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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kalloori Penne Nilladi

From Patham Pasali · 1970

Lyricist
Aalangudi Somu
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
V. Kumar
Details
Patham Pasali1970

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kalloori pennae nilladiCollege girl, stop for a moment,
Kavanam edhilae solladiTell me, where is your attention focused?
Sella kannae paaradi ullathilae paaradiMy dear beloved, look inside your heart and see,
Mella vandhu ennidathil kooradi kooradi hoiCome slowly to me and tell me, tell me, hoi!
Female
Ellora silaiyai paarthathu undoHave you ever seen the sculptures of Ellora?
Idai illamal nee angu thavithathu undoHave you ever yearned there, lost in thought without a waist line?
Polladha paarvaiyil nanainthathu undoHave you ever been drenched in a mischievous glance?
Udal thalladi thalladi nadanthathu undoHave you ever walked with a staggering, swaying gait?
Female
Kalloori pennae nilladiCollege girl, stop for a moment,
Kavanam edhilae solladiTell me, where is your attention focused?
Sella kannae paaradi ullathilae paaradiMy dear beloved, look inside your heart and see,
Mella vandhu ennidathil kooradi kooradi hoiCome slowly to me and tell me, tell me, hoi!
Female
Kannadi maeniyil mayakkam ennaWhat is this intoxication over your mirror-like body?
Kannora paarvaiyin vilakkam ennaWhat is the meaning of the glance from the corner of your eyes?
Female
Kannadi maeniyil mayakkam ennaWhat is this intoxication over your mirror-like body?
Kannora paarvaiyin vilakkam ennaWhat is the meaning of the glance from the corner of your eyes?
Sirithidum penmaikku azhaippillaiyooIs there no invitation for smiling womanhood?
Sendhoora kannangal sivakalaiyooAren't your vermilion-toned cheeks blushing red?
Female
Kalloori pennae nilladiCollege girl, stop for a moment,
Kavanam edhilae solladiTell me, where is your attention focused?
Sella kannae paaradi ullathilae paaradiMy dear beloved, look inside your heart and see,
Mella vandhu ennidathil kooradi kooradi…Come slowly to me and tell me, tell me...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from Patham Pasali (1970) is a playful and breezy track addressing a young college girl who seems lost in romantic daydreams. The singer playfully teases her, asking where her mind is wandering and pointing out the subtle physical and emotional transformations brought on by love—such as a swaying gait, blushing cheeks, and longing glances.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamai (Metaphor)

Kannadi maeniyil mayakkam enna

Comparing the smooth, gleaming physique of the maiden to a fine mirror ('Kannadi maeniyil').

Allusion

Ellora silaiyai paarthathu undo

Referencing the famous artistic heritage of the Ellora cave sculptures to praise classical feminine beauty.

Moonaal / Rhyme (Monai)

Kannadi maeniyil mayakkam enna / Kannora paarvaiyin vilakkam enna

Repetition of initial consonant sounds like 'Kannadi' and 'Kannora' to create rhythmic cadence.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by V. Kumar and rendered by P. Susheela, 'Patham Pasali' starring Gemini Ganesan and Rajasthan Sri features lyrics by Aalangudi Somu, who was famed for blending traditional Tamil poetic metaphors with accessible 1970s film language.

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