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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Alli Pandhal

From Vennira Aadai · 1965

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
L. R. Eswari, Raju
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Vennira Aadai1965

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Alli pandhal kaalgaleduthuStepping forward onto the legs of the lily canopy,
Aattam aadida vaaCome, let us dance!
Angoru maligai kili eduthuTaking the jasmine parrot over there,
Paattu paadida vaaCome, let us sing a song!
Female
Alli pandhal kaalgaleduthuStepping forward onto the legs of the lily canopy,
Aattam aadida vaaCome, let us dance!
Angoru maligai kili eduthuTaking the jasmine parrot over there,
Paattu paadida vaaCome, let us sing a song!
Female
Andha naadagam vara viduLet that dramatic play begin,
Indha maeniyai selaviduSurrender and spend this youthful body,
Andha naadagam vara viduLet that dramatic play begin,
Indha maeniyai selaviduSurrender and spend this youthful body,
Female
Alli pandhal kaalgaleduthuStepping forward onto the legs of the lily canopy,
Aattam aadida vaaCome, let us dance!
Angoru maligai kili eduthuTaking the jasmine parrot over there,
Paattu paadida vaaCome, let us sing a song!
Male
……………………….
Female
Ponnodu poovodu kanniyin mellidaiAdorned with gold and flowers, the maiden's delicate waist,
Kannil vandhu vizhundhuFalls straight into the sight of the eyes,
Kandadhu nenjadhu kaiyadhu thandhadhuThe heart beheld it, the hands offered it,
Kanindhae varum virundhuA feast that arrives perfectly ripened!
Sengani chaaru pizhindhuSqueezing the juice of the sweet ripe fruit,
Sindhi vidaamal arundhuDrink it fully without spilling a single drop!
Sengani chaaru pizhindhuSqueezing the juice of the sweet ripe fruit,
Sindhi vidaamal arundhuDrink it fully without spilling a single drop!
Andha naadagam vara viduLet that dramatic play begin,
Indha maeniyai selaviduSurrender and spend this youthful body,
Female
Alli pandhal kaalgaleduthuStepping forward onto the legs of the lily canopy,
Aattam aadida vaaCome, let us dance!
Angoru maligai kili eduthuTaking the jasmine parrot over there,
Paattu paadida vaaCome, let us sing a song!
Male
……………………………
Female
Chandhiran pattadhum panjanai suttadhuAs the moonlight touched, the soft cotton bed felt ablaze,
Unnaal vandha mayakkamSuch is the spell of intoxication caused by you!
Mandhiram enbadhu andhiyil aavadhuWhat is called a magic spell comes alive at dusk,
Kidaithaal adhu vilangumOnce attained, its secret becomes clear!
Aadaiyil paadal muzhanguLet the song resound within the folds of the dress,
Jaadaiyil kaadhal vazhanguBestow love through subtle gestures and glances!
Aadaiyil paadal muzhanguLet the song resound within the folds of the dress,
Jaadaiyil kaadhal vazhanguBestow love through subtle gestures and glances!
Andha naadagam vara viduLet that dramatic play begin,
Indha maeniyai selaviduSurrender and spend this youthful body,
Female
Alli pandhal kaalgaleduthuStepping forward onto the legs of the lily canopy,
Aattam aadida vaaCome, let us dance!
Angoru maligai kili eduthuTaking the jasmine parrot over there,
Paattu paadida vaaCome, let us sing a song!
Both :……………………………………

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Alli Pandhal Kaalgaleduthu' is a lush, romantic song from the classic Tamil film 'Vennira Aadai' (1965). Authored by lyricist Kannadasan, the song paints a vivid picture of romantic romance, intimate excitement, and poetic allure. Using natural imagery like flower canopies, delicate parrots, and sweet fruit juice, the song invites a partner to participate in the joyous dance and song of passion. The lyrics articulate the deep romantic longing where moonlight feels warm and twilight brings magical spells of intimacy. Kannadasan masterfully combines playful flirtation with deep sensual desire, calling on lovers to embrace the sweet play of love and surrender completely to each other.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Rhyme/Alliteration)

Alli pandhal kaalgaleduthu / Aattam aadida vaa

Repetition of initial consonant/vowel sounds across words in the same line, such as 'Alli' and 'Aattam' or 'Angoru' and 'Paattu'.

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Chandhiran pattadhum panjanai suttadhu / Mandhiram enbadhu andhiyil aavadhu

Matching second consonants across lines, e.g., 'Chandhiran' and 'Mandhiram', which creates rhythmic flow in Tamil poetry.

Uvamaani (Sensual Metaphor)

Sengani chaaru pizhindhu / Sindhi vidaamal arundhu

The line compares intimate affection and love to squeezing and savoring the juice of a ripe fruit without wasting a drop.

Hyperbole / Oxymoron

Chandhiran pattadhum panjanai suttadhu

Describing the cool cotton bed burning upon moonlight touch highlights extreme heat of passion and longing.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Vennira Aadai' (1965) marked the silver screen debut of J. Jayalalithaa, who later became an iconic actress and six-time Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The film also introduced notable actors Vennira Aadai Nirmala, Srikanth, and Vennira Aadai Moorthy. The soundtrack was composed by the legendary duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, standing out as one of their final major albums together before their brief separation.

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