- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Naanum Oru Thozhilali
- Movie release year
- 1986
- Lyrics added on
- 25 Dec 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Naan Pooveduthu is a playful, romantic duet from the movie Naanum Oru Thozhilali (1986). The male protagonist expresses his affectionate desire to adorn his beloved's hair with jasmine flowers and coax her into embracing love, while the female protagonist responds with playful shyness, teasing hesitation, and affection. Their banter uses rich imagery of South Indian village aesthetics, comparing her beauty to sweet Palani sandalwood and fronds of coconut palms. Musically composed by Ilaiyaraaja and written by Vaali, the song captures a sweet and energetic conversation full of warmth, intimacy, and rhythmic charm through the voices of S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and S. Janaki.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyming)
“Athanaiyum nithamum kathukanum”
A hallmark of Tamil prosody where the second consonant matches across adjacent or corresponding lines, seen in 'Athanaiyum' and 'othukanum'.
Metaphor (Uvamaani)
“Then pazhani sandhanam thaan Ingu oru pennacha”
Comparing the heroine's exquisite radiance and fragrance directly to the sacred sandalwood paste of Palani.
Monaai (Alliteration)
“Sevvilani saelai katti”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds ('S') in 'Sevvilani' and 'Saelai' creates a soft melodic rhythm.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Vaali, this track showcases the classic voice partnership of S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and S. Janaki, renowned for delivering nuanced vocal expressions and playful improvisations in 1980s Tamil cinema.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Naanum Oru Thozhilali
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.