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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aadiduven Nadanam

From Manamagal · 1951

Lyricist
Udumalai Narayanakavi
Singer
P. Leela
Music director
C. R. Subbaraman
Details
Manamagal1951

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aadiduven nadanam aadiduvenI will dance, I will dance a dance
Aasai kaadhalarodu naanAlong with my beloved lover, I
Aadidum kalaaba mayil polaeLike a peacock dancing with spread feathers
Nadanam aadiduvenI will dance a dance
Female
Aadiduven nadanam aadiduvenI will dance, I will dance a dance
Aasai kaadhalarodu naanAlong with my beloved lover, I
Aadidum kalaaba mayil polaeLike a peacock dancing with spread feathers
Nadanam aadiduvenI will dance a dance
Female
Naadiduven avar nalamaeI will seek his well-being
Peridhena naanaeDeeming it as the ultimate goal myself
Paadiduven thamil padhangalI will sing Tamil musical compositions
Azhagaai thaanaeMost beautifully on my own
Naadiduven avar nalamaeI will seek his well-being
Peridhena naanaeDeeming it as the ultimate goal myself
Paadiduven thamil padhangalI will sing Tamil musical compositions
Azhagaai thaanaeMost beautifully on my own
Aadidum kalaaba mayil polaeLike a peacock dancing with spread feathers
Nadanam aadiduvenI will dance a dance
Female
Kayal naaval migu moganamWith charming fish-like eyes and fascination
Ennaalum avar kaadhalaalAlways inspired by his love
En vaazhvil uyar inbamaeThe supreme happiness in my life
Ennnaadal avar kaanavaeIs for him to witness my dance
Female
Aasai kaadhalorodu naanAlong with my beloved lover, I
Aadidum kalaaba mayil polaeLike a peacock dancing with spread feathers
Nadanam aadiduvenI will dance a dance
Female
Udai olir manigal kaanavumTo display the sparkling jewels on my attire
Idai kodi minnal thonavumMy vine-like waist appearing like a flash of lightning
Nadai mada annam naanavaeMaking the gentle swan feel shy of its gait
Udai olir manigal kaanavumTo display the sparkling jewels on my attire
Idai kodi minnal thonavumMy vine-like waist appearing like a flash of lightning
Nadai mada annam naanavaeMaking the gentle swan feel shy of its gait
Aadidum kalaaba mayil polaeLike a peacock dancing with spread feathers
Nadanam aadiduvenI will dance a dance

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Aadiduven Nadanam from the 1951 film Manamagal is a classical dance piece expressing jubilation, love, and artistic devotion. The dancer compares her movement to a peacock joyfully displaying its plumage in full bloom as she dances alongside her beloved. She finds her highest purpose in ensuring her lover's happiness, singing classic Tamil compositions, and offering her art as a tribute to their bond. The song beautifully captures the visual aesthetic of classical Indian dance, describing radiant jewel-encrusted costumes, a lightning-fast slender waist, and a gait so graceful that even a swan feels humbled. Through Udumalai Narayanakavi's evocative verses, the dance becomes a medium of love and cultural pride.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamai (Simile)

Aadidum kalaaba mayil polae

Compares the heroine's ecstatic dancing to a peacock spreading its feathers and dancing ('Aadidum kalaaba mayil polae').

Ethirai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Rhyming of the second letter 'di' across consecutive lines ('Aadiduven' /

Ethirai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Naadiduven avar nalamae

Rhyming pattern between 'Naadiduven' and 'Paadiduven' emphasizing harmony.

Aseeriyai / Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi)

Nadai mada annam naanavae

Hyperbolic comparison stating that the grace of her walk makes even the elegant swan feel shy ('annam naanavae').

Did you know?

Trivia

The 1951 film Manamagal was directed by legendary comedian N. S. Krishnan and starred Padmini and S. V. Sahasranamam. The music for the film was composed by C. R. Subburaman, and the lyrics were penned by Udumalai Narayanakavi. The dance sequence performed by the famous 'Travancore Sister' Padmini remains a classic example of early Tamil cinema's integration of Bharatanatyam.

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