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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Naan Unnai Ninai

From Paavai Vilakku · 1960

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Movie name
Paavai Vilakku
Movie release year
1960
Lyrics added on
1 Sept 2025

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undoo
Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undoo
Naayagan en vaazhvil neeyandro
Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undoo
Naayagan en vaazhvil neeyandro
Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undoo
Kaanbavai yaavum un vadivamandroo
Kaanbavai yaavum un vadivamandroo
En karuthinil uravaadum deivamandroo
Karuthinil uravaadum deivamandroo
Nee en deivamandroo
Naan aadum aatamellam unakkagavandroo
Naan aadum aatamellam unakkagavandroo
Naan vaeru nee vaeru…haa..aa….
Naan vaeru nee vaeru enbathum ini undoo
Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undoo
Naayagan en vaazhvil neeyandro
Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undoo
Maunam yaeno sollum saami
Maunam yaeno sollum saami
En manam vittu naan paadi
Aadiyadhai kanda pinnum
Maunam yaeno sollum saami
Ayalil ulla manidhar
Yaarum arindhidamalae
Nenjin aasai thannai
Kangalaalae pesidamalae
Ayalil ulla manidhar
Yaarum arindhidamalae
Nenjin aasai thannai
Kangalaalae pesidamalae
Thayavu indriye tamil isaiyil ondriyae
Thayavu indriye tamil isaiyil ondriyae
Idhu tharunam enai marandhu
Un manadhilae iruppadhu enadhuyire
Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undoo
Naayagan en vaazhvil neeyandro
Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undoo
Is there a moment when I do not think of you?
Is there a moment when I do not think of you?
Aren't you the lord of my life?
Is there a moment when I do not think of you?
Aren't you the lord of my life?
Is there a moment when I do not think of you?
Isn't everything I see your very form?
Isn't everything I see your very form?
Aren't you the god living in my thoughts?
Aren't you the god living in my thoughts?
Aren't you my deity?
Isn't every dance I perform meant only for you?
Isn't every dance I perform meant only for you?
You and I being separate... ah...
Can there ever be any separation between us anymore?
Is there a moment when I do not think of you?
Aren't you the lord of my life?
Is there a moment when I do not think of you?
Tell me, my lord, why this silence?
Tell me, my lord, why this silence?
Even after seeing me open my heart to sing
and dance before you,
tell me, my lord, why this silence?
Without the people around us
knowing anything at all,
without even speaking our heart's desire
through our eyes,
Without the people around us
knowing anything at all,
without even speaking our heart's desire
through our eyes,
Without showing pity, blending into Tamil music,
Without showing pity, blending into Tamil music,
at this moment, forgetting myself,
living in your heart is my very life!
Is there a moment when I do not think of you?
Aren't you the lord of my life?
Is there a moment when I do not think of you?
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

'Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undoo' is a classic romantic song from the 1960 Tamil film Paavai Vilakku, composed by K. V. Mahadevan and sung by P. Susheela with lyrics penned by A. Maruthakasi. The protagonist expresses her profound love and spiritual surrender to her beloved, viewing him not just as a partner but as a divine presence that permeates her every thought, visual perception, and artistic expression. She questions his silence despite witnessing her devotion manifested in song and dance. The song beautifully explores the concept of spiritual non-duality in romance, where the distinction between the lover and the beloved vanishes entirely. Through delicate Tamil poetic imagery, it portrays love as a total immersion in melody and emotion, where existing within the beloved's heart becomes her ultimate purpose.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Rhetorical Question (Vinaa)

Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undoo

The refrain 'Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undoo' uses a rhetorical question to passionately emphasize that there is never a single second when she isn't thinking of him.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

En karuthinil uravaadum deivamandroo

The speaker equates her beloved directly to a divine lord ('deivam') living within her mind and thoughts.

Initial Rhyme / Alliteration (Moonaai)

Naan unai ninaikaadha neram undoo / Naayagan en vaazhvil neeyandro

Repetition of the initial 'Na' sound across lines creating a rhythmic, musical opening.

Did you know?

Trivia

Paavai Vilakku (1960) was adapted from the acclaimed novel of the same name written by Akilan. Starring Sivaji Ganesan and Sowcar Janaki, the film's soundtrack composed by K. V. Mahadevan became a benchmark for Carnatic-influenced classical Tamil film music.

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