Remembering MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar - First Tamil Film Superstar
Isai Payanam is inspired by great musicians. Dr Charulatha Mani discusses classical film hits of MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar and shares interesting links between classical music and film songs - a nostalgic journey that also urges us to think about music differently! Film Songs of MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar: The song that probably tops every playlist in Charukesi ragam would be ‘ Manmadha Leelaiyai ' from the film ' Haridas' . This song was one of the earliest appearances of Charukesi on the silver screen, and till today, remains one of the best. In the sonorous voice of M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavatar and the music and lyrics of Papanasam Sivan (orchestration of G Ramanathan), this song is a delight. In the lines '...En mel unakkeno paraamugam...' there is a plethora of sangatis, each one unfurling from the top Sadja and landing at various vital notes. 'Vasantha ruthu mana mohaname' in Vasantha ragam from the film ' Sivakavi' is sung tunefully by MKT.