- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- L. R. Eswari, K. Jamunarani
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Aasai Alaigal
- Movie release year
- 1963
- Lyrics added on
- 23 Sept 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Antha Mayakkam Vendum from the movie Aasai Alaigal (1963) is a philosophical yet ambitious song penned by the iconic lyricist Kannadasan. The song contrasts temporary forms of intoxication—such as alcohol, wealth, or physical love—with the enduring and noble intoxication of true fame. The singers express a deep yearning for global recognition and respect, wishing to be invited to celebrations worldwide and adored by legions of fans.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaibu (End Rhyme) & Parallelism
“Undaal varuvathu madhu mayakkam / Unaranthaal varuvathu porul mayakkam / Kandaal varuvathu kadhal mayakkam / Kaalamellaam varum pugazh mayakkam”
Lines 5 through 8 use parallel syntactic structure and end with the word 'mayakkam' to systematically compare different human desires with fame.
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Undaal varuvathu madhu mayakkam / Unaranthaal varuvathu porul mayakkam”
The second consonant ('nda' / 'na') rhymes across the beginnings of lines 5, 6, and 7 ('Undaal', 'Unaranthaal', 'Kandaal').
Visual Imagery & Metaphor
“Female :Malar maalai kuviya vendum”
The phrase 'Malar maalai kuviya vendum' uses vivid visual imagery of garlanding to represent total acceptance, honor, and success.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by Kannadasan for the 1963 Tamil film 'Aasai Alaigal', the song showcases Kannadasan's signature style of blending high philosophical insights about human nature with relatable everyday ambitions.
Keep listening
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