- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- T. Chalapathi Rao
- Movie name
- Meenda Sorgam
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 14 Jul 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
In this soulful song written by Kannadasan for the 1960 movie Meenda Sorgam, the protagonist addresses Art ('Kalai') as their ultimate purpose and guiding light. The song expresses how art completely transformed the course of the artist's life, remaining present across all moments—from early morning to evening—and manifesting through the rhythmic, sculpted beauty of classical dance.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Personification / Apostrophe
“Kalaiyae en vaazhkkaiyin Dhisai maatrinaai”
Art ('Kalai') is addressed directly as a divine entity and guiding person capable of changing the singer's life direction.
Anaphora / Refrain
“Nee illaiyael naanillaiyae”
The line 'Nee illaiyael naanillaiyae' is repeated regularly to reinforce total devotion and dependence on art.
Antithesis / Paradox
“Koyil kanden angu dheivamillai ... Odi vandhen ingae nee irundhaai”
Contrasts the empty physical temple lacking a deity with finding true spiritual presence within art.
Enumeration (Triad)
“Baavamum raagamum thaalamum neeyae”
Groupings of the three foundational elements of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam (Bhava, Raga, Tala) to define the essence of Art.
Did you know?
Trivia
Meenda Sorgam (1960) was directed by C. V. Sridhar and features music composed by T. Chalapathi Rao. The lyrics by Kannadasan serve as a deep homage to classical Indian dance and music, celebrating art as a form of higher worship.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Meenda Sorgam
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.