- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- V. Kumar
- Movie name
- Arangetram
- Movie release year
- 1973
- Lyrics added on
- 11 Apr 2026
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song from K. Balachander's 'Arangetram' (1973) is a poignant musical expression of gratitude sung to the eldest sister of a family. The lyrics written by Kannadasan praise her selfless sacrifices that enabled her siblings to achieve success and allowed her younger sister to celebrate her classical dance debut (Arangetram). She is likened to sandalwood, which wears itself out completely to give warmth and fragrance to others.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Upamai (Metaphor/Simile)
“Sandahnam undhan ullam”
Compares the eldest sister's sacrificing heart to sandalwood ('Sandahnam'), which wears itself down to benefit others.
Contrast / Juxtaposition
“Aanaaga pirandhirundhaal ... Pennaaga pirandhu vittaai”
Contrasts the potential authority of being born a man ('Aanaaga pirandhirundhaal') against the protective, nurturing burden of being born a woman ('Pennaaga pirandhu vittaai').
Rhetorical Question
“Sanmaanam yaar tharuvaar”
Highlights the unpayable debt the family owes her, questioning who could ever adequately reward her sacrifice.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song carries a tragic dramatic irony within the plot of 'Arangetram'. While the family unknowingly praises the eldest sister (played by Pramila) for financing her sister's dance debut, she had to secretly resort to prostitution to support them, making the line 'Thanmaanam kaappaval nee' (You protect self-respect) deeply heartbreaking.
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