Malli Malli Sendu Malli
From Iravu Pookkal · 1985
- Lyricist
- Gangai Amaran
- Singers
- S. Janaki, Malaysia Vasudevan
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Details
- Iravu Pookkal1985
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Malli malli sendu malli | Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine, |
| Aala asaththuthadi | It mesmerizes the person, my girl! |
| Malli malli sendu malli | Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine, |
| Aala asaththuthadi | It mesmerizes the person, my girl! |
| Adhu kili killi ennaiyumthaan | It pinches and tickles even me, |
| Mela osaththuthadi | It lifts me up to higher heights, my girl! |
| Om machchanukku aasa om maela | Your beloved cousin/lover desires you, |
| Naan kandaen illa engum un pola | I haven't seen anyone like you anywhere. |
| Female | |
| Malli malli sendu malli | Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine, |
| Aala asaththuthaiyaa | It mesmerizes the person, my sir! |
| Adhu kili killi ennaiyumthaan | It pinches and tickles even me, |
| Mela osaththuthaiyaa | It lifts me up to higher heights, my sir! |
| Female | |
| Santhana pottukku melae | Above the sandalwood bindi, |
| Konjam senthurukkam vechchathaala | Because a touch of vermilion was placed, |
| Intha manasukku vela adhu etti parakkuthu mela | This heart finds a purpose, flying high up into the sky! |
| Male | |
| Chinna iduppula vanna udppula | At the tiny waist, in the colorful dress, |
| Ennam thavikkuthu enna solla | Thoughts are yearning, what more can I say? |
| Chinna iduppula vanna udppula | At the tiny waist, in the colorful dress, |
| Ennam thavikkuthu enna solla | Thoughts are yearning, what more can I say? |
| Female | |
| Manmathan ambaiyum vittu puttaan | Cupid has shot his arrow, |
| Venthenna thottuputtaan | He touched me like a king, |
| Indhiran kannaala suttuputtan | Indra shot me with his eyes, |
| Inbaththa kottiputtaan | He poured immense joy over me. |
| Male :Sonthamaa vantha sodiya theduthu | Male: The pair that belongs together seeks companionship, |
| Solli kudukkuthu allik kudikkuthu | Teaching love, scooping it up and drinking it completely. |
| Female | |
| Malli malli sendu malli | Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine, |
| Aala asaththuthaiyaa | It mesmerizes the person, my sir! |
| Adhu kili killi ennaiyumthaan | It pinches and tickles even me, |
| Mela osaththuthaiyaa | It lifts me up to higher heights, my sir! |
| Em machchaanukku aasa em mela….aa…. | My beloved cousin/lover desires me... |
| Naan kandaen illa engum un pola…aa… | I haven't seen anyone like you anywhere... |
| Male | |
| Malli malli sendu malli | Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine, |
| Aala asaththuthadi | It mesmerizes the person, my girl! |
| Adhu kili killi ennaiyumthaan | It pinches and tickles even me, |
| Mela osaththuthadi | It lifts me up to higher heights, my girl! |
| Male | |
| Anthi pozhuthukku melae | Beyond the twilight dusk, |
| Antha aaththangara pakka vaaraen | I will come near that riverbank. |
| Female :Sontham iruppathanaalae | Female: Because our bond exists, |
| En soththu sogangala thaaraen | I offer you all my wealth and happiness. |
| Male :Sunthariyae kodi munthiriyae | Male: O beautiful girl, vine of cashew, |
| Unna thookkittu thoppukku poraen | I will carry you away to the grove. |
| Sunthariyae kodi munthiriyae | Male: O beautiful girl, vine of cashew, |
| Unna thookkittu thoppukku poraen | I will carry you away to the grove. |
| Female | |
| Solli parisaththa podu machchaan | Give the betrothal gift officially, my man, |
| Thoppukku varaen machchaan | I shall come to the grove, my man. |
| Velliyila metti podu machchaan | Place the silver toe-ring on my feet, my man, |
| Veettukku varaen machchaan | I shall come home with you, my man. |
| Male | |
| Vekkaththaal iva vegamum thaagamum | Out of shyness, her eagerness and longing, |
| Vedikka kaattuthu vaadikkai aaguthu | Puts on a spectacular show and becomes a habit. |
| Male | |
| Malli malli sendu malli | Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine, |
| Aala asaththuthadi | It mesmerizes the person, my girl! |
| Female :Adhu kili killi ennaiyumthaan | Female: It pinches and tickles even me, |
| Mela osaththuthaiyaa | It lifts me up to higher heights, my sir! |
| Male :Om machchanukku aasa om maela | Male: Your beloved cousin/lover desires you, |
| Female :Naan kandaen illa engum un pola….aa… | Female: I haven't seen anyone like you anywhere... |
| Male | |
| Malli malli sendu malli | Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine, |
| Aala asaththuthadi | It mesmerizes the person, my girl! |
| Female :Adhu kili killi ennaiyumthaan | Female: It pinches and tickles even me, |
| Mela osaththuthaiyaa…aa….. | It lifts me up to higher heights, my sir!... |
மல்லி மல்லி செண்டு மல்லி
ஆள அசத்துதடி
மல்லி மல்லி செண்டு மல்லி
ஆள அசத்துதடி
அது கிள்ளிக் கிள்ளி என்னையும்தான்
மேல ஒசத்துதடி
ஓம் மச்சானுக்கு ஆச ஒம் மேல
நான் கண்டேன் இல்ல எங்கும் உன் போல.....
Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine,
It mesmerizes the person, my girl!
Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine,
It mesmerizes the person, my girl!
It pinches and tickles even me,
It lifts me up to higher heights, my girl!
Your beloved cousin/lover desires you,
I haven't seen anyone like you anywhere.
மல்லி மல்லி செண்டு மல்லி
ஆள அசத்துதையா
அது கிள்ளிக் கிள்ளி என்னையும்தான்
மேல ஒசத்துதையா
Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine,
It mesmerizes the person, my sir!
It pinches and tickles even me,
It lifts me up to higher heights, my sir!
சந்தனப் பொட்டுக்கு மேலே
கொஞ்சம் செந்துருக்கம் வெச்சதால
இந்த மனசுக்கு வேல அது எட்டிப் பறக்குது மேல
Above the sandalwood bindi,
Because a touch of vermilion was placed,
This heart finds a purpose, flying high up into the sky!
சின்ன இடுப்புல வண்ண உடுப்புல
எண்ணம் தவிக்குது என்ன சொல்ல
சின்ன இடுப்புல வண்ண உடுப்புல
எண்ணம் தவிக்குது என்ன சொல்ல
At the tiny waist, in the colorful dress,
Thoughts are yearning, what more can I say?
At the tiny waist, in the colorful dress,
Thoughts are yearning, what more can I say?
மன்மதன் அம்பையும் விட்டுப் புட்டான்
வந்தென்ன தொட்டுப் புட்டான்
இந்திரன் கண்ணால சுட்டுப் புட்டான்
இன்பத்தக் கொட்டிப் புட்டான்
சொந்தமா வந்த சோடிய தேடுது
சொல்லிக் குடுக்குது அள்ளிக் குடிக்குது..
Cupid has shot his arrow,
He touched me like a king,
Indra shot me with his eyes,
He poured immense joy over me.
Male: The pair that belongs together seeks companionship,
Teaching love, scooping it up and drinking it completely.
மல்லி மல்லி செண்டு மல்லி
ஆள அசத்துதையா
அது கிள்ளிக் கிள்ளி என்னையும்தான்
மேல ஒசத்துதையா
எம் மச்சானுக்கு ஆச எம் மேல....ஆ.....
நான் கண்டேன் இல்ல எங்கும் உன் போல......ஆ....
Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine,
It mesmerizes the person, my sir!
It pinches and tickles even me,
It lifts me up to higher heights, my sir!
My beloved cousin/lover desires me...
I haven't seen anyone like you anywhere...
மல்லி மல்லி செண்டு மல்லி
ஆள அசத்துதடி
அது கிள்ளிக் கிள்ளி என்னையும்தான்
மேல ஒசத்துதடி
Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine,
It mesmerizes the person, my girl!
It pinches and tickles even me,
It lifts me up to higher heights, my girl!
அந்திப் பொழுதுக்கு மேலே
அந்த ஆத்தங்கரப் பக்கம் வாரேன்
சொந்தம் இருப்பதனாலே
என் சொத்து சொகங்கள தாரேன்
சுந்தரியே கொடி முந்திரியே
உன்ன தூக்கிட்டு தோப்புக்குப் போறேன்
சுந்தரியே கொடி முந்திரியே
உன்ன தூக்கிட்டு தோப்புக்குப் போறேன்
Beyond the twilight dusk,
I will come near that riverbank.
Female: Because our bond exists,
I offer you all my wealth and happiness.
Male: O beautiful girl, vine of cashew,
I will carry you away to the grove.
Male: O beautiful girl, vine of cashew,
I will carry you away to the grove.
சொல்லி பரிசத்தப் போடு மச்சான்
தோப்புக்கு வரேன் மச்சான்
வெள்ளியில மெட்டி போடு மச்சான்
வீட்டுக்கு வரேன் மச்சான்
Give the betrothal gift officially, my man,
I shall come to the grove, my man.
Place the silver toe-ring on my feet, my man,
I shall come home with you, my man.
வெக்கத்தால் இவ வேகமும் தாகமும்
வேடிக்க காட்டுது வாடிக்கை ஆகுது......
Out of shyness, her eagerness and longing,
Puts on a spectacular show and becomes a habit.
மல்லி மல்லி செண்டு மல்லி
ஆள அசத்துதடி
அது கிள்ளிக் கிள்ளி என்னையும்தான்
மேல ஒசத்துதையா
ஓம் மச்சானுக்கு ஆச ஒம் மேல
நான் கண்டேன் இல்ல எங்கும் உன் போல.....ஆ
Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine,
It mesmerizes the person, my girl!
Female: It pinches and tickles even me,
It lifts me up to higher heights, my sir!
Male: Your beloved cousin/lover desires you,
Female: I haven't seen anyone like you anywhere...
மல்லி மல்லி செண்டு மல்லி
ஆள அசத்துதடி
அது கிள்ளிக் கிள்ளி என்னையும்தான்
மேல ஒசத்துதையா....ஆ.....
Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine,
It mesmerizes the person, my girl!
Female: It pinches and tickles even me,
It lifts me up to higher heights, my sir!...
Malli malli sendu malli
Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine,
Aala asaththuthadi
It mesmerizes the person, my girl!
Malli malli sendu malli
Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine,
Aala asaththuthadi
It mesmerizes the person, my girl!
Adhu kili killi ennaiyumthaan
It pinches and tickles even me,
Mela osaththuthadi
It lifts me up to higher heights, my girl!
Om machchanukku aasa om maela
Your beloved cousin/lover desires you,
Naan kandaen illa engum un pola
I haven't seen anyone like you anywhere.
Malli malli sendu malli
Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine,
Aala asaththuthaiyaa
It mesmerizes the person, my sir!
Adhu kili killi ennaiyumthaan
It pinches and tickles even me,
Mela osaththuthaiyaa
It lifts me up to higher heights, my sir!
Santhana pottukku melae
Above the sandalwood bindi,
Konjam senthurukkam vechchathaala
Because a touch of vermilion was placed,
Intha manasukku vela adhu etti parakkuthu mela
This heart finds a purpose, flying high up into the sky!
Chinna iduppula vanna udppula
At the tiny waist, in the colorful dress,
Ennam thavikkuthu enna solla
Thoughts are yearning, what more can I say?
Chinna iduppula vanna udppula
At the tiny waist, in the colorful dress,
Ennam thavikkuthu enna solla
Thoughts are yearning, what more can I say?
Manmathan ambaiyum vittu puttaan
Cupid has shot his arrow,
Venthenna thottuputtaan
He touched me like a king,
Indhiran kannaala suttuputtan
Indra shot me with his eyes,
Inbaththa kottiputtaan
He poured immense joy over me.
Male :Sonthamaa vantha sodiya theduthu
Male: The pair that belongs together seeks companionship,
Solli kudukkuthu allik kudikkuthu
Teaching love, scooping it up and drinking it completely.
Malli malli sendu malli
Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine,
Aala asaththuthaiyaa
It mesmerizes the person, my sir!
Adhu kili killi ennaiyumthaan
It pinches and tickles even me,
Mela osaththuthaiyaa
It lifts me up to higher heights, my sir!
Em machchaanukku aasa em mela….aa….
My beloved cousin/lover desires me...
Naan kandaen illa engum un pola…aa…
I haven't seen anyone like you anywhere...
Malli malli sendu malli
Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine,
Aala asaththuthadi
It mesmerizes the person, my girl!
Adhu kili killi ennaiyumthaan
It pinches and tickles even me,
Mela osaththuthadi
It lifts me up to higher heights, my girl!
Anthi pozhuthukku melae
Beyond the twilight dusk,
Antha aaththangara pakka vaaraen
I will come near that riverbank.
Female :Sontham iruppathanaalae
Female: Because our bond exists,
En soththu sogangala thaaraen
I offer you all my wealth and happiness.
Male :Sunthariyae kodi munthiriyae
Male: O beautiful girl, vine of cashew,
Unna thookkittu thoppukku poraen
I will carry you away to the grove.
Sunthariyae kodi munthiriyae
Male: O beautiful girl, vine of cashew,
Unna thookkittu thoppukku poraen
I will carry you away to the grove.
Solli parisaththa podu machchaan
Give the betrothal gift officially, my man,
Thoppukku varaen machchaan
I shall come to the grove, my man.
Velliyila metti podu machchaan
Place the silver toe-ring on my feet, my man,
Veettukku varaen machchaan
I shall come home with you, my man.
Vekkaththaal iva vegamum thaagamum
Out of shyness, her eagerness and longing,
Vedikka kaattuthu vaadikkai aaguthu
Puts on a spectacular show and becomes a habit.
Malli malli sendu malli
Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine,
Aala asaththuthadi
It mesmerizes the person, my girl!
Female :Adhu kili killi ennaiyumthaan
Female: It pinches and tickles even me,
Mela osaththuthaiyaa
It lifts me up to higher heights, my sir!
Male :Om machchanukku aasa om maela
Male: Your beloved cousin/lover desires you,
Female :Naan kandaen illa engum un pola….aa…
Female: I haven't seen anyone like you anywhere...
Malli malli sendu malli
Jasmine, jasmine, cluster of jasmine,
Aala asaththuthadi
It mesmerizes the person, my girl!
Female :Adhu kili killi ennaiyumthaan
Female: It pinches and tickles even me,
Mela osaththuthaiyaa…aa…..
It lifts me up to higher heights, my sir!...
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
Malli Malli Sendu Malli from the 1985 film Iravu Pookkal is a vibrant folk-inspired duet that captures the playful banter, romantic anticipation, and deep affection between two lovers. Using traditional metaphors of fragrant jasmine flowers, riverbanks, and bridal adornments like sandalwood bindi and silver toe-rings, the song expresses mutual adoration and marital commitment. Written by Gangai Amaran, the song blends playful teasing with tender declarations of love, depicting a romantic courtship grounded in rural South Indian culture.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Repetition / Anaphora
“Malli malli sendu malli”
The phrase 'Malli malli sendu malli' uses immediate repetition of the flower name to emphasize fragrance, freshness, and beauty.
Monorhyme / End Rhyme (Iyaipu)
“Manmathan ambaiyum vittu puttaan / Venthenna thottuputtaan / Indhiran kannaala suttuputtan / Inbaththa kottiputtaan”
The rapid repetition of 'puttaan' endings creates a playful rhythmic drive in the verse.
Metaphor
“Sunthariyae kodi munthiriyae”
Comparing the heroine to a 'kodi munthiri' (cashew vine) evokes sweetness, grace, and delicateness.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by Gangai Amaran for the 1985 film Iravu Pookkal, the lyrics feature regional Tamil dialect expressions such as 'asaththuthadi' and 'osaththuthaiyaa', which are typical of rural folk romantic duets popular in 1980s Tamil cinema.
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