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Lyrics & meaning

Mangaamal Valarum

From Mallika (1957 film) · 1957

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
T. R. Pappa
Details
Mallika (1957 film)1957

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Mangamal valarum singaara nadanamThe beautiful dance that grows without fading,
Pengalukkae thani urimaiIs an exclusive privilege reserved for women.
Ennaalum naangal illaamal idharkkuWithout us ever present to perform it,
Ulaginil yedhu perumaiWhat glory could it possibly hold in this world?
Female
Mangamal valarum singaara nadanamThe beautiful dance that grows without fading,
Pengalukkae thani urimaiIs an exclusive privilege reserved for women.
Ennaalum naangal illaamal idharkkuWithout us ever present to perform it,
Ulaginil yedhu perumaiWhat glory could it possibly hold in this world?
Female
Jal jal endrae kaalil konjiyaeClinking softly with the sound 'jal jal' on the feet,
Sadhangaiyum thaalam podumThe anklets also chime in rhythm with the beat.
Kallum kanindhu urugidavaeSo that even a heart of stone softens and melts,
Karuvizhigal irandum isai paadumBoth dark eyes sing a sweet melody of music.
Jal jal endrae kaalil konjiyaeClinking softly with the sound 'jal jal' on the feet,
Sadhangaiyum thaalam podumThe anklets also chime in rhythm with the beat.
Kallum kanindhu urugidavaeSo that even a heart of stone softens and melts,
Karuvizhigal irandum isai paadumBoth dark eyes sing a sweet melody of music.
Jil jil enavae kaanbor manameFeeling a cool thrill ('jil jil'), the minds of onlookers,
Thannaiyae marandhu aadumForget themselves and dance in delight.
Female
Mangamal valarum singaara nadanamThe beautiful dance that grows without fading,
Pengalukkae thani urimaiIs an exclusive privilege reserved for women.
Ennaalum naangal illaamal idharkkuWithout us ever present to perform it,
Ulaginil yedhu perumaiWhat glory could it possibly hold in this world?
Female
Aasai nenjam pesum mozhiyaiThe unspoken language expressed by a yearning heart,
Azhagiya mugamae kattumIs vividly shown through the beautiful face.
Aasaiyum rojaa malar maeniAnd the rose flower-like body filled with desire,
Abhinayathil pudhiy merugoottumAdds a fresh luster through expressive gestures.
Aasai nenjam pesum mozhiyaiThe unspoken language expressed by a yearning heart,
Azhagiya mugamae kattumIs vividly shown through the beautiful face.
Aasaiyum rojaa malar maeniAnd the rose flower-like body filled with desire,
Abhinayathil pudhiy merugoottumAdds a fresh luster through expressive gestures.
Aadal paadal kalaiyidhanaalaeThrough this delicate art of dance and song,
Naerum aanandha nilaiyaeA state of heavenly bliss is attained.
Female
Mangamal valarum singaara nadanamThe beautiful dance that grows without fading,
Pengalukkae thani urimaiIs an exclusive privilege reserved for women.
Ennaalum naangal illaamal idharkkuWithout us ever present to perform it,
Ulaginil yedhu perumaiWhat glory could it possibly hold in this world?
Female
Mangamal valarum singaara nadanamThe beautiful dance that grows without fading,
Pengalukkae thani urimaiIs an exclusive privilege reserved for women.
Ennaalum naangal illaamal idharkkuWithout us ever present to perform it,
Ulaginil yedhu perumaiWhat glory could it possibly hold in this world?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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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