Remembering the Mahaakavi (Unplugged)

Remembering the Mahaakavi (... Lyrics & Chords

Remembering the Mahaakavi (Unplugged)

Of all the days in a year when I think of Subramanya Bharathi, this day is very special to me, as it is his birthday! :)

I could write incessantly about the impact this great poet has had on my life and thoughts but will save it for a more appropriate occasion and forum.

This is a beautiful song from the movie “Varumaiyin Niram Sivappu” (1980). The hero’s father meets his prodigal son in the most unexpected, unusual circumstances and sings this song. Although there are three or four versions of this song in Tamil cinema music, this is the one I like the most as its mood is what I can relate to the most.

Here is a literal translation of the song, thanks to an avid blogger who has admired the poet’s works and published this:

—(I)made a noble veena
—Would (I) throw it in the garbage?
—Answer me oh Goddess
—Why create me with a sparkling wisdom?

—Wont you give skill and brilliance to make
the society lead a purposeful life
—Answer me oh Goddess
will you make them live as a
burden to the land they stand on ?

—Like a moving ball – Give me a body
that moves in any way my mind directs
—Give me a untarnished mind – and a
life that would light up life

-Give me the drive to sing about Sivasakthi long after this body is burnt
—And gimme an immovable confidence
- Do you have any problem in granting this wish?

Bharathi sings to the Goddess and says “You created me with this brilliance of intelligence!!!”. We call this “Gnyaana cherukku” or arrogance from Knowledge. But he was only stating a simple truth where he sets himself apart from the common man who leads a life blinded by ignorance. :)

I was studying in Chennai doing my PG. Some days, I used to walk from hostel to college, past the statue of Bharathi (the one on Marina Beach that was removed a few years ago). That is perhaps when the intimacy grew. Passing the statue kindled in me thoughts of his life, literary works and ideals. They were a great source of strength at a time when I was undergoing several ordeals. So the entire lonely walk from Chepauk to QMC, Bharathi occupied my mind! Had I been focussing more on the guys studying in the University or Presidency College, I perhaps might have turned out to be a more popular and lesser intellectual being today LOL.

A word about my rendition and this is a disclaimer aimed at the ones keen in the theory of classical music! I was researching on the raga of this composition and most sites say it is Thilang. However, somewhere along the flow, I seem to have indiscriminately picked up the Ri and Dha and Ni2(Aaarohanam) alien to Thilang. So you may get flavours of Chala Naattai or Jog (I do not know the difference between these but know there is a connection, thanks to my half-baked knowledge). Hence I seek pardon for this breach of rules and hope that MSV doesn’t get to listen to it. The alternative to this song post that I was initially contemplating was a monologue from his “Paanchaali Sabadham”. Rest assured that you are better off listening to this technically incorrect song than having to endure my schoolgirlish histrionic attempt. :D

Thanks to Sukumar for mixing this song at such short notice(due to poor time planning from my side)!

Please do let me have your comments and suggestions. And thanks for listening! :)

Movie: Varumaiyin Niram Sivappu
Music: Mellisai Mannar M.S.Viswanathan
Lyrics: Mahaakavi Bhaarathiyaar
Originally sung by: SP Balasubramaniam
Mixing: Ra. Sukumar

Comments

Ajay m nair said

suuuuper adithi…. gr8 gr8…… amezing voice clarity…. keep up the good work

“The above comments are made upon my v.little knowledge…. the recipient plz forgive if iam wrong”

Remembering the Mahaakavi (Unplugged)

Remembering the Mahaakavi (... Lyrics & Chords

Unplugged!

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