17. KANNE KALAIMAANE

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17. KANNE KALAIMAANE

The one song that would go down in history is Kanne Kalaimaane in MOONDRAAM PIRAI. That was the last song that Kannadasan wrote for us.

When Ilayaraja started to sing in his childhood days, he went for the songs written by Kannadasan and sung by P. Suseela. His all-time favourite song was MAALAI POZHUTHIN MAYAKKATHILE in the film BAGYALECHUMY. Ilayaraja had sung this song and won awards in his school in Devaram.

It is this song that has made Ilayaraja what he is today, according to his own admission. There is a line in this song, which goes:

Ilamai Ellam Verum Kanavu Mayam- Ithil
MarainthathuSila Kaalam
Thelivum ariyaathu Mudiuvum theriyaathu
Mayanguthu Ethirkaalam
Mayanguthu Ethirkaalam

Youthful days have been spent as a dream. However, the future is till obscure. Therefore Ilayaraja used to meditate on the meaning. He felt that the song emphasised on the need to make a decision for the future. There and then he decided to shape his future and so decided to take up music for his career. He always felt that this song of Kannadasan would be relevant and meaningful for all years to come.

So he is today an MD in a way, owing to this song that triggered off his determination to shape a clear cut future for himself. There is an impact of Kannadasan in his life.

When Raja was assisting other MDs, especially GK Vengakatesh, he had contributed in the composing of the tune for the songs of Kannadasan. One such song was of course THEN SINTHUTHE VAANAM in PONNUKKU THANGA MANSU. But Raja had no opportunity to consort and associate with the great poet. It was only during his second film PAALOOTTI VALARTHA KILI that Ilayaraja had an opportunity to work with Kannadasan directly. When Ilayaraja was introduced to Kannadasan, the poet commented, “I guessed this must be Ilayaraja.” In the song Kannodu Kannu from PAALOOTTI VALARTHA KILI, Kannadasan added a line “VAA RAAJA VAA”. Ilayaraja felt that it was a welcome signal from Kannadasan. Raja considered that a great blessing. After that they worked together in many other movies, and all the songs of Kannadasan still occupy a special place in the musical career of the Maestro.


Meanwhile, when Ilayaraja picked up misunderstanding with some who were very close to Kannadasan, Kannadasan too jumped into the bandwagon and made a very strong statements hitting hard at Ilayaraja. (Details censured) Ilayaraja was naturally sad. Owing to this sad state of affairs Ilayaraja did not use Kannadasan for some time. But deep inside, Ilayaraja felt a great vacuum in the songs that he composed. Later, at a marriage function held at the Rajeswary Marriage hall, Kannadasan was seated in the front row. Ilayaraja who happened to pass Kannadasan enquired “How are you poet? Are you fine?” Kannadasan immediately responded, “When had the poets ever been fine without the support of the Rajas?” Ilayaraja took note of the wittiness of Kannadasan.

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