- Lyricist
- Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- S. V. Venkatraman
- Movie name
- Kodeeswaran
- Movie release year
- 1955
- Lyrics added on
- 15 Oct 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song expresses the tender anxieties, hope, and deep love of a woman longing for her partner. She wonders if her fondest dreams of love will come true and if her beloved's affection will remain eternal, worrying that the temporary nature of youth and beauty might cause him to forget her. She prays for a harmonious, inseparable union likened to milk and water. In her sorrow of separation, she addresses elements of nature and appeals to a pigeon on the tower to act as her messenger (Thoodhu). She begs the messenger to convey her suffering and deep affection to him, asking for him to be brought back to relieve her heartbreak so that they may live happily together.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Uvamai)
“Paalum neerumaai inaindhiduvaroo”
The line compares the intimate and inseparable union of lovers to the seamless blending of milk and water ('Paalum neerumaai').
Apostrophe / Messenger Trope (Purathoodhu / Agapporul Convention)
“Maada puravae thoodhu sellaaiyoo”
Addressing an inanimate object or animal (here, a pigeon) as a messenger to carry love tidings is a classic Sangam literary convention known as Thoodhu.
Rhyme and Assonance (Monai and Etukai)
“Azhagum paruvamum nilakaadhendrae / Adiyaal enaiyae marandhiduvaroo”
The song uses melodious initial consonant rhyming and vocalic rhythm, such as 'Azhagum paruvamum' paired with 'Adiyaal enaiyae'.
Did you know?
Trivia
From the 1955 film Kodeeswaran starring Gemini Ganesan and T. R. Ramachandran, this song showcases early playback singing by the iconic P. Susheela under the music direction of veteran S. V. Venkatraman, with romantic lyrics penned by Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass.
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