Makkal Thilagam MGR Part -19

[mahendra raj]

Hi Esvee,

Fantastic post-mortem about Kaviarasar Kannadhasan's songs for MGR in 'Maatukaara Velan' and 'Vettaikaaran'. Please allow me to add on an interesting snippet.

In 1985 KV Mahadevan and his musical troupe were here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to perform road shows. In a media interview KVM spoke of the relationship of MGR and Kaviarasar. He recalled that while Kaviarasar was dictating the song 'Unnai Arindhaal' in Devar's studio in walked MGR who appeared to be looking for something under the desk. He did this quietly as he didn't want to interrupt Kaviarasar's flow of thoughts. But, Kaviarasar, on sensing MGR's presence stopped his dictation and asked MGR whether he is looking for his chapals. When MGR replied in the affirmative without hesitation Kaviarasar stooped below the far end corner of the desk and retrieved the chapals and handed it to MGR. Taken back by this sudden gesture of Kaviarasar MGR chided him citing that he is a kavingar and he should not stoop so low to physically handle the chapals. Kaviarasar laughed it off and counter commented - I am gifted to touch the footwear of a future Chief Minister who is going to rule Tamil Nadu! Later, when MGR saw the lyrics 'maaperum sabayaiyilil née nadanthaal unakku maalaigal vila veyndum, Oru maatrukuraiyaatha mannavan Ivan endru pottri pughazhaveyndum' he was pleasantly shocked. Yes, being the seer-poet Kaviarasu Kannadhasan had predicted way back in 1964 itself that MGR will rule Tamil Nadu. This may be one of the stronger reason for MGR to appoint him as 'Arasavai Kavingar' in 1978 despite their politically-strained relationship then.