Rajadhi Raja

I really don’t know when it all began. One of my earliest childhood memories involves watching Kamal Hassan’s classic Nayagan in Natraj theatre. Ah, the charm of the stand-alone theatres. It is tempting to digress but I shall stick to what I set out to write. This has perhaps been the longest delay (nearly 2.5 years!!) bringing out a blog from the date I got the idea. But then, I wanted this to be different, really different from any piece I have written before. A few years back, I had penned a piece on old Hindi classics and experienced tremendous joy while writing and simultaneously listening to those songs. The situation with Ilayaraja songs is an altogether different matter. I have found it difficult to actually identify a reason why I find his songs incomparable. Probably they just touch the heart in the right place. Or better still, they seem to leave a permanent mark in your memory. However, I did not want to make this decision by myself. I knew that like me, there were numerous fans of the great Raja. Some liked his music while some loved the lyrics in the songs. Some swore by the background music in the movies while quite a few others felt the voice lent by the singers was the key. There was only one way to find out. I asked quite a few aficionados to send me their top ten Raja songs (a seemingly impossible request to fulfill really) and the reason why they actually chose these songs. Enjoy this blog in a different way. Read about the songs and listen to them at the same time. I shall provide YouTube links to all of them.

Memories of watching Nayagan are quite blurred. However, the same cannot be said of the hugely entertaining Apoorva Sahodarargal – a 1989 classic where the peerless Kamal Hassan essayed a dual role, one of which was that of a midget. At the school talent day on November 14th, I decided it was time to grace the stage with my presence. I picked the song ‘Raja Kaiya Vecha’ and delivered what was by popular consensus, an unforgettable performance. Ok, I was probably slightly exaggerating there. I probably never knew then that this was a Raja song. When I sit back now and listen to this song and the other fantastic numbers in the movie, I can’t help but get transported to another universe. Case in point is the immortal sad song – Unna Nenachen Paatu Padichen. A love failure song it may be, but it is one like no other. Kamal Hassan delivers an acting and emotive masterpiece while S.P Balasubramaniam leaves you stunned with his singing prowess. Where does Raja fit in here, one may ask? You will perhaps realize this when you watch the song and the rest of the movie. The music provided for this song is easily among the finest provided by Raja and pretty much made me quite partial to his sad songs. I would put this classic as the finest Raja number I have ever listened to. You might perhaps want to listen to this brilliant composition while you journey through the rest of my list.

I don’t think picking number 1 was that easy. However, picking the rest is going to be an even tougher challenge. Close on the heels of Apoorva Sahodaragal came Mani Ratnam’s magnificent Thalapathi (1991). An adaptation of the Arjuna-Karna rivalry from the Mahabharata, the movie was a raging hit and Rajinikanth, Tamil cinema’s super star, delivered a sublime performance as Surya, the illegitimate son of SriVidya. The film has a host of fantastic songs but none better than Chinna Thaayaval sung by the legendary S. Janaki. During the song, we notice both Rajini and Srividya turning behind while praying when they hear the sound of a passing train (Rajini had been abandoned as a kid by Srividya in a goods train). This moment is etched in my memory simply because of the divine music. In my opinion, no other song captures the unique mother-son relationship better. I cannot help but mention that the great lyricist Vaali adds a whole new dimension to the viewer’s (and listener’s) experience.

Few movies in the history of Indian cinema leave an imprint on the moviegoer like Thevar Magan did. Kamal Hassan, as usual, delivers a virtuoso performance while the great SIvaji Ganesan lights up the screen with a memorable display. The movie features a duet ‘Inji Idupazhagi’ sung by Kamal Hassan and S. Janaki. The rustic theme of the song reflects Raja’s appreciation for folk music. This song breaks the domination of melancholic numbers and slots in at number 3.

Ilayaraja was undoubtedly someone who heralded the renaissance of folk themes in the Tamil music industry. However, classical tunes were not beyond him. Some of his finest compositions came in movies/songs that had a classical base. K. Balachander’s Sindhu Bhairavi was one such. In a movie full of fantastic songs, the song Padariyen Padippariyen sung by Chitra stands out according to me. Sivakumar, who plays the proud singer JKB, tends to sing only Telugu or Sanskrit songs in his concerts. Suhasini (Sindhu) requests him to sing Tamil songs too occasionally to ensure that the message reaches the people. JKB mocks her and expresses distaste for Tamil and its music (folk, in particular). Suhasini’s goes on to lecture him about the inherent charm of folk music but JKB responds by challenging her to sing in front of the massive audience. She goes on to accept the challenge and pulls off a masterpiece with the final blow coming in form of a beautiful transition to the Telugu song that JKB had sung earlier. This song undoubtedly remains a classic in Tamil cinema and is my Number 4.

I have certainly felt (and I am sure many others agree) that Ilayaraja stands out among music composers because of the attention he gives to a movie’s background music (BGM). One such movie is Mani Ratnam’s Mouna Raagam. Raja’s mastery is evident right from the first clip all the way through this brilliant movie. Again, in a movie full of terrific songs, I lean towards SPB’s magnificent rendition of Nilave Va. Mohan plays the role of a husband who is spurned by his wife Divya (played by Revathy) who is still unable to get over the loss of her true love (a wonderful cameo played by Karthik). She has been forced into this marriage and despite her best efforts to get out of the marriage, she is made a victim of some emotional blackmail by her parents and pushed into it. Mohan sings this after Revathy insists that the only gift she wants from him is a divorce. SPB elevates his already magnificent ability and delivers a breathtaking performance. Add to it Raja’s sublime composition and you have a song for the ages.

After I sang Raja Kaiya Vecha and received a rapturous applause, the school and teachers pretty much decided to have me sing during a break in class, in the assembly or before prize distribution in a particular competition. During this lovely phase, one of the songs I tried singing was Kanmani Anbodu Kaadhalan from Guna. A movie I had not really watched fully, Guna was an interesting departure from the regular films one was used to in the early 1990s. This particular song, sung by Kamal Hassan and S. Janaki featured a great dialogue sequence too. Raja’s music provided the icing on the cake as this song quickly went on to capture my imagination.

Many songs are known for the singer’s fantastic voice. In a few other cases it is all about the lyrics. However, in the case of Rakamma Kaiya Thattu from Thalapathi, the focus is completely on Raja’s brilliant opening sequence of violins. This mesmerizing start leaves you totally bewildered at the great man’s ability and you cannot help but marvel at every note thereafter. The song has been rightly acknowledged as one of the finest musicals in Indian cinema.

If you have noticed, this list is dominated by Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan on the acting front and SPB, S. Janaki on the singer front. This song, however, features none of them. Starring Vijaykanth, the movie Vaidehi Kaathirundhal, features an exceptional song – Rasathi Unna Kaanadha Nenju. This song was sung by P. Jayachandran, a popular singer who sang numerous songs in Malayalam and Tamil. Again, Ilayaraja’s fascination for the rustic/folk setting comes to the fore in this beautiful number which is so soulfully sung by Jayachandran. Personally, I seem to turn to this song whenever I need a nice feel.

Hasn’t it been a while since we moved away from the allure of the ‘love failure’ songs? This song happens to be one of my all-time favourites. Featuring the one and only Rajini, the song Vellai Pura Ondru (sad version) sung by Yesudas is a wonderful composition, which in combination with the lyrics, touches your heart like few other songs can. There is a happy version of the song too but in my opinion, it cannot hold a candle to the sad version. Maybe it is my partiality for sad numbers but well, what can I do?

Picking a top ten is a fascinating, yet an almost futile exercise. You are likely to miss out so many favourites that you start wondering if the list was well chosen in the first place. I went with a simple premise that these tend to be the songs I play the moment I think of Raja songs. So, in some ways, I guess I am fairly accurate with my list. I round off the list with an SPB classic – Kadhalin Deepam Ondru from the movie Thambikku Endha Ooru. This romantic number featuring Rajnikanth is right up there when it comes to love songs. The setting, Rajni’s on-screen charisma, and the great voice are all made to feel just a little more special with Raja’s accompanying music.

I must have missed out on a number of glorious songs during the course of this exercise. However, the idea of writing this blog was to compile a set of top-tens (or more) from many Raja fans. So let me provide you with a wonderful extension of this musical journey by taking you through the lists I got from others.

Poornima, a fellow Raja fan and Tamil movie buff I happened to meet at work couple of years back, gave me this fantastic list (and reasons). Raakamma - Needless to say - the violin extravaganza, the mix of the thevaram (?); goose bumps guaranteed everytime

Ilayanila - SPB's voice dynamics makes you see nature in a whole new light …sheer melody and of course the guitar interludes…

valai osai - Guess there is a huge visual bias, but a masterpiece with Latha and SPB bringing out the romance in you no matter where it is hidden

raja rajathi raja indha raja - A different genre for raja - but brilliantly conceived as a 'percussion-only' composition and Raja-YJ's voices blending as one to boost the bad-boy-but-adorable image of Karthik

aayiram thamarai mottukale - How can someone convey infatuation/first love/hormonal upsurge etc using veena and mridangam? Listen to that

mridangam intro again if you dunno what am talking about! That's Raja for you….composed in Shubapanthuvarali (?), this song mesmerizes you

Shenbagame - Again a twist in the tale - get a kick out of listening to bollywood queen Asha render a tamil melody! The freshness of her voice itself elevates the song to great heights

saandhu pottu - For sheer arrogance in using the "silambu" sound as an 'intro' and graduate into beats, followed by SPB's forever inspiring cords… of course Kamal's voice thrown in for mass appeal!

mandram vandha - This has to be one of Raja's all time super hits - magic of SPB (yea am obsessed) in communicating the pain that Mohan goes through but continuing to be pleasant all the same

janani janani- Simplicity of Raja's voice combined with unconditional devotion in his favorite raga Kalyani! Surrender!

andhi mazhai - Again, mridangam to the magic…but altogether a different feel this time, more 'urban' if I may, but 'divine' romance nevertheless…

kaadhalin deepam

maasi maasam - YJ and Swarnalatha - a unique combination of voices churn out this sensuous number; a treat right from the word go

aatama therotama- the only song in the movie and a killer at that .. The beats, the tempo, Swarnalatha - perfect build up for a gripping climax in an adrenaline-rush of a movie

madhurai marikozhunthu vaasam- Folk genre and how! Trust a genius like Raja to set the tone with a rustic chorus chant of "pacharisi mavu vechu…" before jumping to a classic Mayamalavagowla and Mano and Janaki singing with gay abandon!

Vikram title song - And you thought techno was unheard of in Kollywood in the 80s…Who better than Ulaganagayan to set the ball rolling! Way ahead of its times with his inimitable 'getting-into-character' singing…

Andhiyile vaanam - I must confess that the mind-blowing violin interlude between the two pallavis is all it takes for this song to feature here!

Sandhana kaatre - Purely for syncing of aarohanam and avarohnams of Janaki and SPB in the pallavi humming… what a masterstroke!

Endhan nenjil neengadha - Slighly more 'synthetic' compared to vintage Raja - but YJ and the background score ensure that the master is very much there

Un paarvayil - Different tune, delightfully sung by Chechi!

nee partha paarvai - Raja re-discovered!

Thendral vandhu/Sorgame endraalum - Can't decide if it is the magic of Hamsanadham or the singers, interludes, or the entire package! But even tougher is to take a pick between the 2! Help!

nee thaane enthan ponvasantham - Are you kidding me? You dunno why this song is here?

Pothi vecha malligai mottu - Respect…..

Karutha machan - You have to listen to this song and get into that 'gramam' mode to enjoy this one; brilliant stuff by Janaki! The use of typical percussion instruments suited for a folk setting…. Quirky stuff ;)

Vishwanath a.k.a Vichu is someone whom I immensely respect for his eclectic taste in music and cinema. His list is quite different from most. Sincerely appreciate the effort he has put in while actually penning a mini blog on his favourites.

1. Sandhathil paadadha kavidhai from Auto Raja- Ilayaraja’s trademark to me is that he can make a song appealing at different levels. A tune that is very simple and melodious will at the same time be rich and soulful, appealing equally to the musically illiterate and the connoisseurs. I found this song to be a very simple one to hum till I gave it a closer listen when I realized I actually unearthed a gem. There are two other songs- Thulli ezhundhadhu paatu from Geetanjali and thendral vandhu theendum podhu from Avatharam which equally compete for being the trademark Ilayaraja number that is simple but really beautiful. But I guess I will have to go for this one at no.1 because if there is any song that has Ilayaraja written all over it, it is this song. Even for a moment I cannot imagine any other composer composing this song, all past and recent greats included.

2. Ponvanam Panner thoovudhu from Indru Nee Naalai Naan- Not many talk of this song when they talk about great Ilayaraja songs. Not many venture trying to sing this in all our super singer, doper singer contests. Because it is difficult to do justice. I rate this to be S.Janaki’s best number till date miles ahead of more popular ones like Kaatril enthan geetham, etc. The beginning and interlude instrumental pieces are magnificent and I often imagine Raja cutting them short just for the movie’s sake to have a short song. It is difficult to think he couldn’t have a composed a song 10 minutes in duration with such a soulful tune.

3. Thalayai Kuniyum Thamaraiye from Oru Odai Nadhiyaagiradhu- Heard this in the barber shop for the first time. Raja’s best number in my favourite raga Reethi Gowlai. It often surprises me that his other composition in the same Raga Chinna Kannan Azhaikiran is raved about while not many even know this one (Bala Murali Krishna’s brand image may be?). To me this song beats Chinna Kannan hands down- better interludes, more elaborate charanams and definitely much better flow in the swaras.

4. Nee Pournami from Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam- Raja’s Jesudas numbers need a separate top 10. I have included 3 here. This song is another underrated masterclass. I am not equipped to write much about this. I can only recommend that you listen to this one which I have done a million times without ever tiring of it.

5. Vedam nee from Koil Pura- One of Raja’s masterpiece as an album was Koil Pura. I was tempted to include Amudhe Tamizhae Azhagiya Mozhiye from the same movie in this list but had no doubts whatsoever in including this Jesudas number from that movie. It is one of the few songs ever in Gowlai. I used to rate Dudukugala at number four in the Pancha Ratna Keerthanas. But after listening to this Raja number, I was enthralled and decided to revisit the raga. These days I feel Dudukugala is the undisputed number 1. It is through Ilayaraja and MSV that I rekindled my very little interest in Carnatic music. In this case, through a Raja number I rediscovered one of Thiayagaraja.

6. Andhi Mazhai from Raja Parvai- One Raja symphony song is mandatory. What better than this one! Just listen to the song’s beginning if you don’t believe me. Even if you have heard it before, listen again and ensure you identify that the chorus, the violin and the guitar are playing in three different sruthis yet merging like divine confluence.

7. Poove sempoove from Solla Thudikudhu Manasu- If anyone ever needed a reminder of Raja’s orchestral capabilities this was it. If anyone wonders how Raja, a man rooted in traditional instruments would adapt to the use of a keyboard this was it. If any ARR fans talk of fusion music, the interludes of this song will be the worthy rebut. It is as if to reinforce the song’s greatness and the many layers that Raja decides to end the song with only the Piano music after the song scales unbelievable highs during its course.

8. Nee partha paarvai from Hey Ram- I am very skeptical about modern Ilayaraja songs being called great songs. I hate the way some songs are publicized to be “great”. For example I am sure Sundari Kannal oru Sethi is likely to figure in many people’s lists. Frankly, I wouldn’t list it in my Raja top 100. The modern ones have been marketed using words like symphony, London orchestra, rerecording in Hungary and what not. As a listener, I don’t care about the song’s making if the song itself doesn’t speak of it. This is where I hate some Ilayaraja fanatics and to an extent Raja himself talking up his songs. You cannot tell me one instance of MSV or ARR doing it. Once a fan argued with me that Raja could write notes right from his mind directly whereas MSV would need to play it on the harmonium and ARR on the keyboard. I found it an interesting fact but a useless one at that. This talent of Raja is admirable but as a listener what I care for is the end product. This is many a times similar to Shankar touting his films to be quality ones by drawing justification from the difficulty in the making. I loathe such publicity for a product that must speak for itself. Many so called Raja masterpieces of recent times are glorified recitations if you ask me. I might be wrong on some of them like in the case of “Nee Partha” but I stick to my stand for the rest. I dismissed “Nee Partha” initially because Hey Ram was a very average album contrary to the massive hype created for it. I revisited this song ages later in 2013 this time listening with earphones. Now I can tell you this is an absolute legend of a song, the best Piano song ever (MSV fans will be enraged). I listened to the song nonstop for three days, even during work at office, because I simply could not live without it. So as a rare recent masterpiece from Raja, this one ticks one more box.

9. Katti Vechuko from En Jeevan Paadudhu- I have asked my father, a MSV fanatic, a million times- What made Ilayaraja break through into the industry?? His answer has always been the same- folk music. So an Ilayaraja folk number is inevitable in this list. This song is my favorite in what I identify to be the trademark Ilayaraja folk genre. Not popularly known, I heard this song randomly in a call taxi radio. I downloaded the song that very day and been enjoying it ever since.

10. Thendral Ennai muthamittadhu from Oru Odai Nadhiyagiradhu- A personal favourite finally. I have read rave reviews about this song from classical music critics and found the song to be totally worthy of it. Based on the Malayamarutham ragam, one of my favorites, this has to be in my top 10.

JC is someone with whom I have sat down many times and gone on a Raja tour. One of the most memorable days was in Bombay when we sat listening to Raja classics and didn’t realize four hours had just passed us by. Hope to have more of those memories. 1. Rakamma kaiya thaatu : Thalaivar and SPB magic...the carnatic bit... shobana... selects itself

2. Vellai pura Ondru :the best love failure song ever

3. Kaathalin deepam ondru : SPB kills it

4. Nee partha : Keyboard feel is awesome...beautiful melody.. asha bhosle

5. Onna vida : Kamal voice perfect for this... good melancholy

6. Ellangaathu : Melody at its best... typical raja village song... raja's voice is terrific for this

7. Raja kaiya vecha :Feel good, "heroic" Kamal song

8. Kannai kalaimane : Kanndhasan at his best... writing doesnt get better than this

9. Sundari kannal oru : Legendary song travels through times and so does the listener

10. Pungaatru : peppy raja song... bass guitar is insane

11. Mandram vantha : the poise and tempo of the song brings out SPB's versatility

12. Raja raja chozhan: feel good ..typical raja

13. Pooove sembuve : Killer vocals and music

14. Madai thirandhu : terrific rhythym... raja's tryst with electric guitar... ageless song

15. Thatkida thathumi : brilliant combo SPB and Kamal... nice carnatic feel to it... video amplifies high

16. Kanmani anboda :KAMAL....

17. Podhuvaaga yen manasu thangam (Purely for thalaivar) :Written composed and sang for Thalaivar...

18. unnai ninaichen pattu padichen :Song chokes you... brings out Kamal the actor... apparently written by an irate Vali in few mins and thrown at Kamal

19. Valayosai :Love song..to end it

Poornima was so excited about such a list that she chose to send it to her friend, Bharath (a Raja fanatic, it turns out). Here is his lovely list!

Like I said before, the first 4 or 5 songs are a no-brainer to me. I have the same feeling about them the first time I listened to them as I would if I were to listen to them tomorrow. But picking the others was a challenge. Ask me another day and I might quote 5 totally different songs..thats the power of Ilayaraja I guess..Also, please excuse me if the jargons I use are incorrect..I do not have any training in music. One thing I like across the board for all ilayaraja songs is the transitions during the intro and the interludes. So, let’s take that for granted(I guess you can take certain liberties only for ilayaraja!) for a few minutes as I understand this is supposed to be part of a blog and not a novel.

1. Ninnukkori varanam (Agni natchathiram) This song changed my expectations for a tamil song..if it had come in the 90s, it would have been a bigger hit. From start to finish, the song is a gem on all aspects namely intro, interludes, techno beats with a classical tune, brilliant use of the cymbal, chitra’s voice..what takes this song to another plane is the bass guitar..sometimes, I just try to shun the vocals and the rest of the music and just concentrate on the bass..mindblowing.

2. Thenpaandi cheemayilae (Naayagan) This is one of my favorite tunes of Ilayaraja. I like all three versions of this song..while the tune is the same, I love the way illayaraja conveyed three different moods by altering the beats and the accompaniments. My favorite is the third version when kamal loses his son…if u happen to be depressed and listen to this song, it might actually make you cry and “get it all out of your system”

3. Raakamma kayya thattu (Thalapathi) Best intro I have heard in any song…period. Great tune accentuated by Swarnalatha and SPB vocals. The way the song ends was something unheard of before. Not sure how Ilayaraja even thought of something like that. I have been a superstar fan all my life. So, this song has been even more special since the first time I listened to it. But, rajini or not, this might still have been one of my favorites.

4. Poove ilayae poovae (Kozhi koovudhu) RIP Malaysia Vasudevan, one of the most underrated singers in tamil cinema. Nobody else could have sung this song. You do not need to watch the movie or understand tamil to understand what this song is about. My favorite part of the song is just the tune and the interludes (read violin!!). I am not a fan of the Ilayaraja chorus but the tune and the interlude make me forget the chorus. And the touch of mridangam in each saranam was just brilliant. If you look at the video, you would probably think what a classical instrument like mridangam is doing in a song like that..Well, That is ilayaraaja for you.

5. Naan thaedum (Dharmapathini) Another start-to-finish Ilayaraja classic..starts with a super Ilayaraja humming and end with another..Wherever else you can hearIlayaraja’s voice in this song, it is brilliance..be it his humming or his singing. Add Janaki to that and that’s why this is a winner. But lets not forget the tune and the instrumentation. The playback is just part of it. I am a fan of songs where the interludes are in one genre and the saranam is another and Ilayaraja has mastered that in the 80s. Not sure who else would have been capable. And don’t even get me started on the customary violin and the brilliant transitions in the intro/interludes. I don’t remember when was the first time I heard it but this has always been one of my favorites.

6. Poomaalayae (pagal nilavu) This song is all about the harmony. One of the best male-female playback harmonies I have heard. The intro and the tune is great but the way Ilayaraja and Janaki have combined in this and timed their singing and humming is out of the world.

7. Ennai thottu (Unnai ninaichen paattu padichen) RIP Swarnalatha. What a singer.what a voice. This is probably my favorite song of hers from the opening humming to the first saranam. And the second half of the song is pretty much taken over by SPB. But the interludes for this song are unbelieveable. Again, you don’t need to know the language or see the movie to understand what this song is about; just listening to the interludes is enough.

8. Vaanilae thaenilaa (Kaaki sattai) What is an Ilayaraja top 10 list if it doesn’t have an SPB-Janaki combination. Apart from their chemistry, my favorite part is the intro and the interludes. Talking about the intro, how do you even describe something like that. I guess that for those who are not trained in music, music is an experience and not a science or art. The intro of this song is a testament to that. The piano piece is in the opening is one of my favorite intros. If I were to choose my top 10 small 15-second bits from songs, the harmony between SPB and Janaki in the second interlude would be in the top 5. I am not sure how Ilayaraja even thought of something like that but the execution by Janaki and SPB is perfect.

9. Madhurai marikkozhundhu (enga ooru paatukkaaran) I like this song for the tune and interlude. One of the best tunes I have heard. Especially the first 3 lines of each saranam. Chitra and Mano probably took it a whole new level but without the tune, I am not sure what the point would be!

10. Thoongaadha vizhigal (Agni nathchathram) If I were to ever think of a classical song mixed with western instrumentation, this would come to my mind first. This song proves ilayaraaja is not a normal person. I don’t think any normal person would have composed a gem like this. I love the way each saranam ends with Janaki and Yesudas humming..If the bass guitar stands out for Ninnukori varanam,, the difference maker in this song is the drums/percussion. I would sometimes just like to observe the drums in each saranam without paying attention to the tune. Wait..I have a word for that..bliss!

Thanks for the opportunity to write something like this..May Ilayaraja’s music live forever in our hearts!

Nithya and Deepak came up with this list. I must thank Deepak for introducing me to many Raja songs and showcasing the variety in Tamil cinema music.

There was no way I could rank from one to ten. So am gonna pick the one that has stuck to mind...one for each mood/ Tamil cinema categories.

Opening song: Raakamma

When the violins start...am at that set.

Bhakti: janani janani

Harivarasanam and janani are the only two songs that make me feel one with god ( in the light classical genre)

Melancholy: chinna thaai (special note: then pandi seemaiyile doesn't even come close. I feel there is a maternal cry in janaki's voice which even the former song doesn't match up to)

Breezy: en iniya pon nilave

The rhythm pattern makes this simple song so much more complex and intricate

Urban romance: ninaivo oru paravai

Kamal's young voice and the overlapping humming are the highlights...not to forget the wake-from-your-slumber drum prelude to the bgm1 and 2 Rural romance: Pothi vacha and rasave unna nambi

I couldn't choose one here...this is Raja's strongest genre and there are several other gems which I would list happily but overall the innocence, earthiness and lyrical beauty made these the winners

Kuthu song: annathe aaduraar

Thani Thotti came a close second but the classic touches and the inherent fun element of annathe aadiraar made it the chosen one.

Lullaby: rasathi unna

Soothing with an inherent pain. This works for a baby, during heartbreak or just for the melody as well. This is comfort music at its best.

Western/ ilayaraja's own voice: raja rajathi rajanindha raja

Well ahead of its times in terms of an experimental usage of seconds throughout the song. Add to it disco beats and Ilayaraja's voice and the cocky not so subtle lyrics coinciding with Raja's peak in his musical career.

Finally, I come up with my sister’s list. Manasa is the perfect companion I can have whenever I get into one of those musical moods. Long live the memories of those random singing sessions and long-distance Antaksharis.

All the songs from agni nakshatram- because they were different and very modern, unlike the other songs- love ninnukori varanam and vaa vaa anbey

Love the Thalapathi soundtrack and BGM- from the simple train sound, to chinna thaaiaval.. and my fav- sundari kannal orru(that music part <3)

without doubt- inji idupu azhagi (need I say more? )- folk lord- raja

then I like en vaanile-- from johnny.. esp that piano part of it. very smooth neat song ( close to my heart)

one of my top top favs- for music, lyrics, video, simplicity and sheer awesomeness- nalam vaazya- from marubadiyum

classic oldie- poongatru tirumbuma (mudhal mariyadhai)

i like a few like-- kanne kalaimane, and mouna ragam songs- the tune is frikking stuck in my head, will take it with me when I die!

chinna thambi songs(povoma oorkolam), i love sempoove from siraichalai.

and of course- unna neneche paatu padichein <3 *tears*

and and.. virumandi- unnai vida indha ulagathil

Raja of course composed many lovely songs in Kannada and Telugu too. I shall soon add that list here too.

This blog (or a compilation of blogs) may take some time to read. But I can guarantee that the time will be very well spent. When you look back at your life, perhaps when in your 60s or 70s, you will be thankful that you spent the better part of your youth engrossed in something. I am glad music played a significant role – and even more thankful that I got to listen to the immortal Ilayaraja.