Poet Laureate Kannadasan

BL. I know that TMS himself has said how he differentiates between NT and MGR especially. For NT he goes deeper, from the stomach up, while MGR's, the sound would just emerge from throat. But having heard them all sometimes he sounds the same, but of course, the emotions varies.

Take this one of fav songs of mine: ViLakke Nee Konda Oli naanee (Niraikoodam)...very nasal, it could be for even Jai Shankar...but when you reach the very emotional saranam (Poovum Kaayum veeru veeru, poovee kaayagum)...it's 100% NT. :D

NOV, did you watch MSV show yesterday. I had to switch for a while to watch Tuliyile Aalavantha song (Chinnathambi). Thirumba thirumba he brushes off praises citing Teamwork. MSV, humility is thy name :notworthy:

But there is another theory that says TMS sings the same for both the thilagams, but its just our own perception that differentiates them...

In some show, I saw tharaimEl pirakka vaiththaan song played for a sivaji film and it really looked like sivaji singing the song!

Rakesh, I watched the tail bit only. Vaanavil :banghead:
Yes, MSV is humble and usually says the right thing. :D He also aways says that one of his eyes is Kannadhasan. (remember the pullaangkuzhal koduththa moongilgalE song... he changes the lyrics to engal kannadhasan pugazhai paadungalEn ... :bow:

MSV is a living legend - hope the govt of the day recognises him when he is alive now. :sigh2:

and oh.... nice to see you here Benny. :)

Okay, NOV. As per my SMS. Is it true that Attan Ennathaan was written in ten minutes? Can you provide the lyircs here? I wanna take a closer look at this express song and relate it to the scene after social worker herbal medicine seller community service hero Rahim gives white flower to Devika to indicate his agreeance to her love. Athu vaayile sollirukaamula :evil: :D Poor Mary.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by groucho070

Okay, NOV. As per my SMS. Is it true that Attan Ennathaan was written in ten minutes? Can you provide the lyircs here?

---

Quote:

---

அத்தான் என் அத்தான்
அவர் என்னைத் தான் எப்படிச் சொல்வேனடி
அவர் கையைத் தான் கொண்டு மெல்லாத் தான்
வந்து கண்ணைத் தான் எப்படி சொல்வேனடி

ஏனத்தான் என்னைப் பார் அத்தான்
கேளத்தான் என்று சொல்லித் தான்
சென்ற பெண்ணைத் தான் கண்டு துடித்தான்
அழைத்தான் சிரித்தான் அணைத்தான்
எப்படி சொல்வேனடி

மொட்டுத் தான் கன்னிச் சிட்டுத் தான்
முத்துத் தான் உடல் பட்டுத் தான்
என்று தொட்டுத் தான்
கையில் இணைத்தான் வளைத்தான்
சிரித்தான் அணைத்தான்
எப்படி சொல்வேனடி

---

I am surprised at your amazement in the 10-min lyrics-writing by Kannadhasan. There are many many other similar stories.

Surely you have heard of him writing on the cigarette box foil a song, on the way to the railway station and accompanied by the producer and one mister Loganathan.
The mister was so taken in by the lyrics that he pleaded to sing the song.. which became a huge hit. yeah... the story of the birth of aasaiyE alai pOlE naam ellaam adhan mElE :D

Not like Amaze amaze. But yeah, I just want confirmation. Yaarukku theriyum some history revisionist (there are too many of them) might correct us saying Kannadhasan wrote it in 9.3 minutes or something :P

Yeah, I heard about the fag foil incident. Looking at the lyrics. Simple but sooo strong! :shock: Thanks, NOV.

Okay, same movie different matter.

Why was the word "matham"tanai padaitaan was replaced with "Panam"tanai. The patchwork was bad in the movie and NT was clearly mouthing, "matham"tanai. Why? Yen? Yenthukondu? Apasal?

if I remember correctly, there were some protests from some religionists saying that according to thier religion its wrong to say that man invented religion. :roll:

infact, even changing lines due to some protests had been fairly common, from even MKT days.

I'm sure you would have heard of vadhanamE chandra bimbamO
originally it was written as muham adhu chandra bimbamO... and was striked off becos it was too close to muhammad...
and then it was changed to aham adhu chandra bimbamO... which was also striked off cos it was too close to ahmad..

:lol:

Yeah, I know that story.

Also MGR's Naan Aanai Ittal...Kaakaigal Kootattai Olippen becomes Kuuttattin Aattathai Olippen :lol: Poor Valee also became victim to this lyrics censorship. I just didn't know about the Pava Manippu song.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NOV

But there is another theory that says TMS sings the same for both the thilagams, but its just our own perception that differentiates them...

In some show, I saw tharaimEl pirakka vaiththaan song played for a sivaji film and it really looked like sivaji singing the song!

Rakesh, I watched the tail bit only. Vaanavil :banghead:
Yes, MSV is humble and usually says the right thing. :D He also aways says that one of his eyes is Kannadhasan. (remember the pullaangkuzhal koduththa moongilgalE song... he changes the lyrics to engal kannadhasan pugazhai paadungalEn ... :bow:

MSV is a living legend - hope the govt of the day recognises him when he is alive now. :sigh2:

---

Unlikely from the Indian govt - he is already the forgotten man. He is not political enough to get backing from TN govts either. Dadasaheb Phalke-Avadhu kodukaNum but I dont think that will happen - during his lifetime or mine or yours.

கவியரசின் புகழாரத்தில் ஒரு தமிழ் பூவை கூட காணவிலையே என்ன கொடுமையடா?

Just finished watching Karnan...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Manisekaran

From: Manisekaran (@ bat-50-165.tm.net.my) on: Sun Feb 1 12:03:34 EST 1998

Kanchana,
Thank you really for touching on Gita.Taking the lead from that let me touch on "Aayiram Karangal Neetti" in Karnan. It used to be thought that Veiyitketra Nizhalundu Veesum Thendral Kaatrundu from Kalvanin Kathali laid the yardstick for translation into Tamil of foreign songs. That was a song of Umar Khayam translated by Desiga Vinayagam Pillai. Likewise in Karnan, Kannadasan has created great impression on the hearts and minds of the Veda chanters. Kannadasan amd MSV/TKR spent 15 days in Bangalore to compose the songs for Karnan. They brought the veda chanters to their hotel room and requested them to chant the vedas. After listening to the chanting, Kannadasan was highly inspired and he composed the following lines:-

"Aayiram Karangal Neeti
Anaikkindra Thaye Potri
Arul Pongum Mugathai Kaati
Irul Neekam Thanthai Potri
Thayinum parinthu Sala Sagalarai Anaippai Potri
Thazhaikkum Or Uyirkatkellam Thunakkaram Koduppai Potri
Thoorathey Neruppai Vaithu Saarathai Tharuvai Potri
Gnayire Nalamey Vazhga Nayagan Vadivey Potri
Naanilam Ulla Naal Mattum Potruvom Potri Potri"

In any translation, you may only get the form(Vadivam)but seldom the spirit(unarchi). When this song was relesed, remarks were made that Kannadasan was able to retain the original form and spirit of the Sanskrit Vedas in the Tamil translation. This piece remains one of the masterpieces of Kavgnar.

---

Awesome...awesome....there was quick succession of songs in the middle of the movie, did you notice. From Kannukku Kulam Ethu, to the Poiva Magale and the valaikkappu song...only time when you don't mind bombarded by one song sequences to another. Come to think of it, Karnan has one too many songs for its time and they are all gold :D

I switched on when kangal engE nenjamum engE came on :bow: this was quickly followed by iravum nilavum valarattumE

man, tell me about paradise!

Not sure whether it was shared here before.

Nice collections... :P

http://www.kannadhasanpathippagam.com/gallary.aspx

:cool2:

Thanks TM. The shot during Sivaji's wedding is the most interesting. I saw the bigger version of that pix in NT's memoir, good to see all those important historical figures in one picture. :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Thirumaran

Not sure whether it was shared here before.

Nice collections... :P

http://www.kannadhasanpathippagam.com/gallary.aspx

:cool2:

---

Superb Collection TM :thumbsup: Thanks for sharing..

the photo at Sivaji's wedding is very casual.. I think this photo is what could have been referred in NT's thread when discussing about the friendship of NT and MGR :cool:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Thirumaran

Not sure whether it was shared here before.

Nice collections... :P

http://www.kannadhasanpathippagam.com/gallary.aspx

:cool2:

---

Thanks Thiru..
This is the first time am seeing Bharathidasan in a picture. And yes, as groucho said, Sivaji's wedding snap was simple but awesome :)

money should be treated like salt for food....

Quote:

---

கடலளவு கிடைத்தாலும் மயங்க மாட்டேன்
அது கையளவே ஆனாலும் கலங்க மாட்டேன்
உள்ளத்திலே உள்ளதுதான் உலகம் கண்ணா
இதை உணர்ந்து கொண்டேன்
துன்பமெல்லாம் விலகும் கண்ணா

---

Kannadasan from the book Kadaisipakkam. Page 21.

Quote:

---

நம்பிக்கைக்கு மிகவும் தேவையானது மனம். அது உன்னிடமே இருக்கிறது; அதற்காக நீ ஒரு பைசாவும் செலவழிக்கத் தேவையில்லை!

---

Hi Everybody,

Nice being engaged in this forum after a lapse of more than 7 years. I was just casually going through The Hub pages and was pleasantly shocked that our Kaviarasar has 're-incarnated' again and again. When I flipped through the original posting it was dated somewhere last year and I expected that it will show the end after only a few postings. Boy, was I in for a rude shock? The thread is still active! That was when I decided to be part of the fray rightaway.

During the long absence I chanced upon so many tidbits and articles from the various magazines and books about kaviarasar, including meeting up with some veteran film personalities in Chennai, which I hopefully will share with all of you regularly.

A cursory glance at the postings also prompted me to offer my comments like the song where kaviarasar was credited instead of Vaali. The song was 'Kan poenna pokkilae kaal pogaalam' ('Panam Padaithavan' 1965) and not as mentioned. (I will go through the whole threads at my leisure and if the need arises I will surely comment or rectify certain factual errors).

For starters, I wish to correct my very own posting done years ago in this Forum as to the song 'Antha Sivagamiyin Maganinidam...' (Pattanathil Boodham 1968). Well, according to Kanmani Subbu, Kaviarasar's eldest son, the situation was not so. Subbu gave me an interesting story to the effect. An intimate friend of his father (he told me the name but I can't recall) clarified the situation with historical and actual facts.

Kaviarasar usually prides himself with his association with Kamaraj. He usually volunteers to speak on the same platform as Kamaraj does. On occasions, our kaviarasar turned up late thus upsetting the schedule of speakers. This irked Kamaraj and kaviarasar promised to reform. On one occasion kaviarasar was supposed to do the opening speech but turned up an hour later and that too he did not walk up to the dais straightaway. Instead he huirriedly took a few puffs from his cigarette by the side dais and only then cooly walked up to take his seat. A furious Kamaraj watched with dismay the whole scene and thought enough was enough. When kaviarasar went to the mike to address the crowd, Kamaraj suddenly got up and said in his usual Nadar dialect that Kannadhasan is not to speak.

Kaviarasar was stunned and so was the audience who thought Kamaraj was just joking. But Kamaraj was serious and adamant. This incident jolted him and subsequent attempts to meet Kamaraj proved futile.

As a final attempt he telephoned Kamaraj but was answered by the latter's personal assistant going by the name of Velan. When kaviarasar insisted that he wished to speak to Kamaraj, Velan told him that it was Kamaraj's instruction to take down whatever message he was trying to relay. This reply further embarassed kaviarasar and it dawned on him finally that Kamaraj really meant business.

The year was somewhere in 1967 and it was at this time 'Pattanathil Bhootham' was being produced and kaviarasar penned his misery in the opening stanza of the song. Note, the word 'Velan' incorporated in that song. Kaviarasar was trying to convey the message that he wishes to see Kamaraj only and not any Tom, Dick, Harry or VELAN!

It was widely believed that kaviarasar fell out with Kamaraj during the Congress Party crises time in 1969 which has now been proved wrong since the song was written circa 1967.

More will follow folks and until then bye for now!

R. Mahendra Raj

whoa! :shock: what an amazing come back! :clap:

glad to have you back with us. Pls continue enriching us with your knowledge.

Let the fame of Kanandhasan transcend generations. :bow:

அந்த சிவகாமி மகனிடம் சேதி சொல்லடி
என்னை சேரும் நாள் பார்க்கச் சொல்லடி
வேறு எவரோடும் நான் பேச வார்த்தை ஏதடி
வேலன் இல்லாமல் தோகை ஏதடி

கண்கள் சரவணன் சூடிடும் மாலை
கன்னங்கள் வேலவன் ஆடிடும் சோலை
பெண் என பூமியில் பிறந்த பின்னாலே
வேலை வணங்காமல் வேறன்ன வேலை
நெஞ்சே தெரியுமா அன்றொரு நாளிலே
நிழலாடும் விழியோடும் ஆடினானே
அன்று நிழலாடும் விழியோடு ஆடினானே
என்றும் கண்ணில் நின்றாடச் சொல்லடி

மலையின் சந்தனம் மார்பினில் சொந்தம்
மங்கையின் இதயமோ காளையென சொந்தம்
நிலையில் மாறினால் நினைவும் மாறுமோ
நெஞ்சம் நெருங்கினால் பேதங்கள் தோன்றுமோ
காலம் மாறினால் காதலும் மாறுமோ
மாறாது மாறாது இறைவன் ஆணை
என்றும் மாறாது மாறாது இறைவன் ஆணை

இந்த* சிவ*காமி மகனுடன் சேர்ந்து நில்ல*டி
இன்னும் சேரும் நாள் பார்ப*தென்ன*டி
வேறு எவரோடும் நான் பேச வார்த்தை ஏதடி
தோகை இல்லாம*ல் வேல*ன் ஏத*டி

Sivagami magan is Kamaraj?

yes pp maam. sivagami ammaiyaar was the mother of PT

From Bhoori's blog :

http://awardakodukkaranga.wordpress....f%88%e0%ae%a4/

Quote:

---

சுஜாதா பதில்கள்

கவிஞர் கண்ணதாசனை நீங்கள் சந்தித்ததுண்டா ?
உண்டு. “நினைத்தாலே இனிக்கும்” கம்போசிங்கின்போது. சில பொதுக்கூட்ட மேடைகளில்.
எங்கேயும் எப்போதும் சங்கீதம்…… சந்தோஷம்! (கற்றதும் பெற்றதும்….)

...

எம்.எஸ்.வீயும், கவிஞரும் அன்யோன்யமாகப் பழகிக்கொண்டார்கள்.

“விசு, என்ன ட்யூன் ?”

“அண்ணே! சங்கீதத்தைப் பற்றிய உற்சாகமான ட்யூன்!”

“வாசி! “

விஸ்வநாதனின் விரல்கள் ஆர்மோனியத்தில் உலவ, அவருக்கே உரிய வசீகரமான குரலில், “தன் னானே தன்னானே தன்னானே தன்னானே” என்று பாடினார். உடனேயே கவிஞர், “எங்கேயும் எப்போதும் சங்கீதம், சந்தோஷம் ” என்றார். “பாடிப் பாரு !”

“கச்சிதமாக இருக்கு, கவிஞரே !”"அடுத்த அடி. ?”"தானனன்னே தானனன்னே தானனன்னே தானனன்னே…!”"தன்னானேக்கு பதில் தான னன்னேயா ? சரி கொஞ்சம் தத்துவம் பேசலாமா ?” என்று டைரக்டரைப் பார்த்தார், கவிஞர்.

பாலசந்தர், “தாராளமா! உங்களுக்குச் சொல்லணுமா கவிஞரே ! “

“ராத்திரிகள் வந்துவிட்டால் சாத்திரங்கள் ஓடிவிடும்…!” “சரியா ?”

“Perfect !”

விஸ்வநாதன் பாடப் பாட, கண்ணதாசன் அத்தனை சரணங்களையும் (“காலை ஜப்பானில் காபி…. மாலை நியூயார்க்கில் காபரே… அவங்க ஊரூரா போறாங்கல்ல ? “) உடனுக்குடன் உதிர்த்ததை பஞ்சு அருணாசலம் அழகான கையெழுத்தில் எழுதித்தர, சில மணி நேரங்களில் முழுப் பாட்டும் எழுதப்பட்டது.

இடையிடையே, கண்ணதாசனுடன் பேச்சுக் கொடுத்தேன். “எப்படி இவ்வளவு சரளமா வார்த்தைகள் வருது ? “

“தமிழ்ல ஆதார சந்தத்தைப் பிடிச்சுட்டாப் போதும்! பாருங்க, சீதைக்கு எத்தனை பெயர்கள் ? சீதா — நேர் நேர்; ஜானகி — நேர்நிரை; ஜனகா — நிரைநேர்; வைதேகி — நேர் நேர் நேர் …. இப்படி எந்தச் சந்தம் வேணுமோ அந்தச் சந்தத்துக்கு வார்த்தைகள் போட்டுக்கலாம். என்ன, எல்லா வார்த்தையும் தெரியணும்… அவ்வளவு தான். கம்ப இராமாயணத்தில் ஒவ்வொரு படலத்திலும், பாடலிலும் ஒரு புது வார்த்தை கிடைக்கும் !”
...

ஏறத்தாழ 30 ஆண்டுகளாகியும் அந்தப் பாடல் இன்றும்கூட எல்லா மெல்லிசை நிகழ்ச்சிகளிலும் கட்டியம் கூறும் பாடலாகப் பாடப்படுகிறது. கண்ணதாசன் அதைத்தான் செய்தார்… எங்கேயும் எப்போதும் சங்கீதத்தையும், சந்தோஷத்தையும் பரப்பினார். உலகில் தமிழர்கள் வாழும் ஏதாவது ஒரு மூலையில் பயணிக்கும் கார்களிலும், இல்லங்களிலும் அவரது ஏதாவது ஒரு வரி ஒலிக்காத நேரமே இல்லை.

---

There was a Bhoori Hubber long ago.. :think:

Ippo yen dink pannurengga. It's good to re-forward it. There are many Sujatha fans here who would take note :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NOV

There was a Bhoori Hubber long ago.. :think:

---

அது அவருடைய புதுப்பெயராம். "ஒரிஜினல் பெயர் RV " என்பதாகத் தன் சிக்னேச்சரில் போட்டிருக்கிறார்...

Hi folks,

I wish to apologise at the outset for whatever I am going to post hereafter may be either a repetition or duplication as I am wary of going back to check on my earlier postings. So, sorry folks.

I just saw on this page re- the wedding of Shivaji and I wish to refresh a bit. The wedding took place when nearly all the Tamil film stalwarts belonged to DMK. At that function suddenly MGR proposed that kaviarasar conduct the marriage between Shivaji and Kamala. Dutifully obliging, kaviarasar read out a felicitation and gave the sacred thaali to Shivaji to tie around the neck of Kamala. All in all the total expense of the wedding was a mere Rs500!
Abiding by DMK principles at that time, the marriage function sans pomp and splendour. Even Shivaji reminisced and sighed when his grand-daughter was married to Jayalalitha's foster son in 1995 in a grand ceremony which could have made to the Guinness Book of Records.

On the same subject, one could easily see the comradeship between the DMK party cadres at that time until Shivaji fell out of line after his 'fateful' trip to Triputhi to fulfil a religious obligation. I believe my close friend Manisekaran had touched extensively on this subject.

Kanmani Subbu narrated an interesting situation. When 'Paalum Pazhamum' (1961) was being made Director Bhimsingh invited kaviarasar to pen the songs. Bhimsingh believed that with the roaring success of 'Bhaga Pirivinai' (1960) songs earlier kaviarasar can lend a magic touch.

Upon completion of nearly all the songs there was only one song to go. As usual, Bhimsingh along with Viswanathan Ramamurthy were seated when kaviarasar was penning the songs. When the last situation song was being written (at that time it was kaviarasar himself who wrote the songs) Shivaji suddenly walked in. It seemed Shivaji was staring hard at him which made our our kaviarasar uncomfortable since they were not on talking terms and he quickly handed over the letter-pad of the last song and bolted from the scene. Shivaji grabbed the letter-pad from Viswanathan out of curiosity and burst out laughing aloud. The song was was 'Ennai Yaar Endru...' Shivaji thought kaviarasar wrote about him for staring but the truth was kaviarasar was reminiscing his old flame in this song.

On the same subject again. When 'Veerapandiyan Kattabomman' (1960) was produced Shivaji recommended SSRajendran for the role of Vellaiya Thevan for two reasons. One was that SSR belongs to the Devar caste and the other for his delivery of fast dialogues. SSR backed out and Gemini Ganesan filled the bill. Around the same time SSR commited to act in 'Sivagangai Seemai' a production of kaviarasar which was seen as a rival to the 'Kattabomman'. Shivaji openly accused SSR of being a coward to act in a word-fighting film. I remember vividly way back in 1964 that in an interview SSR spoke otherwise. He said that his relationship with kaviarasar was greater than Shivaji and that he had no qualms to act the leading role in 'Sivagangai Seemai'. Both Shivaji and SSR were not on talking terms until ' Saanthi' (1965) although they had acted in films like 'Deiva Piravi' (1960), 'Kunkumam (1963) , 'Kai Kodutha Deivam' (1964).

R. Mahendra Raj

Hi folks,

What I am going to pen is supposed to be confidential and private. That was what Kanmani Subbu asked of me about 7 years back. But I feel now that there are so many worse scandals around that this is nothing and after all it happened about 35 years ago.

As you all know that Vaanathi Publications' owner Ganapathi was a close associate of kaviarasar from time immemorial. Their friendship was such that each time kaviarasar was broke there was a ready hand to help him in the form of Ganapathi. Both belonged to the nagarathaar chettiar caste and their family ties were that bonding which dates from their forefathers in Rangoon, Burma (now Myanmar). For the record I had met up with Ganapathi on two occasions within a span of 7 years and spent long hours with him just to get more stories about kaviarasar.

It was also a silent understanding and incumbent upon Vanathi Publications to publish whatever articles, novels and the like by kaviarasar. Kaviarasar, not even once, had demanded to see the accounts so as to ascertain his royalty fees. What is the neccesity? As each time he was short of funds the publisher friend was ever willing to help him out, besides Chinnappa Devar and MGR.

In 1974, when Gandhi Kannadhasan, kaviarasar's eldest son by his second wife, after graduating from a law degree wanted to venture on his own. (I have met up with this guy on 3 occasions and I will narrate later as to what type of an opportunist he is). He sought kaviarasar's advice and the answer was that he compiles whatever works by him and publish the same. (My personal opinion is that kaviarasar must have been inebriated at that time).

Around that time there was a serial in the Kumudham weekly (I can't recollect the title) and it ended with high ratings and aplomb by readers. Seizing this opportunity Gandhi took to the process of publishing it in a book form. As usual, Ganapathi compiled the serials and published well before Gandhi unaware of Gandhi's intentions.

Ghandhi, upon seeing the publication , immediately sent a solicitor's notice (himself a layer) seeking cessation of publication as well as compensation. Upon seeing the notice a distressed Ganapathi sought out our kaviarasar who happened to be in his first wife's matrimonial house. When the chettiar showed him the notice our kaviarasar's temper shot up. He called Kanmani Subbu to follow him along with Ganapathi and went to his second matrimonial home and called out for Gandhi. When Ghandi appeared he ticked him off by saying that he was a greenhorn especially on matters pertaining to old family ties. He told him off sternly that should he proceed with court action then he will see a dead Kannadhasan hanging from the beam.

After this tiff, they dropped off chettiar in his publication office in T.Nagar and proceeded to Kodambakkam. When kaviarasar broke off with Panju Arunasalam after 'Gauravam' (1973) it was Kanmani Subbu who was his assistant besides Rama Kannappan. So, it was incumbent upon Kanmani Subbu to follow his dad especially in work-related martters, or more specifically, lyrics writing.

, The studio floor was Shivaji productions making of 'Thanga Pathakkam' (1975). Distressed and depressed with the tiff with Gandhi earlier, kaviarasar went straight to MSViswanathan as to work on the situation of the song. The other songs were already written a few days ago. Visu told him of the situation and immediately kaviarasar dictated the song 'Sothani Meyl Sothanai' and Kanmani Subbu duly recorded the same. Kaviarasar passionately took out a cigarette and after lighting it and puffing was seen in a pensive and depresive mood.

According to Kanmani Subbu, traditionally after each dictation the fair copy must be given to kaviarasar to attest the same. And the music director usually will start off composing with the first stanza of the just-delivered lyrics. What happened afterward was a deviation from the norm.

MSV started composing from the line '..Idi poley pillai vantha madi thaangumaa....". It was unusual of MSV's character because he was singing out the tune aloud with tears welling up in his eyes. Shivaji Ganesan who was shooting for the film 'Pon Unjal' in the same floor quitely walked to the composing room. Being his own production, naturally he was interested in the songs.

He never spoke a word but kept looking at MSV who was lost in his composition. Shivaji was wearing a white veshti and jippa fresh from the break of shooting of 'Pon Unjal' and he took his right forefinger and placed it on his cheek whilst observing MSV . Kanmani Subbu noticed that Shivaji's eyes were also welled up with tears. This was unusual too.

The following day Kanmani Subbu caught his father in his casual mood and inquired about the unusual scene at the recording scene the previous day.

Kaviarasar opened up and told Subbu that it was a matter of co-incidences of sorts the previous day. As what was already stated above re-Gandhi (the eldest son through the second marriage) I do not wish to repat. It seems MSV had had fisti-cuffs with his son, Gopi when the former learnt that one of the family's property house was given away to an upcoming actress (Sulakshana, who later married and divorced him). Coming to Shivaji, aha, almost a similar situation.

It seems Ram Kumar, the eldest son of Shivaji was having an affair with Sri Priya's sister and the situation was blown up on that morning whereby the latter took his shot gun and there was a commotion. (It was also reported in the press at that time but on a different version).

Co-incidentally all these happened on that particular morning involving the three stalwarts and their sons. And how the song 'Sothanai Meyl Sothanai' went on to become popular till to this date was an actual reflection of true-life incidences.

Incidentally, about two years ago I read in 'Ananda Vikatan' of Ram Kumar & Sri Priya's sister's son entry to films. Their marriage was not officially recognised since he was already married.

Forget about the private incidences. What matters most was the je
wel of the song 'Sothanai....'. You can see, feel and experience the life-like similarities of Shivaji, MSV and Kannadhasan.

Will post more interesting anectodotes later on folks.

Bye for now.

R. Mahendra Raj

Hi folks,

Just saw in retrogession of the late Sujatha's reply re-kaviarasar.

If I am not mistaken in the same tone of the subject Sujatha who was mesmerised by kaviarasar's ability asked him of the secret. Kaviarasar just casually replied that he gains knowledge by constant reading especially on Mahabaratha and Bhagawad Gita. Once when the whole is context is grasped then writing songs for situations is nothing new. Sujatha who is a voracious reader himself was not impressed with kaviarasar's reply. He surmised that there was more to it. This piece appeared in Kumudham just before Sujatha's demise.

R. Mahendra Raj

Mr. Moderator,

It appears that you were with RTM and I should be only too glad to communicate with you. Perhaps we would have met since I know all your contemporaries in RTM. I am damn too curious!

My mobile contact is 012-3947446.

Thanks and with warm regards.

R. Mahendra Raj

Hi folks,

Whenever time permits I watch 'Endrum MSV' courtesy Jaya TV. The innocent-looking Compere is witty with prose Tamil. But was is disappointing is that many songs which had interesting background and when the Compere asks MSV appears blank. Perhaps age is catching up with him.

Now folks what I am going to write may not go too well with fans of MSV. I was initially sceptical about the whole thing but then the 'inner circle' of the veteran film stalwarts knows the whole truth. After all we are only just fans. I am not going to cite the reliable sources because it might invite controversy. Just like when you tell a die-hard MGR fan of his other side! (The info I got about the other side of MGR will constitute another subject but of course will not go well with MGR fans).

Everyone knows the association of MSV with kaviarasar which was supposed to transcend all earthly things. Such was their friendship. But would it surprise you if I say that kaviarasar was more at home with mama KV Mahadevan instead of MSV? Shocking, is'nt it? Well, I double and triple checked the facts with veterans of the industry in Chennai. It is true! I am only going to give gist of what I heard because if what is reported in detail then it will not be nice.

Although appearing innocent at most of the times MSV had a deep inferior complex, that is what the veterans told me. I was shocked and dumbfounded. It seems that kaviarasar was stealing all the limelight although MSV gives his best on his part. On many occasions, over drinks, they were seen openly fighting with each other over the popularity and credits issue. This was not reported in the press, of course.

At one time MSV got cheesed off with kaviarasar that he extensively canvassed for Vaali. Remember, it was MSV who brought Vaali into limelight? His 'clan association' with MGR also worked to his advantage.That was done to spite kaviarasar's popularity.

But what happened later made MSV to make amends with kaviarasar seeing that there was no other choice. It was an undeniable fact that MSV's tune carried the lyrics of kaviarasar's fame to a higher level. Fans were openly acclaiming kaviarasar instead of MSV's works. This did not go too well with MSV who started to develop a complexity problem.

Now folks, can you remember any situation where KV Mahadevan or his able associate, Pughezenthi speaking of their work, or for that matter with lyricists? They minded their own business. Remember, it was kaviarasar who teasingly called KVM 'mama' aafter the all time hit song 'Mama, mama, mama' (Kumudham 1961)?

When kaviarasar was hospitalised in Chicago MGR suggested to MSV to make a visit. MSV declined but then agreed to MGR's other suggestion that he sends a casette recording for speedy recovery. The cassette was not sent.

When Ilayaraja 'took over' from MSV suddenly he developed more inferior complex than before, what with kaviarasar aligning with the former. After kaviarasar's death and sensing that his popularity was on the wane MSV decided to do something. It was during Jayalalitha's rule way back in 1994 that MSV purportedly publicised that kaviarasar appeared in his dream asking that a statue of him be erected. He knew very well that in order to survive he must make use of kaviarasar's name.

Ever since MSV takes upon himself to reminisce about kaviarasar in all his shows just to evoke the sympathy of the general audience.

When I heard all these info from the veterans during my visitation to Chennai I found it too hard to digest it.

But then again, there are lingering questions. MSV being a stalwart himself never ever gave credit to his erstwhile counterpart TK Ramamurthy. Can anyone recall, please? What TK Ramamurthy told me could become another interesting topic which I will reserve for later.

Being erstwhile friends why did not MSV spend kaviarasar's pre-departure days to Chicago? Why was it that kaviarasar was fetched by Ilayaraja to Meenambakam airport? Was it fate that Ilayaraja managed to solicit the last three songs from kaviarasar for the film 'Moondram Pirai' during the car trip to the airport? (Folks, please remind me to write on this particular song situation which I still consider very, very private).

Folks, you will remember well that it was due to the insistence of MSV and the like that Ilayaraja was almost shunned by the then government of MGR. The song 'Oram po' was banned, remember? Was MSV showing his inferiority complex again?

But kaviarasar, seeing the future of Ilayaraja in his keen observation, went on to become pally with Ilayaraja and his brother Gangai Amaran. Of course, this did not go too well with MSV.

So, after kaviarasar's death it dawned upon MSV that in order to popularly survive he cannot go solo. He is forced to mention kaviarasar's name in nearly all of his show. That is the order of the divine, I suppose.

Folks, I wish to clearly state herein that I am a great fan of MSV and still admire all of his work. Whatever I learnt from the stalwarts was hard to digest at first. But then again? I leave it to you all. Of course, hubbers here may have better information than me and I will only be too happy to hear it.

As I have mentioned elsewhere in this particular posting please remind me to write about the particular incidences. Getting old, I suppose!

Thanks and with warm regards.

R. Mahendra Raj

Dear Mahendraraj,

Welcome back. Didn't see you much after the Paadalgal palavitham thread. It was nice to read the anectodes. But there is one disconnect here. It is regarding Sodhanai Mel Sodhanai.

While I have not heard about Gandhi Kannadasan - Ganapthy rift regarding Kaviyarasar's works, the other two incidents quoted in connection with that song composing is totally off the mark.

Thangappadhakkam was released on June 1st of 1974. So the composing /recording of the song must have been in late 1973 or early 1974 as the film was made in quick time. Ponnunjal got released on June 15th of 1973. But my disconnect is not about the date or time or in which set was Sivaji acting at that point of time. So let me go there.

The first one was MSV Gobi - Sulakashana issue. Sulakshana was introduced by Baghyaraj in Thooral Ninnn Pochu which was released on April 14th of 1982. So MSV having a tiff with his son in 1974 regarding Sulakshana is ruled out.

Same way in 1974, Sripriya was just getting into the filmworld and she had not even starred opposite Sivaji at that point of time. The first film for her with Sivaji was Paattum Bharathamum that got released on Dec 6th of 1975 and that too in 3,4 scenes. She became a heroine in Thirisoolam which was in 1979. Moreover Ramkumar was a College student in 1973/74 and the production side at that point of time was looked after by Sivaji's younger brother VCShanmugam. The gun incident that you were refering to actually happened with Prabhu and that was in May 1978.

Probably Kanmani Subbu had just combined three different incidents and told you about the "coincidence".

Hope this sets the record straight.

Regards

whoa Mahendra Raj saar, Murali! :shock:

I need time to digest all these. :boo:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mahendra raj

It appears that you were with RTM and I should be only too glad to communicate with you.

---

No saar, I have done programmes for both Minnal and THR long ago. Also have dabbled in the music and advertising industries.
Will call you soon. :D

Hi folks,

Still on retrogesion of this forum.

Contrary to popular belief that kaviarasar was at his best only after his tipple let me say herein that it was not so.

After meeting up with his associates who also share similar habits (drinking) kaviarasar was never known to be drunk throughout his lifetime. Yes, he drinks but he never short-changed it for his career. Locally, (Malaysia), Dr. V. David, a seasoned politician and trade unionist, publicly told at a forum that those who drink with kaviasarar were the ones who were found to be inebriated. He never, for once, saw our kaviarasar drunk.


Kanmani Subbu told me that Shivaji Ganesan used to drop by frequently at kaviarasar's house in T. Nagar. Both will be enjoying their scotch and discussing the con-current affairs on politics but on films. (When he told me about this I was a bit sceptical because Shivaji had a sprawling mansion as opposed to kaviarasar's although in the same vicinity.) He even told me of his dad's affection of the late actress Devika.

Gandhi Kannadhasan told me that most of the leading actresses at that time like Devika, Padmini, K.R. Vijaya used to frequent kaviaraqsar's house. Normally they drink with kaviarasar in his private room locked. Sensing this, Gandhi's mother used to curse the ladies for momentarily 'stealing 'her husband, But Gandhi told me that the actresses were seeking out his father for consolation on their personal problems. Remember, kaviarasar is also a physchologist of sorts in the Tamil film industry?

Kanmani Subbu told me that after the release of 'Neela Vaanam' (1966) kaviarasar took the whole family (by his first wife's) for a dinner at Devika's house. It seemed that it was the first time ever that he tasted prawns cooked personally by Devika.

That incidence was a memorable event according to Kanmani Subbu. He also told me on the sly that only later he became to understand his father's relationship with Devika. But then again, the recent controversy surrounding Kanniga, Devika's only daughter has got nothing to do with her hereditary connection. Of course, there are people to attest that kaviarasar is the father but no, upon intensive inquiries it has been proved that Director Devadass, ex-hubby of Devika is the paternal and biological father.

I am not sure whether I posted earlier about kaviarar's relatiionship with Devika. But what I know was the fact that he wrote the song 'Poyilae pirantha' (Aananda Jothi 1963). That song was especially meant for Devika who had an informal relationship with our kaviarasar.

It was around this time that MGR started his best to court Devika. The efforts failed. Devika decided once and for all that she will not act opposite MGR. It was also a part of the MGR-Kannadhasan fall-out. Subsequently she was branded a Shivaji faithful in following films. But knowing MGR she tried her best to devote to her career but eventually she failed.

For the record, Muktha Sreenivasan, the veteran producer-director, told me this when I met him in his house. He told me also about MGR which I feel is not proper to tell at this forum.

Although I have been privy to so many personal incidences and secrets nevertheless I have a strong voice discouraging me to write about it. I leave it yo you folks. Hope you will give your comments without touching my conscience.

Anyway, who are we to delve into the private lives of the yester-year stalwarts? That is what is bothering me now.

With warm & cosy regards.

R. Mahendra Raj

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mahendra raj

Locally, (Malaysia), Dr. V. David, a seasoned politician and trade unionist, publicly told at a forum that those who drink with kaviasarar were the ones who were found to be inebriated. He never, for once, saw our kaviarasar drunk.

---

I can vouch for this. I know a Chandra Mohan, a close aide of V. David who has told me that Kannadhasan would mix a lot of soda with his spirit and take sips only. A whole peg may last a few hours, thus keeping him a little high, but never drunk.