- Lyricist
- Gangai Amaran
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Nalla Thambi
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 2 Feb 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This duet from 'Nalla Thambi' (1985) is a cheeky and lighthearted romantic exchange between the lead couple. The heroine playfully invites her lover to embrace her gently, sing romantic duets, and teach her the ways of love using modern English phrases like 'I love you'. She uses vibrant imagery, comparing herself to a thirsty rose waiting to be watered by her lover. In response, the hero feigns modesty and righteousness, asserting his clean reputation as 'Nalla Thambi' (a good brother/man praised by the town) and warning her about societal decorum, while gradually giving in to her romantic charm.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Adukkuthodar (Repetition for Emphasis)
“Enna medhuvaa medhuvaa pudichukko”
The deliberate repetition of words like 'medhuvaa medhuvaa' (gently) and 'ketta ketta' (bad) intensifies the playfulness and emotion of the lines.
Metaphor (Uvamai)
“Idhu dhaagamaana rojaa”
The heroine metaphorically refers to herself as a 'thirsty rose' (dhaagamaana rojaa) needing affection, while the hero compares his character to a 'golden wire' (thanga kambi).
Etukai (Second letter rhyming)
“Nalla thambi thanga kambi / Naanum ippo unnai nambi”
Tamil poetic rhyming where the second letter matches across adjacent lines ('Thambi' / 'Nambi').
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by Gangai Amaran, 'Nalla Thambi' (1985) starred Kartik and Radha in the lead roles. The film's soundtrack featured engaging, upbeat commercial tracks typical of mid-1980s Tamil cinema, blending folk-pop rhythms with playful, colloquial lyricism.
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