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Katha Nayagan album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Ada Avatharam Eduthu

From Katha Nayagan · 1988

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singer
Malaysia Vasudevan
Music director
Chandrabose
Movie name
Katha Nayagan
Movie release year
1988
Lyrics added on
10 Apr 2021

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Ada avatharam eduthu vandhaal
Appa raaman than kadhanaayagan
Konjam make up pottu vandhaal
Ippa naan kooda kadhanaayagan
Ada avatharam eduthu vandhaal
Appa raaman than kadhanaayagan
Konjam make up pottu vandhaal
Ippa naan kooda kadhanaayagan
Ullukkul ellamae mosam
Idhu unmaikku thindaadum dhesam
Oorodu naam vaazhum vaazhkai
Adhu arithaaram poosaadha vesham
Unmaigal veliyaagum late-ah
Ingae aandi vesham pottavanae taata
Unmaigal veliyaagum late-ah
Ingae aandi vesham pottavanae taata
Konjam kaiyodu kaasirundhaa
Ippa ellarum kadhanaayagan
Ada avadharam eduthu vandhaal
Appa raman thaan kadhanaayagan
Konjam make up pottu vandhaal
Ippa naan kooda kadhanaayagan
Paadatha kuyil koda undu
Paattu padikkindra kottanum undu
Thaguthikku mariyathai engae
Verum padhavikku mariyathai ingae
Vaaivittu pesaadhu vauram
Ingae sathamittaal pithalaiyum thangam
Vaaivittu pesaadhu vauram
Ingae sathamittaal pithalaiyum thangam
Naadellaam sirkka veikka
Ippa naanthaanae kadhanaayagan
Tamilnadellaam sirikka veikka
Ippa naanthaanae kadhanaayagan
{Ada avatharam eduthu vandhaal
Appa raaman than kadhanaayagan
Konjam make up pottu vandhaal
Ippa naan kooda kadhanaayagan} (2)
If someone arrived as a divine incarnation,
Back then, Lord Rama was the hero!
If I just put on a little makeup,
Nowadays, even I am a hero!
If someone arrived as a divine incarnation,
Back then, Lord Rama was the hero!
If I just put on a little makeup,
Nowadays, even I am a hero!
Everything inside is corrupt and fake,
This is a land where the truth struggles to survive.
The life we lead in this society,
Is just a disguise without stage paint.
The truth always comes out too late—
Here, the one posing as a beggar turns out to be a tycoon!
The truth always comes out too late—
Here, the one posing as a beggar turns out to be a tycoon!
If you just have some money in your hand,
Now anyone can become a hero!
If someone arrived as a divine incarnation,
Back then, Lord Rama was the hero!
If I just put on a little makeup,
Nowadays, even I am a hero!
There are cuckoos that never sing a note,
And there are screech owls singing songs!
Where is the respect for true talent?
Here, only empty status and power get respect!
A diamond never speaks to boast of its worth,
Yet if brass makes enough noise, it passes for gold here!
A diamond never speaks to boast of its worth,
Yet if brass makes enough noise, it passes for gold here!
To make the whole country laugh,
Now, I am the hero, aren't I?
To make all of Tamil Nadu laugh,
Now, I am the hero, aren't I?
If someone arrived as a divine incarnation,
Back then, Lord Rama was the hero!
If I just put on a little makeup,
Nowadays, even I am a hero!
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Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This satirical track from the 1988 film Katha Nayagan contrasts traditional ideals of heroism with modern social superficiality. In ancient mythology, heroism required divine virtues like those of Lord Rama. In contemporary society, however, heroism is reduced to superficial appearances, cosmetic makeup, wealth, and power.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Contrast / Antithesis

“Appa raaman than kadhanaayagan / Konjam make up pottu vandhaal Ippa naan kooda kadhanaayagan”

Compares ancient divine heroism (Lord Rama's avatar) with modern artificial heroism gained merely through makeup and money.

Metaphor & Paradox

“Paadatha kuyil koda undu / Paattu padikkindra kottanum undu”

Uses the silent cuckoo and singing owl to represent quiet merit being ignored while loud, unqualified people gain prominence.

Metaphor

“Vaaivittu pesaadhu vauram / Ingae sathamittaal pithalaiyum thangam”

Compares quiet capability to a silent diamond and loud superficiality to noisy brass pretending to be gold.

Ethirai (Second letter rhyme)

“Thaguthikku mariyathai engae / Verum padhavikku mariyathai ingae”

The second letter 'g' in 'Thaguthikku' rhymes with 'dha' in 'padhavikku'.

Did you know?

Trivia

Katha Nayagan (1988) is a popular Tamil comedy film directed by Muktha Srinivasan, starring Pandiarajan and S. V. Sekhar. Lyricist Vairamuthu used sharp satirical wordplay to mock societal double standards, while composer Chandrabose created an upbeat rhythm sung energetically by Malaysia Vasudevan.

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