- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Thirudan
- Movie release year
- 1969
- Lyrics added on
- 27 Feb 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'En Aasai Ennodu' is a poignant composition from the movie Thirudan (1969) that explores the inner emotions and dignity of a court dancer. While the world sees her as an entertaining performer whose rhythmic anklets captivate everyone, the song reveals her deep sense of self-respect, innocence, and emotional isolation. She affirms that her inner desires belong to her alone and that she is not merely an object of pleasure or temptation. Through poetic contrasts, lyricist Kannadasan depicts a woman who dances out of necessity and passion yet seeks true love, honour, and genuine companionship rather than superficial admiration. M.S. Vishwanathan's rich composition and P. Susheela's expressive vocals beautifully capture this blend of charm and vulnerability.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Kottathil vilaiyaada pudhithanaval / Kolathil alangaaram pazhagaadhaval”
The consecutive lines end with the suffix '-aval' ('pudhithanaval', 'pazhagaadhaval', 'ariyadhaval', 'sagiyadhaval'), creating a rhythmic and musical cadence.
Simile (Upamai)
“Vaditha ponnena anaikka vandhaval”
The line 'Vaditha ponnena' compares the dancer's allure to poured/molten gold, which she refutes as her true identity.
Contrast (Ethiridai)
“En aasai ennodu / Salangai tharum oosai unnodu”
Contrasts the external performance ('Salangai tharum oosai' - anklet sound with you) with her internal private world ('En aasai ennodu' - my desire with me).
Did you know?
Trivia
The song is a celebrated collaboration between MSV, Kannadasan, and P. Susheela from the 1969 film 'Thirudan'. It is highly regarded for its classic dance orchestration and Kannadasan's subtle commentary on the dignity of performing artists.
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