Arithaaratha Poosikolla Aasai
From Avatharam · 1995
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Hmm | Hmm |
| Aridhaaratha | Yellow theatrical makeup (Aridhaaram) |
| Poosi kolla aasai | I wish to apply |
| Naan adavu katti | Tying the dance steps (Adavu) |
| Aatam poda aasai | I wish to perform a dance |
| Male | |
| En ponnamma ponnamma | My dear Ponnamma, Ponnamma |
| Ponnamma ponnammov | Ponnamma, Ponnammov |
| Female :Enna kuppusaami | Female: What Kuppusaami, |
| Nai nainuttu | Why are you whining continuous complaints? |
| Male | |
| Enna ponnamma | What Ponnamma, |
| Neeyavathu | At least you, |
| Vaathiyaaru kitta solli | Speak to the master (teacher) |
| Ennai saerthukka | To recruit me |
| Solla koodatha | Can't you recommend me? |
| Female | |
| Edhula saerkka solla | To recruit you into what? |
| Male | |
| En ponnamma ponnamma | My dear Ponnamma, Ponnamma |
| Konjam recommendu pannamaa | Please recommend me a little, |
| Namma vaathiyaaru | Our master, |
| Enna solluvaaro | What will he say? |
| Female :Koothulaiyaa | Female: In the street drama troupe? |
| Male :Indha ezhai ennai | Male: Will he accept |
| Yethukolluvaaro | This poor man? |
| Male | |
| {Aridhaaratha | {Yellow theatrical makeup |
| Poosi kolla aasai | I wish to apply |
| Naan adavu katti | Tying the dance steps |
| Aatam poda aasai } (2) | I wish to perform a dance} (2) |
| Male | |
| En ponnamma ponnamma | My dear Ponnamma, Ponnamma |
| Konjam recommendu pannamaa | Please recommend me a little, |
| {Namma vaathiyaaru | {Our master |
| Enna solluvaaro | What will he say? |
| Indha ezhai ennai | Will he accept |
| Yethukolluvaaro}(2) | This poor man?}(2) |
| Female | |
| Arithaarathin melae | Why such a obsession |
| Enna aasai | Over theatrical makeup? |
| Neeyum aasai pattaa | If you desire it so much, |
| Naanum enna pesa | What can I even say? |
| Male | |
| Hmm.. khmm | Hmm.. khmm |
| Female | |
| Arithaarathin melae | Why such a obsession |
| Enna aasai | Over theatrical makeup? |
| Neeyum aasai pattaa | If you desire it so much, |
| Naanum enna pesa | What can I even say? |
| Male | |
| Haan. | Haan. |
| Female | |
| Hei kuppanna kuppanna | Hey Kuppanna, Kuppanna |
| Male :Aama | Male: Yes |
| Female :Romba thappanna thappanna | Female: It is wrong, very wrong |
| Male :Sariya pochu po | Male: Oh great, just great! |
| Female | |
| {Ippo sittu pola suthum | {Flying free like a sparrow right now, |
| Sugam pothum | That pleasure is enough; |
| Oru kattukkulla | Inside a restrictive bound, |
| Sikki kolla venaam } (2) | Don't get caught} (2) |
| Male | |
| Poo ponnamma | Go away, Ponnamma |
| Oru nalla vishayathai | When talking about |
| Paththi pesumbothu | A good thing, |
| Ippadi sollikittu | Speaking like this... |
| Dha paaru | Look here, |
| Neeyae enna pathi | If even you don't talk about me |
| Vaathiyaar kitta sollalanaa | To the master, |
| Vera yaar solluvaanga | Who else will talk? |
| Male | |
| Eh hahaa.. | Eh hahaa.. |
| Nee ippo apdi thaan pesuva | You talk like this right now, |
| Appuram naan arithaaram poosikittu | Later when I paint theatrical makeup, |
| Kenthala kattikittu | Tie the ankle bells, |
| Appadi medaiyila yerinaa | And step onto the stage like that, |
| Hahahaaaa | Hahahaaaa |
| Male | |
| Haa | Haa |
| En paata eduthu utta | When I unleash my song, |
| Haa aa aa aa | Haa aa aa aa |
| Ooru sanam ellam | All the village folk |
| Mei marakkum | Will lose themselves in trance, |
| Adhu usuroda poi kalakkum | It will blend straight into their souls! |
| Female | |
| Paatunu nenappathellaam | Everything thought of as a song |
| Ingu paataaga iruppathilla | Is not truly a song here. |
| Male :Athu en paatu illa | Male: That is not my kind of song! |
| Female :Adhu lesaana vishayam illa | Female: It is no easy matter. |
| Male :Adhai yaaru illaiyina | Male: Who said it isn't? |
| Male | |
| Adhukaaga thaan | That is precisely why |
| Isai avathaaramaai | As an incarnation of music, |
| Naan poranthenu | I was born, |
| Bhoologam paaratumae | Let the whole world praise me! |
| Female | |
| Raakoothula varum | The gods that appear |
| Saami ellaam | In night folk-dramas, |
| Nesa saaminu paakaathu | The village folk don't view as true gods. |
| Oor sanamae | Oh village people! |
| Male | |
| Ada kaasukaa | Ah, is it for money? |
| Perukaa | Or for fame? |
| Aasa naan pattathu | The passion I felt, |
| Vera yedhum solla varala | I have nothing else to explain. |
| Male | |
| Arithaaratha | Yellow theatrical makeup |
| Poosi kolla aasa | I wish to apply. |
| Female :Neeyum aasai pattaa | Female: If you desire it so much, |
| Naanum enna pesa | What can I even say? |
| Male | |
| Appo recommendu pannu | Then go recommend me! |
| Female | |
| Koothaadi pozhappu ellaam | A performer's entire life |
| Andha kaathaadi padum paadu | Is like the struggle of a kite in the wind, |
| Adi aathaadi vetka kedu | Oh mother, what a shameful plight! |
| Male | |
| Hmmm.. ellarkum ulla sugam | Hmmm.. the joy that belongs to everyone, |
| Adhil enakkum or pangu undu | I too have a share in it, |
| Adhu eppothum ingu undu | That is always present here. |
| Female | |
| Koothaadiku sugam | A performer's joy |
| Thookathil thaan | Is only in sleep. |
| Un vaazhnaala thookathil | Your whole life in sleep, |
| Yen pokkura | Why do you waste it? |
| Male | |
| Namma munnorgalin | If we bring our ancestors' |
| Kalai munnaal vaithaal | Art to the forefront, |
| Sugam undendru | That there is joy in it, |
| Ariyaamal nee pesurae | You speak without knowing! |
| Female | |
| Oorellaam veshamae | The whole town is putting on fake disguises |
| Poduthu aaduthu | And dancing around, |
| Neeyum yen yaaa | Why must you too, man, |
| Vesham podanum | Wear a disguise? |
| Male | |
| Aridhaaratha | Yellow theatrical makeup |
| Poosi kolla aasai | I wish to apply |
| Naan adavu katti | Tying the dance steps |
| Aatam poda aasai | I wish to perform a dance |
| Female | |
| Arithaarathin melae | Why such an obsession |
| Enna aasai | Over theatrical makeup? |
| Neeyum aasai pattaa | If you desire it so much, |
| Naanum enna pesa | What can I even say? |
| Male | |
| En ponnamma ponnamma | My dear Ponnamma, Ponnamma |
| Konjam recommendu pannamaa | Please recommend me a little, |
| Female | |
| Ippo sittu pola suthum | Flying free like a sparrow right now, |
| Sugam pothum | That pleasure is enough; |
| Oru kattukkulla | Inside a restrictive bound, |
| Sikki kolla venaam | Don't get caught. |
| Male | |
| Andha saami nalla | When that god goes to give |
| Vvaram kodukka pona | A good boon, |
| Chinna poosariyae | You junior priest, |
| Thatti vida venaam | Do not brush it away! |
| Male | |
| Arithaaratha | Yellow theatrical makeup |
| Poosi kolla aasa | I wish to apply |
| Female :Neeyum aasai pattaa | Female: If you desire it so much, |
| Naanum enna pesa | What can I even say? |
| Male | |
| Appadi othukka | Agree to it like that! |
ஹ்ம்ம்
அரிதாரத்த
பூசி கொள்ள ஆசை
நான் அடவு கட்டி
ஆட்டம் போட ஆசை
Hmm
Yellow theatrical makeup (Aridhaaram)
I wish to apply
Tying the dance steps (Adavu)
I wish to perform a dance
என் பொன்னம்மா பொன்னம்மா
பொன்னம்மா பொன்னமாவ்
என்ன குப்புசாமி
னை னைனுட்டு
My dear Ponnamma, Ponnamma
Ponnamma, Ponnammov
Female: What Kuppusaami,
Why are you whining continuous complaints?
என்ன பொன்னம்மா
நீயாவது
வாத்தியாரு கிட்ட சொல்லி
என்னை சேர்த்துக்க
சொல்ல கூடாதா
What Ponnamma,
At least you,
Speak to the master (teacher)
To recruit me
Can't you recommend me?
எதுல சேர்க்க சொல்ல
To recruit you into what?
என் பொன்னம்மா பொன்னம்மா
கொஞ்சம் ரெக்கமெண்டு பண்ணம்மா
நம்ம வாத்தியாரு
என்ன சொல்லுவாரோ
கூத்துலையா
இந்த ஏழை என்னை
ஏத்துக்கொள்ளுவாரோ
My dear Ponnamma, Ponnamma
Please recommend me a little,
Our master,
What will he say?
Female: In the street drama troupe?
Male: Will he accept
This poor man?
{அரிதாரத்த
பூசி கொள்ள ஆசை
நான் அடவு கட்டி
ஆட்டம் போட ஆசை} (2)
{Yellow theatrical makeup
I wish to apply
Tying the dance steps
I wish to perform a dance} (2)
என் பொன்னம்மா பொன்னம்மா
கொஞ்சம் ரெக்கமெண்டு பண்ணம்மா
{நம்ம வாத்தியாரு
என்ன சொல்லுவாரோ
இந்த ஏழை என்னை
ஏத்துக்கொள்ளுவாரோ} (2)
My dear Ponnamma, Ponnamma
Please recommend me a little,
{Our master
What will he say?
Will he accept
This poor man?}(2)
அரிதாரத்தின் மேலே
என்ன ஆசை
நீயும் ஆசை பட்டா
நானும் என்ன பேச
Why such a obsession
Over theatrical makeup?
If you desire it so much,
What can I even say?
ஹ்ம்ம்...ஹ்ம்ம்
Hmm.. khmm
அரிதாரத்தின் மேலே
என்ன ஆசை
நீயும் ஆசை பட்டா
நானும் என்ன பேச
Why such a obsession
Over theatrical makeup?
If you desire it so much,
What can I even say?
ஹான்
Haan.
ஹேய் குப்பண்ணா குப்பண்ணா
ஆமா
ரொம்ப தப்பண்ணா தப்பண்ணா
சரியா போச்சு போ
Hey Kuppanna, Kuppanna
Male: Yes
Female: It is wrong, very wrong
Male: Oh great, just great!
{இப்ப சிட்டு போல சுத்தும்
சுகம் போதும்
ஒரு கட்டுக்குள்ள
சிக்கி கொள்ள வேணாம்} (2)
{Flying free like a sparrow right now,
That pleasure is enough;
Inside a restrictive bound,
Don't get caught} (2)
போ பொன்னம்மா
ஒரு நல்ல விஷயத்தை
பத்தி பேசும்போது
இப்படி சொல்லிக்கிட்டு
த பாரு
நீயே என்ன பத்தி
வாத்தியார்கிட்ட சொல்லலைன்னா
வேற யாரு சொல்லுவாங்க
Go away, Ponnamma
When talking about
A good thing,
Speaking like this...
Look here,
If even you don't talk about me
To the master,
Who else will talk?
எஹ் ஹஹா....
நீ இப்ப அப்படி தான் பேசுவ
அப்புறம் நான் அரிதாரம் பூசிகிட்டு
கெந்தல கட்டிக்கிட்டு
அப்படி மேடையில ஏறினா
ஹஹஹா
Eh hahaa..
You talk like this right now,
Later when I paint theatrical makeup,
Tie the ankle bells,
And step onto the stage like that,
Hahahaaaa
ஹா
என் பாட்ட எடுத்து உட்டா
ஹா ஆ ஆ ஆ
ஊரு சனம் எல்லாம்
மெய் மறக்கும்
அது உசுரோட போய் கலக்கும்
Haa
When I unleash my song,
Haa aa aa aa
All the village folk
Will lose themselves in trance,
It will blend straight into their souls!
பாட்டுன்னு நினைப்பதெல்லாம்
இங்கு பாட்டாக இருப்பதில்லை
அது என் பாட்டு இல்ல
அது லேசான விஷயம் இல்ல
அது யாரு இல்லைனா
Everything thought of as a song
Is not truly a song here.
Male: That is not my kind of song!
Female: It is no easy matter.
Male: Who said it isn't?
அதுக்காக தான்
இசை அவதாரமாய்
நான் பொறந்தேன்னு
பூலோகம் பாராட்டுமே
That is precisely why
As an incarnation of music,
I was born,
Let the whole world praise me!
ராகூத்துல வரும்
சாமி எல்லாம்
நெச சாமின்னு பாக்காது
ஊர் சனமே
The gods that appear
In night folk-dramas,
The village folk don't view as true gods.
Oh village people!
அட காசுக்கா
பேருக்கா
ஆச நான் பட்டது
வேற எதும் சொல்ல வரல
Ah, is it for money?
Or for fame?
The passion I felt,
I have nothing else to explain.
அரிதாரத்த
பூசி கொள்ள ஆசை
நீயும் ஆசை பட்டா
நானும் என்ன பேச
Yellow theatrical makeup
I wish to apply.
Female: If you desire it so much,
What can I even say?
அப்போ ரெக்கமெண்டு பண்ணு
Then go recommend me!
கூத்தாடி பொழப்பு எல்லாம்
அந்த காத்தாடி படும் பாடு
அடி ஆத்தாடி வெட்க கேடு
A performer's entire life
Is like the struggle of a kite in the wind,
Oh mother, what a shameful plight!
ஹம்ம்... எல்லார்க்கும் உள்ள சுகம்
அதில் எனக்கும் ஓர் பங்கு உண்டு
அது எப்போதும் இங்கு உண்டு
Hmmm.. the joy that belongs to everyone,
I too have a share in it,
That is always present here.
கூத்தாடிக்கு சுகம்
தூக்கத்தில் தான்
உன் வாழ்நாள தூக்கத்தில்
ஏன் போக்குற
A performer's joy
Is only in sleep.
Your whole life in sleep,
Why do you waste it?
நம்ம முன்னோர்களின்
கலை முன்னால் வைத்தால்
சுகம் உண்டென்று
அறியாமல் நீ பேசுற
If we bring our ancestors'
Art to the forefront,
That there is joy in it,
You speak without knowing!
ஊரெல்லாம் வேஷமே
போடுது ஆடுது
நீயும் ஏன் யா
வேஷம் போடணும்
The whole town is putting on fake disguises
And dancing around,
Why must you too, man,
Wear a disguise?
அரிதாரத்த
பூசி கொள்ள ஆசை
நான் அடவு கட்டி
ஆட்டம் போட ஆசை
Yellow theatrical makeup
I wish to apply
Tying the dance steps
I wish to perform a dance
அரிதாரத்தின் மேலே
என்ன ஆசை
நீயும் ஆசை பட்டா
நானும் என்ன பேச
Why such an obsession
Over theatrical makeup?
If you desire it so much,
What can I even say?
என் பொன்னம்மா பொன்னம்மா
கொஞ்சம் ரெக்கமெண்டு பண்ணம்மா
My dear Ponnamma, Ponnamma
Please recommend me a little,
இப்ப சிட்டு போல சுத்தும்
சுகம் போதும்
ஒரு கட்டுக்குள்ள
சிக்கி கொள்ள வேணாம்
Flying free like a sparrow right now,
That pleasure is enough;
Inside a restrictive bound,
Don't get caught.
அந்த சாமி நல்ல
வரம் கொடுக்க போனா
சின்ன பூசாரியே
தட்டி விட வேணாம்
When that god goes to give
A good boon,
You junior priest,
Do not brush it away!
அரிதாரத்த
பூசி கொள்ள ஆசை
நீயும் ஆசை பட்டா
நானும் என்ன பேச
Yellow theatrical makeup
I wish to apply
Female: If you desire it so much,
What can I even say?
அப்படி ஒத்துக்க
Agree to it like that!
Hmm
Hmm
Aridhaaratha
Yellow theatrical makeup (Aridhaaram)
Poosi kolla aasai
I wish to apply
Naan adavu katti
Tying the dance steps (Adavu)
Aatam poda aasai
I wish to perform a dance
En ponnamma ponnamma
My dear Ponnamma, Ponnamma
Ponnamma ponnammov
Ponnamma, Ponnammov
Female :Enna kuppusaami
Female: What Kuppusaami,
Nai nainuttu
Why are you whining continuous complaints?
Enna ponnamma
What Ponnamma,
Neeyavathu
At least you,
Vaathiyaaru kitta solli
Speak to the master (teacher)
Ennai saerthukka
To recruit me
Solla koodatha
Can't you recommend me?
Edhula saerkka solla
To recruit you into what?
En ponnamma ponnamma
My dear Ponnamma, Ponnamma
Konjam recommendu pannamaa
Please recommend me a little,
Namma vaathiyaaru
Our master,
Enna solluvaaro
What will he say?
Female :Koothulaiyaa
Female: In the street drama troupe?
Male :Indha ezhai ennai
Male: Will he accept
Yethukolluvaaro
This poor man?
{Aridhaaratha
{Yellow theatrical makeup
Poosi kolla aasai
I wish to apply
Naan adavu katti
Tying the dance steps
Aatam poda aasai } (2)
I wish to perform a dance} (2)
En ponnamma ponnamma
My dear Ponnamma, Ponnamma
Konjam recommendu pannamaa
Please recommend me a little,
{Namma vaathiyaaru
{Our master
Enna solluvaaro
What will he say?
Indha ezhai ennai
Will he accept
Yethukolluvaaro}(2)
This poor man?}(2)
Arithaarathin melae
Why such a obsession
Enna aasai
Over theatrical makeup?
Neeyum aasai pattaa
If you desire it so much,
Naanum enna pesa
What can I even say?
Hmm.. khmm
Hmm.. khmm
Arithaarathin melae
Why such a obsession
Enna aasai
Over theatrical makeup?
Neeyum aasai pattaa
If you desire it so much,
Naanum enna pesa
What can I even say?
Haan.
Haan.
Hei kuppanna kuppanna
Hey Kuppanna, Kuppanna
Male :Aama
Male: Yes
Female :Romba thappanna thappanna
Female: It is wrong, very wrong
Male :Sariya pochu po
Male: Oh great, just great!
{Ippo sittu pola suthum
{Flying free like a sparrow right now,
Sugam pothum
That pleasure is enough;
Oru kattukkulla
Inside a restrictive bound,
Sikki kolla venaam } (2)
Don't get caught} (2)
Poo ponnamma
Go away, Ponnamma
Oru nalla vishayathai
When talking about
Paththi pesumbothu
A good thing,
Ippadi sollikittu
Speaking like this...
Dha paaru
Look here,
Neeyae enna pathi
If even you don't talk about me
Vaathiyaar kitta sollalanaa
To the master,
Vera yaar solluvaanga
Who else will talk?
Eh hahaa..
Eh hahaa..
Nee ippo apdi thaan pesuva
You talk like this right now,
Appuram naan arithaaram poosikittu
Later when I paint theatrical makeup,
Kenthala kattikittu
Tie the ankle bells,
Appadi medaiyila yerinaa
And step onto the stage like that,
Hahahaaaa
Hahahaaaa
Haa
Haa
En paata eduthu utta
When I unleash my song,
Haa aa aa aa
Haa aa aa aa
Ooru sanam ellam
All the village folk
Mei marakkum
Will lose themselves in trance,
Adhu usuroda poi kalakkum
It will blend straight into their souls!
Paatunu nenappathellaam
Everything thought of as a song
Ingu paataaga iruppathilla
Is not truly a song here.
Male :Athu en paatu illa
Male: That is not my kind of song!
Female :Adhu lesaana vishayam illa
Female: It is no easy matter.
Male :Adhai yaaru illaiyina
Male: Who said it isn't?
Adhukaaga thaan
That is precisely why
Isai avathaaramaai
As an incarnation of music,
Naan poranthenu
I was born,
Bhoologam paaratumae
Let the whole world praise me!
Raakoothula varum
The gods that appear
Saami ellaam
In night folk-dramas,
Nesa saaminu paakaathu
The village folk don't view as true gods.
Oor sanamae
Oh village people!
Ada kaasukaa
Ah, is it for money?
Perukaa
Or for fame?
Aasa naan pattathu
The passion I felt,
Vera yedhum solla varala
I have nothing else to explain.
Arithaaratha
Yellow theatrical makeup
Poosi kolla aasa
I wish to apply.
Female :Neeyum aasai pattaa
Female: If you desire it so much,
Naanum enna pesa
What can I even say?
Appo recommendu pannu
Then go recommend me!
Koothaadi pozhappu ellaam
A performer's entire life
Andha kaathaadi padum paadu
Is like the struggle of a kite in the wind,
Adi aathaadi vetka kedu
Oh mother, what a shameful plight!
Hmmm.. ellarkum ulla sugam
Hmmm.. the joy that belongs to everyone,
Adhil enakkum or pangu undu
I too have a share in it,
Adhu eppothum ingu undu
That is always present here.
Koothaadiku sugam
A performer's joy
Thookathil thaan
Is only in sleep.
Un vaazhnaala thookathil
Your whole life in sleep,
Yen pokkura
Why do you waste it?
Namma munnorgalin
If we bring our ancestors'
Kalai munnaal vaithaal
Art to the forefront,
Sugam undendru
That there is joy in it,
Ariyaamal nee pesurae
You speak without knowing!
Oorellaam veshamae
The whole town is putting on fake disguises
Poduthu aaduthu
And dancing around,
Neeyum yen yaaa
Why must you too, man,
Vesham podanum
Wear a disguise?
Aridhaaratha
Yellow theatrical makeup
Poosi kolla aasai
I wish to apply
Naan adavu katti
Tying the dance steps
Aatam poda aasai
I wish to perform a dance
Arithaarathin melae
Why such an obsession
Enna aasai
Over theatrical makeup?
Neeyum aasai pattaa
If you desire it so much,
Naanum enna pesa
What can I even say?
En ponnamma ponnamma
My dear Ponnamma, Ponnamma
Konjam recommendu pannamaa
Please recommend me a little,
Ippo sittu pola suthum
Flying free like a sparrow right now,
Sugam pothum
That pleasure is enough;
Oru kattukkulla
Inside a restrictive bound,
Sikki kolla venaam
Don't get caught.
Andha saami nalla
When that god goes to give
Vvaram kodukka pona
A good boon,
Chinna poosariyae
You junior priest,
Thatti vida venaam
Do not brush it away!
Arithaaratha
Yellow theatrical makeup
Poosi kolla aasa
I wish to apply
Female :Neeyum aasai pattaa
Female: If you desire it so much,
Naanum enna pesa
What can I even say?
Appadi othukka
Agree to it like that!
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This song from the film Avatharam (1995) portrays a spirited debate between Kuppusaami (who passionately desires to join a traditional street theatre / Koothu troupe) and Ponnamma (who tries to dissuade him by pointing out the hardship, poverty, and societal disrespect faced by folk artists). Kuppusaami views performance art as a sacred calling and an 'Isai Avathaaram' (incarnation of music) meant to mesmerize audiences and keep ancient art forms alive, whereas Ponnamma views it as a fragile, restless life akin to a tossed kite.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Ippo sittu pola suthum / Oru kattukkulla”
Matching second consonants across lines, e.g., 'Aridhaaratha' and 'Aatam' or 'sittu' / 'kattu'.
Uvamaani (Simile)
“Koothaadi pozhappu ellaam / Andha kaathaadi padum paadu”
Comparing freedom to a bird ('sittu pola') and a performer's life to a kite battling the wind ('kaathaadi padum paadu').
Metaphor (Uruvagham)
“Isai avathaaramaai / Naan poranthenu”
Comparing himself to a divine music incarnation ('Isai avathaaramaai').
Did you know?
Trivia
Avatharam (1995) was directed by Nasser, who also starred alongside Revathi. The film deeply explores the declining art form of Therukoothu (Tamil street theatre) and featured memorable music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics written by legendary lyricist Vaali.
Keep listening
More from Avatharam
Avatharam
Avatharam
Avatharam