- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- T. R. Pappa
- Movie name
- Mallika (1957 film)
- Movie release year
- 1957
- Lyrics added on
- 27 Jun 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song celebrates the elegance, power, and beauty of classical dance, framing it as an art form uniquely mastered and elevated by women. The lyrics emphasize that dance loses its soul and pride without the expressive grace of female performers, whose expressions and movements bring life to rhythm and music.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Onomatopoeia (Rettai Kilaavi)
“Jal jal endrae kaalil konjiyae”
The rhythmic words 'Jal jal' mimic the tinkling sound of ankle bells, while 'Jil jil' evokes a cool, sensational feeling.
Metaphor (Uvamai)
“Aasaiyum rojaa malar maeni”
'Rojaa malar maeni' directly compares the dancer's physical form and grace to a soft, beautiful rose flower.
Personification
“Karuvizhigal irandum isai paadum”
Attributes the human action of singing music ('isai paadum') to the dancer's black pupils/eyes ('karuvizhigal').
Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Mangamal valarum singaara nadanam”
The consonant sound 'ng' in 'Mangamal' and 'Pengalukkae' creates rhythmic second-letter rhyming across consecutive lines.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by T. R. Pappa with lyrics by A. Maruthakasi, 'Mangamal valarum' from *Mallika* (1957) is a celebrated classical dance song sung by P. Susheela. It stands out as an early landmark showcase of classical dance in Tamil cinema during the golden era of film music.
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