar was giving music. KB’s next venture was the famous Major Chandrakanth and this was the first time Vaali joined hands with Kumar to sign a long term friendship contract. Sundararajan played the Major’s role with perfection while Nagesh showed his multi talent from humor to revenge seeker 2 shades In the same film. Kumar came up with memorable tunes for this film. As mentioned above always opening song with PS yes “Oru naal yaaro enna padal solli thandharo” is an evergreen melody by Susheelamma and ofcourse beautiful lyrics by vaali. KB did picturize the scene so brilliantly with nagesh creating Music with all utensils like a JAladarangam. Cute Jayalalitha with AVM rajan singing Netru nee chinna papa by TMS,PS was equally popular and nagesh singing how he is planning his sister’s wedding “Kalyana sappadu podava” is another fantastic number as well.
Next KB ventures had Mellisai mannar MSV composing music .. That was the beginning of an era yes MSV-KB-Kannadasan combination.
KB offered Kumar the classic middle class drama “Edhir Neechal” with Nagesh playing the madippadi madhu . Vetri venduma pottu parada the title song by Isai maniyar Seergazhiyar , lyrics by vaali is considered as one of the meaningful song till now. The famous Aduthathu ambujatha paarthela very funny lyrics by vaali sung beautifully by TMS & Susheelamma. No one can even attempt to sing like this except for the stalwarts themselves. This album had all my favorites. P.B.Sreenivas singing first for Kumar in this movie with susheelamma yes “Thamarai kannangal” is a fantastic duet with romantic lyrics by vaali, especialy “aalilai meloru kannanai pol ingu vandhavano” . Sedhi ketto was another superb song where in Veternal S.C.Krishnan Joined Susheelamma and Kumar’s wife swarna.
During this time Veteran movie maker Mukta Srinivasan invited kumar for their movie “Ninaivil nindraval” thottadha thodathatha by PS,TMS lyrics vaali is a popular number . This is the first movie Kumar did outside KB’s camp.
KB’s next with Kumar was “Iru kodugal” . Kumar Vaali combination continued and this is my favourite of KB-VKumar-Vaali ofcourse. KB even created a Navarathiri scene suggested by Vaali wherein 2 women singing about the same lover-husband Gemini sung beautifully by Susheelamma and the long forgotten K.Jamunarani “Punnagai mannan poovizhi kannan” is a great song and still popular and often played during navarathiri days. Pappa paadiya bharathi paatu and Nanoru Gumastha both featured Nagesh lip syncing TMS’s vocals & Vaali’s lyrics.
Mukata films offered him more films and the Chennai slang song written by Vaali sung by Manorma “Vaa vaathyare ootanda” is the pinnacle for the Chennai slang songs in Tamil Film music. Yes Bommalattam movie had so many songs(mayakkathai thandhavan, nalla naal paarkavo) tuned by Kumar but Vaa vathyare stood out.
Mukta offered him another movie “Ayiram poi” comedy entertainer . Pulavar sonnadhum poiye poiye is an absolute melody by Kumar , lyrics by kannadasan sung by TMS,PS. Thillaiyile Sabapathi is another funny song for the situation where in Vanisree teasing Jai sung by PS.
70’s saw more varieties from Kumar. The Rise & Fall of Kumar all happened in 70’s.
Another KB’s movie which had Kumar’s music was “NAvagraham” one of my fav which had interesting storyline featuring nine different characters in a house and how nagesh and Lakshmi draw them near. Film had the mellifluous “Unnai thotta kaatru vandhu ennai thottadhu” Lyrics by Vaali ,sung by Susheelamma & Humming by S.P.B(not credited in the title). This song showcases Kumar followed MSV’s steps to create this melody.
Another KB movie Patham pasali (produced by lyricist Alangudi somu). Movie bombed at the box office but songs are popular even now especially the song “Vellai manam konda “ by TMS & Swarna.
Kumar also composed for another KB movie “Nootrukku nooru” which has the evergreen “Naan unnai vaazhthi paadugiren” by Susheelamma and great lyrics by Vaali. This new year eve song is a regular in radio/TV for every new year and sounds fresh as it was composed decades ago.
Mukta again offered Kumar for a NAdigar thilagam starrer “Nirai kudam” a great movie and Kumar gave wonderful songs. Vilakke nee konda oli , kannoru pakkam are quite popular numbers.
Kumar brought A.M.Raja to croon a duet with L.R.Eswar for Ranga rattinam. Mutharame un oodal ennavo is another beautifu song
KB while working with MSV and 1 movie with KVM (edhiroli) offered Kumar another 2 movies
Gemini Ganesan’s brilliant performance “Velli vizha” had amazing songs by Kumar and this is was the first time another composer sang for a different music director. Kumar who always considers MSV as his guru wanted him to sing a song which depicts the cruelty of ageing and MSV the magnanimous man immediately agreed to sing and thus we got the wonderful song “Unakkena kuraichal” with Vaali doing a brilliant job with his pen.
Same movie also saw some other experiments by Kumar. He made the ever peppy L.R.Eswari to sing a slow lullaby “Kadhoduthan naan paaduven” while the ever melodious Susheelamma to sing “Naan satham pottuthan paaduven”
Icing on the cake was the Susheelamma,Eswari duet “Kai niraya sozhi” which was full of word play by Vaali (each lady trying to question each other ).
And the next KB film was “Arangetram”. This was the only Kumar-kannadasan movie for KB.
Susheelamma doing wonders with her voice in “AAndavanin thottathile”, “Moothaval nee koduthai”
Aramaba kalathil adhu irukkum by SPB,PS
And the funny “MApillai rahasiyam sollava” by LRE.
Unfortunately this was the last movie for Kumar with his friend K.Balachander. KB never worked with Kumar after this.
During this time Kumar started to work for many other companies
Following are list of Kumar’s song in 70’s
Unnidam mayangugiren by Yesudas is a soft romantic song tuned well by Kumar(Lyrics by Vaali)
Kalam nammaku thozhan by TMS,PS from petha manam pithu
Or ayiram karpanai , mogam ennum ragam paadum (KJY,PS) from Ezhaikkum kalam varum (lyrics vaali)
Devika’s own production “Veguli pen” had some awesome melodies by Kumar.
Mullukku roja sontham, kannana kannuragu both by PS, Engellam valaiyosai by TMS all are popular ones.
Another hit song of 70’s was Inangalile enna inam pen inam by KJY & Swarna from the movie Nalla penman(lyrics:Pulamaipithan)
Kumar was sure a melody maker and songs of mid & late 70’s and every song was a proof for that. He was sure Master MSV’s eklavya.
70’s also saw SPB-Susheela romantic duets composed by MSV, KVM,Shankar ganesh & ofcourse kumar.
Ninaithathai mudipathu by SPB,PS another romantic duet from Ayirathil oruthi
Varthaigal en nenjil ninradhu is another beautiful duet by SPB & PS from Avalum pen thane
Padaithane brahama devan by SPB, Sevappu kallu mookuthi by TMS,PS from Ellorum nallavare were quite popular songs as well.
Paal manam poo manam paavai manam from onne onnu kanne kannu by SPB,PS
Puttanna’s Kannada movie Nagarahaavu was remade as “Raaja nagam” and Kumar proved that he is no less than the original composer Vijayabhaskar. Kumar gave wonderful melodies and the outstanding “devan vedamum kannan geethaiyum” by SPB & Susheelamma lyrics by vaali. This is a great number popular even now.
Thoondil meen had great numbers tuned by Kumar.
Vaazhvil sowbhagyam vandhadhu (lyrics by vaali) by SPB,PS is a great romantic melody aired often in Radio.
Unnidam mayangugiren by KJY was popular one and equally popular was “Ezhudhatha padal ondru “ by TMS & Swarna . lyrics by Vaali.
Kumar did few telugu movies (mostly remade from Tamil) especially Sambarala rambabu (edhir neechal in tamil) and Mama chandamama song tuned by Kumar is a brilliant melody (one version by SPB, another by PS). He did music for sattekalapu sattaya(patham pasali), Collector janaki(iru kodugal)
He was tuning for tamil movies which came his way though very minimal.
Sapthaswaram punnagaiyl kanden from NAdagame ulagam by SPB,VJ
Ullathil nooru ninaithen from an obscure movie MAppillai azhaippu is a great melody
Indian-lankan production NAngooram had music by Kumar and had brilliant songs like oru paarvai parkumpodhu, Aalayam nayagan
Pennai nambungal had a great number by SPB,PS. Nee ninaitha neramellam (lyrics:vaali)
Pallava naatu rajakumarikku is another great number by SPB from Ival oru seethai(lyrics Kannadasan)
Ponnai naan paarthathillai from Kannamoochi(lyrics:kannadasan) by SPB is a popular number even now.
Pallandu pallandu by PS, MAzhai kalam by Vanijayaram are great numbers of Kumar from KAsthoori vijayam
MAdhorchavam radhiyodu than from Sathurangam by SPB,VJ is another great melody by Kumar(lyrics vaali)
Pennalla nee oru bommai by Jayachandran & susheelamma is absolute melody (lyrics:vaali)
Oh Krishna prabhu by PS, Kodi inbangal thedum by PJ,PS from Aval oru kaaviyam
Vaa valliyammai kanava by PS from Chakravarthy is another beauty from Kumar.
Late 70’s saw the number of movies going down in count for Kumar.
Enna thavam seithen unnai manam kolla, oru kudumbam inge both from Adhirstham azhaikkiradhu (lyrics:vaali)
Aananda illam by AMRaja & PS from idhu ivargalin kadhai
Kangalal naan varaidhen (KJY,PS from mangala nayaki0, Thiru koyil thedi (TMS,PS from mittai mami)
These were fantastic songs of Kumar in 70’s
Ironically Kumar was fading away while his manaseega Guru Melody king MSV was still going strong.
1984 Kumar once again re-surfaced with Shankari (Saritha, Thyagarajan starrer) PS’s Aduthathu rukkumani edhuthathu sengamalam was quite popular one.
Kumar was definitely a melody maker and though his stint was short he did weave a magic with his fingers and oldies still remember Kumar for his songs in KB movies and thus will remain forever in our heart as long as melody lives.
Will be back with another Article soon.
Rajesh Lavanya
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Victorious Kumar – V.Kumar
Victorious Kumar – V.Kumar
The very mention of this name would evoke lot of memories for music lovers and their song index in the brain will immediately fetch “Naan unnai vaazhthi paadugiren”, “Oru naal yaaro enna padal”, “Unnidam mayangugiren” etc. Thus was this man’s melodious tunes lingering in everyone’s mind even after so many decades. If Mellisai mannar is the Melody Creator/king, Kumar was his immediate follower & the only real follower I would say.
Kumar started to compose music for stage plays and hence found a friend in K.Balachander who was prominent among stage show lovers. Balachander who staged some wonderful play(s) finally became a film director with his debut movie “Neer kumizhi” for which he summoned his friend Kumar to compose the music. Neerkumizhi also announced the arrival of another melody maker Kumar. NeerKumizhi had wonderful songs composed by kumar. Who can forget “aadi adangum vaazhkai ada by Seergazhi(lyrics penned by Suradha). The same Isai maniyar who sang “Samarasam ulavum” in 50’s got a wonderful opportunity in Kumar’s debut movie to sing the meaningful “Aadi adangum vaazhkaiyada” which was tuned to the great lyrics by uvamai kavingar Suradha. NeerKumizhi also Kanni nandhiyoram by TMS & Susheelamma(lyrics by Alangudi Somu). Kumar’s association with P.Susheelamma with this film and she was his favorite singer till his last breath. He always composed the opening song of the film with PS in mind and she delivered it even better than he always imagined.. Neeril Neendhidum meeniname a lovely solo by PS was the first ever solo by her for Kumar.
KB’s next venture was the famous Naanal, a tamil adaptation of Desperate hours a kind of different storyline for tamil movies yes story about four escaped convicts seeking shelter in K.Vijayan’s house and the consequences following that makes the plot. Kumar gave a brilliant score for this movie and songs are popular even now. Kuyil koovi thuyil by Soolamangalam, Enna than paaduvadhu by Susheelamma brought out the situation of a girl caught between 4 ruthless convicts but mouth sealed and had to dance in front of her to be groom’s family, a brilliant attempt by kumar and meaningful lyrics by Alangudi somu. Another song with word play by Suradha was “Vinnukku meladai” by TMS & PS was quite popular, aired frequently on radio those days.
It was only for KB films Kumar was giving music. KB’s next venture was the famous Major Chandrakanth and this was the first time Vaali joined hands with Kumar to sign a long term friendship contract. Sundararajan played the Major’s role with perfection while Nagesh showed his multi talent from humor to revenge seeker 2 shades In the same film. Kumar came up with memorable tunes for this film. As mentioned above always opening song with PS yes “Oru naal yaaro enna padal solli thandharo” is an evergreen melody by Susheelamma and ofcourse beautiful lyrics by vaali. KB did picturize the scene so brilliantly with nagesh creating Music with all utensils like a JAladarangam. Cute Jayalalitha with AVM rajan singing Netru nee chinna papa by TMS,PS was equally popular and nagesh singing how he is planning his sister’s wedding “Kalyana sappadu podava” is another fantastic number as well.
Next KB ventures had Mellisai mannar MSV composing music .. That was the beginning of an era yes MSV-KB-Kannadasan combination.
KB offered Kumar the classic middle class drama “Edhir Neechal” with Nagesh playing the madippadi madhu . Vetri venduma pottu parada the title song by Isai maniyar Seergazhiyar , lyrics by vaali is considered as one of the meaningful song till now. The famous Aduthathu ambujatha paarthela very funny lyrics by vaali sung beautifully by TMS & Susheelamma. No one can even attempt to sing like this except for the stalwarts themselves. This album had all my favorites. P.B.Sreenivas singing first for Kumar in this movie with susheelamma yes “Thamarai kannangal” is a fantastic duet with romantic lyrics by vaali, especialy “aalilai meloru kannanai pol ingu vandhavano” . Sedhi ketto was another superb song where in Veternal S.C.Krishnan Joined Susheelamma and Kumar’s wife swarna.
During this time Veteran movie maker Mukta Srinivasan invited kumar for their movie “Ninaivil nindraval” thottadha thodathatha by PS,TMS lyrics vaali is a popular number . This is the first movie Kumar did outside KB’s camp.
KB’s next with Kumar was “Iru kodugal” . Kumar Vaali combination continued and this is my favourite of KB-VKumar-Vaali ofcourse. KB even created a Navarathiri scene suggested by Vaali wherein 2 women singing about the same lover-husband Gemini sung beautifully by Susheelamma and the long forgotten K.Jamunarani “Punnagai mannan poovizhi kannan” is a great song and still popular and often played during navarathiri days. Pappa paadiya bharathi paatu and Nanoru Gumastha both featured Nagesh lip syncing TMS’s vocals & Vaali’s lyrics.
Mukata films offered him more films and the Chennai slang song written by Vaali sung by Manorma “Vaa vaathyare ootanda” is the pinnacle for the Chennai slang songs in Tamil Film music. Yes Bommalattam movie had so many songs(mayakkathai thandhavan, nalla naal paarkavo) tuned by Kumar but Vaa vathyare stood out.
Mukta offered him another movie “Ayiram poi” comedy entertainer . Pulavar sonnadhum poiye poiye is an absolute melody by Kumar , lyrics by kannadasan sung by TMS,PS. Thillaiyile Sabapathi is another funny song for the situation where in Vanisree teasing Jai sung by PS.
70’s saw more varieties from Kumar. The Rise & Fall of Kumar all happened in 70’s.
Another KB’s movie which had Kumar’s music was “NAvagraham” one of my fav which had interesting storyline featuring nine different characters in a house and how nagesh and Lakshmi draw them near. Film had the mellifluous “Unnai thotta kaatru vandhu ennai thottadhu” Lyrics by Vaali ,sung by Susheelamma & Humming by S.P.B(not credited in the title). This song showcases Kumar followed MSV’s steps to create this melody.
Another KB movie Patham pasali (produced by lyricist Alangudi somu). Movie bombed at the box office but songs are popular even now especially the song “Vellai manam konda “ by TMS & Swarna.
Kumar also composed for another KB movie “Nootrukku nooru” which has the evergreen “Naan unnai vaazhthi paadugiren” by Susheelamma and great lyrics by Vaali. This new year eve song is a regular in radio/TV for every new year and sounds fresh as it was composed decades ago.
Mukta again offered Kumar for a NAdigar thilagam starrer “Nirai kudam” a great movie and Kumar gave wonderful songs. Vilakke nee konda oli , kannoru pakkam are quite popular numbers.
Kumar brought A.M.Raja to croon a duet with L.R.Eswar for Ranga rattinam. Mutharame un oodal ennavo is another beautifu song
KB while working with MSV and 1 movie with KVM (edhiroli) offered Kumar another 2 movies
Gemini Ganesan’s brilliant performance “Velli vizha” had amazing songs by Kumar and this is was the first time another composer sang for a different music director. Kumar who always considers MSV as his guru wanted him to sing a song which depicts the cruelty of ageing and MSV the magnanimous man immediately agreed to sing and thus we got the wonderful song “Unakkena kuraichal” with Vaali doing a brilliant job with his pen.
Same movie also saw some other experiments by Kumar. He made the ever peppy L.R.Eswari to sing a slow lullaby “Kadhoduthan naan paaduven” while the ever melodious Susheelamma to sing “Naan satham pottuthan paaduven”
Icing on the cake was the Susheelamma,Eswari duet “Kai niraya sozhi” which was full of word play by Vaali (each lady trying to question each other ).
And the next KB film was “Arangetram”. This was the only Kumar-kannadasan movie for KB.
Susheelamma doing wonders with her voice in “AAndavanin thottathile”, “Moothaval nee koduthai”
Aramaba kalathil adhu irukkum by SPB,PS
And the funny “MApillai rahasiyam sollava” by LRE.
Unfortunately this was the last movie for Kumar with his friend K.Balachander. KB never worked with Kumar after this.
During this time Kumar started to work for many other companies
Following are list of Kumar’s song in 70’s
Unnidam mayangugiren by Yesudas is a soft romantic song tuned well by Kumar(Lyrics by Vaali)
Kalam nammaku thozhan by TMS,PS from petha manam pithu
Or ayiram karpanai , mogam ennum ragam paadum (KJY,PS) from Ezhaikkum kalam varum (lyrics vaali)
Devika’s own production “Veguli pen” had some awesome melodies by Kumar.
Mullukku roja sontham, kannana kannuragu both by PS, Engellam valaiyosai by TMS all are popular ones.
Another hit song of 70’s was Inangalile enna inam pen inam by KJY & Swarna from the movie Nalla penman(lyrics:Pulamaipithan)
Kumar was sure a melody maker and songs of mid & late 70’s and every song was a proof for that. He was sure Master MSV’s eklavya.
70’s also saw SPB-Susheela romantic duets composed by MSV, KVM,Shankar ganesh & ofcourse kumar.
Ninaithathai mudipathu by SPB,PS another romantic duet from Ayirathil oruthi
Varthaigal en nenjil ninradhu is another beautiful duet by SPB & PS from Avalum pen thane
Padaithane brahama devan by SPB, Sevappu kallu mookuthi by TMS,PS from Ellorum nallavare were quite popular songs as well.
Paal manam poo manam paavai manam from onne onnu kanne kannu by SPB,PS
Puttanna’s Kannada movie Nagarahaavu was remade as “Raaja nagam” and Kumar proved that he is no less than the original composer Vijayabhaskar. Kumar gave wonderful melodies and the outstanding “devan vedamum kannan geethaiyum” by SPB & Susheelamma lyrics by vaali. This is a great number popular even now.
Thoondil meen had great numbers tuned by Kumar.
Vaazhvil sowbhagyam vandhadhu (lyrics by vaali) by SPB,PS is a great romantic melody aired often in Radio.
Unnidam mayangugiren by KJY was popular one and equally popular was “Ezhudhatha padal ondru “ by TMS & Swarna . lyrics by Vaali.
Kumar did few telugu movies (mostly remade from Tamil) especially Sambarala rambabu (edhir neechal in tamil) and Mama chandamama song tuned by Kumar is a brilliant melody (one version by SPB, another by PS). He did music for sattekalapu sattaya(patham pasali), Collector janaki(iru kodugal)
He was tuning for tamil movies which came his way though very minimal.
Sapthaswaram punnagaiyl kanden from NAdagame ulagam by SPB,VJ
Ullathil nooru ninaithen from an obscure movie MAppillai azhaippu is a great melody
Indian-lankan production NAngooram had music by Kumar and had brilliant songs like oru paarvai parkumpodhu, Aalayam nayagan
Pennai nambungal had a great number by SPB,PS. Nee ninaitha neramellam (lyrics:vaali)
Pallava naatu rajakumarikku is another great number by SPB from Ival oru seethai(lyrics Kannadasan)
Ponnai naan paarthathillai from Kannamoochi(lyrics:kannadasan) by SPB is a popular number even now.
Pallandu pallandu by PS, MAzhai kalam by Vanijayaram are great numbers of Kumar from KAsthoori vijayam
MAdhorchavam radhiyodu than from Sathurangam by SPB,VJ is another great melody by Kumar(lyrics vaali)
Pennalla nee oru bommai by Jayachandran & susheelamma is absolute melody (lyrics:vaali)
Oh Krishna prabhu by PS, Kodi inbangal thedum by PJ,PS from Aval oru kaaviyam
Vaa valliyammai kanava by PS from Chakravarthy is another beauty from Kumar.
Late 70’s saw the number of movies going down in count for Kumar.
Enna thavam seithen unnai manam kolla, oru kudumbam inge both from Adhirstham azhaikkiradhu (lyrics:vaali)
Aananda illam by AMRaja & PS from idhu ivargalin kadhai
Kangalal naan varaidhen (KJY,PS from mangala nayaki0, Thiru koyil thedi (TMS,PS from mittai mami)
These were fantastic songs of Kumar in 70’s
Ironically Kumar was fading away while his manaseega Guru Melody king MSV was still going strong.
1984 Kumar once again re-surfaced with Shankari (Saritha, Thyagarajan starrer) PS’s Aduthathu rukkumani edhuthathu sengamalam was quite popular one.
Kumar was definitely a melody maker and though his stint was short he did weave a magic with his fingers and oldies still remember Kumar for his songs in KB movies and thus will remain forever in our heart as long as melody lives.
Will be back with another Article soon.
Rajesh Lavanya
The very mention of this name would evoke lot of memories for music lovers and their song index in the brain will immediately fetch “Naan unnai vaazhthi paadugiren”, “Oru naal yaaro enna padal”, “Unnidam mayangugiren” etc. Thus was this man’s melodious tunes lingering in everyone’s mind even after so many decades. If Mellisai mannar is the Melody Creator/king, Kumar was his immediate follower & the only real follower I would say.
Kumar started to compose music for stage plays and hence found a friend in K.Balachander who was prominent among stage show lovers. Balachander who staged some wonderful play(s) finally became a film director with his debut movie “Neer kumizhi” for which he summoned his friend Kumar to compose the music. Neerkumizhi also announced the arrival of another melody maker Kumar. NeerKumizhi had wonderful songs composed by kumar. Who can forget “aadi adangum vaazhkai ada by Seergazhi(lyrics penned by Suradha). The same Isai maniyar who sang “Samarasam ulavum” in 50’s got a wonderful opportunity in Kumar’s debut movie to sing the meaningful “Aadi adangum vaazhkaiyada” which was tuned to the great lyrics by uvamai kavingar Suradha. NeerKumizhi also Kanni nandhiyoram by TMS & Susheelamma(lyrics by Alangudi Somu). Kumar’s association with P.Susheelamma with this film and she was his favorite singer till his last breath. He always composed the opening song of the film with PS in mind and she delivered it even better than he always imagined.. Neeril Neendhidum meeniname a lovely solo by PS was the first ever solo by her for Kumar.
KB’s next venture was the famous Naanal, a tamil adaptation of Desperate hours a kind of different storyline for tamil movies yes story about four escaped convicts seeking shelter in K.Vijayan’s house and the consequences following that makes the plot. Kumar gave a brilliant score for this movie and songs are popular even now. Kuyil koovi thuyil by Soolamangalam, Enna than paaduvadhu by Susheelamma brought out the situation of a girl caught between 4 ruthless convicts but mouth sealed and had to dance in front of her to be groom’s family, a brilliant attempt by kumar and meaningful lyrics by Alangudi somu. Another song with word play by Suradha was “Vinnukku meladai” by TMS & PS was quite popular, aired frequently on radio those days.
It was only for KB films Kumar was giving music. KB’s next venture was the famous Major Chandrakanth and this was the first time Vaali joined hands with Kumar to sign a long term friendship contract. Sundararajan played the Major’s role with perfection while Nagesh showed his multi talent from humor to revenge seeker 2 shades In the same film. Kumar came up with memorable tunes for this film. As mentioned above always opening song with PS yes “Oru naal yaaro enna padal solli thandharo” is an evergreen melody by Susheelamma and ofcourse beautiful lyrics by vaali. KB did picturize the scene so brilliantly with nagesh creating Music with all utensils like a JAladarangam. Cute Jayalalitha with AVM rajan singing Netru nee chinna papa by TMS,PS was equally popular and nagesh singing how he is planning his sister’s wedding “Kalyana sappadu podava” is another fantastic number as well.
Next KB ventures had Mellisai mannar MSV composing music .. That was the beginning of an era yes MSV-KB-Kannadasan combination.
KB offered Kumar the classic middle class drama “Edhir Neechal” with Nagesh playing the madippadi madhu . Vetri venduma pottu parada the title song by Isai maniyar Seergazhiyar , lyrics by vaali is considered as one of the meaningful song till now. The famous Aduthathu ambujatha paarthela very funny lyrics by vaali sung beautifully by TMS & Susheelamma. No one can even attempt to sing like this except for the stalwarts themselves. This album had all my favorites. P.B.Sreenivas singing first for Kumar in this movie with susheelamma yes “Thamarai kannangal” is a fantastic duet with romantic lyrics by vaali, especialy “aalilai meloru kannanai pol ingu vandhavano” . Sedhi ketto was another superb song where in Veternal S.C.Krishnan Joined Susheelamma and Kumar’s wife swarna.
During this time Veteran movie maker Mukta Srinivasan invited kumar for their movie “Ninaivil nindraval” thottadha thodathatha by PS,TMS lyrics vaali is a popular number . This is the first movie Kumar did outside KB’s camp.
KB’s next with Kumar was “Iru kodugal” . Kumar Vaali combination continued and this is my favourite of KB-VKumar-Vaali ofcourse. KB even created a Navarathiri scene suggested by Vaali wherein 2 women singing about the same lover-husband Gemini sung beautifully by Susheelamma and the long forgotten K.Jamunarani “Punnagai mannan poovizhi kannan” is a great song and still popular and often played during navarathiri days. Pappa paadiya bharathi paatu and Nanoru Gumastha both featured Nagesh lip syncing TMS’s vocals & Vaali’s lyrics.
Mukata films offered him more films and the Chennai slang song written by Vaali sung by Manorma “Vaa vaathyare ootanda” is the pinnacle for the Chennai slang songs in Tamil Film music. Yes Bommalattam movie had so many songs(mayakkathai thandhavan, nalla naal paarkavo) tuned by Kumar but Vaa vathyare stood out.
Mukta offered him another movie “Ayiram poi” comedy entertainer . Pulavar sonnadhum poiye poiye is an absolute melody by Kumar , lyrics by kannadasan sung by TMS,PS. Thillaiyile Sabapathi is another funny song for the situation where in Vanisree teasing Jai sung by PS.
70’s saw more varieties from Kumar. The Rise & Fall of Kumar all happened in 70’s.
Another KB’s movie which had Kumar’s music was “NAvagraham” one of my fav which had interesting storyline featuring nine different characters in a house and how nagesh and Lakshmi draw them near. Film had the mellifluous “Unnai thotta kaatru vandhu ennai thottadhu” Lyrics by Vaali ,sung by Susheelamma & Humming by S.P.B(not credited in the title). This song showcases Kumar followed MSV’s steps to create this melody.
Another KB movie Patham pasali (produced by lyricist Alangudi somu). Movie bombed at the box office but songs are popular even now especially the song “Vellai manam konda “ by TMS & Swarna.
Kumar also composed for another KB movie “Nootrukku nooru” which has the evergreen “Naan unnai vaazhthi paadugiren” by Susheelamma and great lyrics by Vaali. This new year eve song is a regular in radio/TV for every new year and sounds fresh as it was composed decades ago.
Mukta again offered Kumar for a NAdigar thilagam starrer “Nirai kudam” a great movie and Kumar gave wonderful songs. Vilakke nee konda oli , kannoru pakkam are quite popular numbers.
Kumar brought A.M.Raja to croon a duet with L.R.Eswar for Ranga rattinam. Mutharame un oodal ennavo is another beautifu song
KB while working with MSV and 1 movie with KVM (edhiroli) offered Kumar another 2 movies
Gemini Ganesan’s brilliant performance “Velli vizha” had amazing songs by Kumar and this is was the first time another composer sang for a different music director. Kumar who always considers MSV as his guru wanted him to sing a song which depicts the cruelty of ageing and MSV the magnanimous man immediately agreed to sing and thus we got the wonderful song “Unakkena kuraichal” with Vaali doing a brilliant job with his pen.
Same movie also saw some other experiments by Kumar. He made the ever peppy L.R.Eswari to sing a slow lullaby “Kadhoduthan naan paaduven” while the ever melodious Susheelamma to sing “Naan satham pottuthan paaduven”
Icing on the cake was the Susheelamma,Eswari duet “Kai niraya sozhi” which was full of word play by Vaali (each lady trying to question each other ).
And the next KB film was “Arangetram”. This was the only Kumar-kannadasan movie for KB.
Susheelamma doing wonders with her voice in “AAndavanin thottathile”, “Moothaval nee koduthai”
Aramaba kalathil adhu irukkum by SPB,PS
And the funny “MApillai rahasiyam sollava” by LRE.
Unfortunately this was the last movie for Kumar with his friend K.Balachander. KB never worked with Kumar after this.
During this time Kumar started to work for many other companies
Following are list of Kumar’s song in 70’s
Unnidam mayangugiren by Yesudas is a soft romantic song tuned well by Kumar(Lyrics by Vaali)
Kalam nammaku thozhan by TMS,PS from petha manam pithu
Or ayiram karpanai , mogam ennum ragam paadum (KJY,PS) from Ezhaikkum kalam varum (lyrics vaali)
Devika’s own production “Veguli pen” had some awesome melodies by Kumar.
Mullukku roja sontham, kannana kannuragu both by PS, Engellam valaiyosai by TMS all are popular ones.
Another hit song of 70’s was Inangalile enna inam pen inam by KJY & Swarna from the movie Nalla penman(lyrics:Pulamaipithan)
Kumar was sure a melody maker and songs of mid & late 70’s and every song was a proof for that. He was sure Master MSV’s eklavya.
70’s also saw SPB-Susheela romantic duets composed by MSV, KVM,Shankar ganesh & ofcourse kumar.
Ninaithathai mudipathu by SPB,PS another romantic duet from Ayirathil oruthi
Varthaigal en nenjil ninradhu is another beautiful duet by SPB & PS from Avalum pen thane
Padaithane brahama devan by SPB, Sevappu kallu mookuthi by TMS,PS from Ellorum nallavare were quite popular songs as well.
Paal manam poo manam paavai manam from onne onnu kanne kannu by SPB,PS
Puttanna’s Kannada movie Nagarahaavu was remade as “Raaja nagam” and Kumar proved that he is no less than the original composer Vijayabhaskar. Kumar gave wonderful melodies and the outstanding “devan vedamum kannan geethaiyum” by SPB & Susheelamma lyrics by vaali. This is a great number popular even now.
Thoondil meen had great numbers tuned by Kumar.
Vaazhvil sowbhagyam vandhadhu (lyrics by vaali) by SPB,PS is a great romantic melody aired often in Radio.
Unnidam mayangugiren by KJY was popular one and equally popular was “Ezhudhatha padal ondru “ by TMS & Swarna . lyrics by Vaali.
Kumar did few telugu movies (mostly remade from Tamil) especially Sambarala rambabu (edhir neechal in tamil) and Mama chandamama song tuned by Kumar is a brilliant melody (one version by SPB, another by PS). He did music for sattekalapu sattaya(patham pasali), Collector janaki(iru kodugal)
He was tuning for tamil movies which came his way though very minimal.
Sapthaswaram punnagaiyl kanden from NAdagame ulagam by SPB,VJ
Ullathil nooru ninaithen from an obscure movie MAppillai azhaippu is a great melody
Indian-lankan production NAngooram had music by Kumar and had brilliant songs like oru paarvai parkumpodhu, Aalayam nayagan
Pennai nambungal had a great number by SPB,PS. Nee ninaitha neramellam (lyrics:vaali)
Pallava naatu rajakumarikku is another great number by SPB from Ival oru seethai(lyrics Kannadasan)
Ponnai naan paarthathillai from Kannamoochi(lyrics:kannadasan) by SPB is a popular number even now.
Pallandu pallandu by PS, MAzhai kalam by Vanijayaram are great numbers of Kumar from KAsthoori vijayam
MAdhorchavam radhiyodu than from Sathurangam by SPB,VJ is another great melody by Kumar(lyrics vaali)
Pennalla nee oru bommai by Jayachandran & susheelamma is absolute melody (lyrics:vaali)
Oh Krishna prabhu by PS, Kodi inbangal thedum by PJ,PS from Aval oru kaaviyam
Vaa valliyammai kanava by PS from Chakravarthy is another beauty from Kumar.
Late 70’s saw the number of movies going down in count for Kumar.
Enna thavam seithen unnai manam kolla, oru kudumbam inge both from Adhirstham azhaikkiradhu (lyrics:vaali)
Aananda illam by AMRaja & PS from idhu ivargalin kadhai
Kangalal naan varaidhen (KJY,PS from mangala nayaki0, Thiru koyil thedi (TMS,PS from mittai mami)
These were fantastic songs of Kumar in 70’s
Ironically Kumar was fading away while his manaseega Guru Melody king MSV was still going strong.
1984 Kumar once again re-surfaced with Shankari (Saritha, Thyagarajan starrer) PS’s Aduthathu rukkumani edhuthathu sengamalam was quite popular one.
Kumar was definitely a melody maker and though his stint was short he did weave a magic with his fingers and oldies still remember Kumar for his songs in KB movies and thus will remain forever in our heart as long as melody lives.
Will be back with another Article soon.
Rajesh Lavanya
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Thanks for remembering this unsung hero who gave us so many melodies.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much
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