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. In the lines 'mana mohaname' the notes 'M, D, M, D' establish the unique identity of Vasantha. Vasantha is a lively raga and the happiness it exudes is contagious in this bright piece.
• One of the earliest appearances of Jonpuri raga was in the film 'Chintamani' in which MKT brilliantly sings 'Ullamellam inba vellam' in this raga. This song was composed by Papanasam Sivan. In 'Ashok Kumar', MKT sings 'Gnanakann onru' and 'Sathva guna bodhan' also in Jonpuri. Both these songs were super hits and took off at the upper octave, this being the beauty of Jonpuri. 'Sathva guna bodhan' is in the same tune as 'Eppo varuvaro' tune and this further contributed to the successful reach of the song. The grand opening of the charanams in the higher octave rishaba in 'Sathva guna' still resounds in our ears.
• A breathtakingly beautiful raga, Sahana gives peace to the inner self and soothes the artiste as well as the listener. In 'Sivakavi', MKT majestically sang 'Thamiyen Painthamizh' in praise of Tamil language. Lovely lyrics by Papanasam Sivan made this piece popular in those days, as MKT himself was actively involved in propagating Thamizh Isai.
• 'Ulaginil Inbam Verundo' from the film 'Ambikapathy' was one of the earliest appearances of Simhendramadhyamam ragam on the silver screen. Set to music by G. Ramanathan, this song is structured like a typical classical kriti.
• ‘Ennudal Thannil’ from the film 'Haridas' is a ragamalika of ragas Yadukulakambhoji and Atana, with the Atana portion sung by MKT very effectively.
• ‘Ellam Inbame’ from the film 'Amarakavi' is a breezy Atana beginning rather unconventionally with the phrase ‘SRSR SND’. The anupallavi ‘Neela Vaanam Thanile’ is embellished with lively akaras and noteworthy is the Kakali Nishada touch in the phrase ‘SN,D’, a special prayoga that lends flavour and character to the raga.
• ‘Oru Naal Oru Pozhudagilum’ from 'Thiruneelakantar' is in Khamas. The wonderful phrase ‘PSD,PMGM’, with a characteristic gamaka at the madhyama is brought forth in the line ‘Uccharikka Vendum’. MKT has sung yet another noteworthy piece in Khamas — ‘Maanida Janmam’ from 'Rajamukti', with music by C.R. Subburaman. The importance of the dhaivata in this raga is highlighted in this song. For instance, even the pallavi line concludes as ‘Meendum Vandidumo…’ pausing at the dhaivata.
• A Senchuruti song that is evergreen in its musical and lyrical appeal is ‘Radhe Unakku Kopam’ from the film 'Chintamani', sung brilliantly by MKT. Composed by Papanasam Sivan, the plethora of sangatis leave one speechless, while the opening phrase ‘S,S, S, DNSDNP’ nails the raga bhava indubitably. Another fine example of Senchuruti raga on the silver screen is ‘Vallalai Paadum Vaayaal’ from Sivakavi . Composed and penned by Papanasam Sivan, this song is musical genius. Bhagavathar’s voice is at its pliable best in this piece, and challenging sangatis flow unfettered, like liquid gold!
• In the film 'Haridas', ‘Nijama Idhu Nijama’ is a pristine piece in Begada ragam.
• Bhagavatar’s renditions in Sindhubhairavi are some of the most refreshing, including ‘Bhoomiyil Maanida’ from 'Ashok Kumar', and ‘Vadhaname Chandra Bimbamo’ from 'Sivakavi' . In ‘Vadhaname’, the complete octave is explored with splendid vocalisation in ‘...Madura Gaanamo…’, in lightning speed!
• 'ChandraSooriyar' from the film 'Ambikapathy' sung by Bhagavathar is a joyful expression of Maand ragam by the composer Papanasam Sivan.
• A raga that can be sung in a higher pace compared to Mukhari, Huseni ragam in film music is best heard in ‘Rajan Maharajan’ from the film 'Shyamala' sung by M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar. In the phrase ‘Tiruvalar Thyagarajan’, the swaras ‘SNS PDP MPM GRS’ make Huseni come alive.
• One of the finest depictions of Madhyamavati ragam would be ‘Arputha Leelaigalai’ from 'Sivagami' sung by the M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar. In ‘Chitparane Sivane’, the gamakas at the rishabha are characteristic of the raga.
• The song ‘Manam Kanidhe’ from 'Sivakavi' is set in the same tune as ‘Jagatjanani’. The flavour of Rathipatipriya ragam comes forth beautifully in this rendition.
• In the film Tiruneelakandar, one of the earliest appearances of Durbar ragam is seen in 'Maravai pudaitha'. This song is a layman’s guide to Durbar. In the phrase 'mamunivare ariyen' the swaras “NS, PDNP..” are typical.
• A brilliant piece in Kuntalavarali ragam would be ‘Maname Nee Easan’ from 'Ashok Kumar'. MKT’s rendition is replete with the raga’s essence. The very opening is riveting — the sadja followed by the madhyama. ‘Malligai Poongkodi Kuntalavarali’ is the line in the ragamalika piece ‘Vasantha Rithu Mana Mohaname’ from 'Sivakavi' . The composer cleverly brings out the flavour of the raga.
• ‘Kavalayai Theerpadhu’ from Sivakavi is one of the finest pieces in Natakurinji ragam. Papanasam Sivan scored the music and penned the lyrics. G. Ramanathan, took care of the orchestration. The opening phrase ‘NSNDM / GMDNS’ kickstarts the song brightly, and the frills in ‘Agandridum Valaiye’ — ‘MD / DN / NS / SRS / NDM’ are very much in character with the raga and delivered with gusto. In the charanam , the line ‘Ragathil Sirandhadhu Natakurinji’ is a clever way to embed the raga mudra in the song.