Nawabukku Oru Kelvi
From Baghdad Perazhagi · 1973
- Lyricist
- Pulamaipithan
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Details
- Baghdad Perazhagi1973
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Female | |
| Kokilangal isai paada | As nightingales sing music |
| Koththuppoo parisalikkum | Giving a bouquet of flowers as a gift |
| Kolam azhiyaatha kulisthaani | In the fadeless blooming garden of Kulistan |
| Asslaam alaikkum…. | Assalamu Alaikum... |
| Asslaam alaikkum…. | Assalamu Alaikum... |
| Female | |
| Maarkkam thazhaikka vantha | Arrived for faith to flourish |
| Mehaboop surpaani vaazhnthirukkum | Where beloved leaders reside |
| Baghdad valar nagarin | From the growing city of Baghdad |
| Ezhil raani alaikkum salaam | The beautiful queen extends her greeting |
| Alaikkum salaam | Extends her greeting |
| Female | |
| Nawapukkoru kelvi | Here is a question for the Nawab |
| Nalla javaap sollaiyyaa | Give a good answer, sir |
| Savaal vittu salaam pottu poga vanthaayaa | Did you come to throw a challenge, say greetings, and leave? |
| Chorus | |
| Nawapukkoru kelvi | Here is a question for the Nawab |
| Nalla javaap sollaiyyaa | Give a good answer, sir |
| Savaal vittu salaam pottu poga vanthaayaa | Did you come to throw a challenge, say greetings, and leave? |
| Male | |
| Aa….aah…aa…aa…aa…aah | Aa....aah...aa...aa...aa...aah |
| Oh mary pyaari nee halwa pechchukkaari | Oh my dear Mary, you sweet-talking girl |
| Keliyenna kindalyenna kettu paaru kelvi | Ask whatever joke or banter you want to ask |
| Chorus | |
| Oh mary pyaari nee halwa pechchukkaari | Oh my dear Mary, you sweet-talking girl |
| Keliyenna kindalyenna kettu paaru kelvi | Ask whatever joke or banter you want to ask |
| Female | |
| Ilaiyum poovum…aa…aa…aa… | Leaves and flowers... aa...aa...aa... |
| Ilaiyum poovum kaniyumillaamal | Without leaves, flowers, or fruits |
| Ilaiyum poovum kaniyumillaamal | Without leaves, flowers, or fruits |
| Ellorum solluvathu enna vaazhai | What is the banana/plant that everyone speaks of? |
| Chorus :Ellorum solluvathu enna vaazhai | Chorus: What is the banana/plant that everyone speaks of? |
| Male | |
| Kulamum nalamum | Without losing lineage and goodness |
| Kulamum nalamum gunamum kedaamal | Without losing lineage, goodness, and character |
| Vaazhaiyadi vaazhaiyena vantha vaazhai | It is the lineage that continues generation after generation |
| Vaah…vaah….vaah….vaah…. | Waah...waah...waah...waah... |
| Male :Subahaan allah | Male: Subhan Allah |
| Male | |
| Oh mary pyaari nee halwa pechchukkaari | Oh my dear Mary, you sweet-talking girl |
| Keliyenna kindalyenna kettu paaru kelvi | Ask whatever joke or banter you want to ask |
| Female | |
| Nawapukkoru kelvi | Here is a question for the Nawab |
| Nalla javaap sollaiyyaa | Give a good answer, sir |
| Savaal vittu salaam pottu poga vanthaayaa | Did you come to throw a challenge, say greetings, and leave? |
| Female | |
| Akkaalai oruvanum | That young man |
| Appaavai oruththiyum | And that innocent doll-like woman |
| Akkaalai oruvanum | That young man |
| Appaavai oruththiyum | And that innocent doll-like woman |
| Kalyaanam seithathenna sarithaanaa | Is it right for them to get married? |
| Chorus :Kalyaanam seithathenna sarithaanaa | Chorus: Is it right for them to get married? |
| Male | |
| Ak kaalai oruvanum | That young man |
| Ap paavai oruththiyum | And that doll-like woman |
| Ak kaalai oruvanum | That young man |
| Ap paavai oruththiyum | And that doll-like woman |
| Azhagaai kalyaanam seiyalaamae | They can beautifully get married |
| Chorus :Azhagaai kalyaanam seiyalaamae | Chorus: They can beautifully get married |
| Vaah…vaah….vaah….vaah…. | Waah...waah...waah...waah... |
| Male :Maasha allah | Male: Masha Allah |
| Male | |
| Hae mary pyaari nee halwa pechchukkaari | Hey my dear Mary, you sweet-talking girl |
| Keliyenna kindalyenna kettu paaru kelvi | Ask whatever joke or banter you want to ask |
| Female | |
| Aa….aa….aa….aa…aa… | Aa....aa....aa....aa...aa... |
| Kannam iduvathum kalavu seivathum | Digging a hole and committing theft |
| Kannam iduvathum kalavu seivathum | Digging a hole and committing theft |
| Unmaiyil kuttramillaa ooru entha ooro | Which is the town where this is truly not a crime? |
| Chorus :Unmaiyil kuttramillaa ooru entha ooro | Chorus: Which is the town where this is truly not a crime? |
| Male | |
| Kannaththil kannamittu | Placing cheek against cheek |
| Nenjai kalavu seithum…mmmm…. | And stealing the heart... mmmm... |
| Kannaththil kannamittu | Placing cheek against cheek |
| Nenjai kalavu seithum… | And stealing the heart... |
| Kanniyarum kaalaiyarum | Where young maidens and young men |
| Kadhal seiyyum ooraagum | Make love, that is the town |
| Chorus :Kanniyarum kaalaiyarum | Chorus: Where young maidens and young men make love, that is the town... |
| Kadhal seiyyum ooraagum…. | Waah...waah...waah...waah... |
| Vaah…vaah….vaah….vaah…. | Hey my dear Mary, you sweet-talking girl |
| Male | |
| Hae mary pyaari nee halwa pechchukkaari | Ask whatever joke or banter you want to ask |
| Keliyenna kindalyenna kettu paaru kelvi | Here is a question for the Nawab |
| Female | |
| Nawapukkoru kelvi | Give a good answer, sir |
| Nalla javaap sollaiyyaa | Did you come to throw a challenge, say greetings, and leave? |
| Savaal vittu salaam pottu poga vanthaayaa | To raise oneself |
| Female | |
| Kaiyai uyarththida | What is the highest hand among hands? |
| Kayil uyarntha kai athu enna | Chorus: What is it? |
| Chorus :Adhu enna | Male: To elevate life |
| Male :Vaazhkkai uyarnthida | The highest hand in life is trust |
| Vaazhkkaiyil uyarntha kai nampikkai | Chorus: Trust |
| Chorus :Nampikkai | Without shooting an arrow |
| Female | |
| Ambu vidaathavan | Who left a bow, what bow is that? |
| Thumbu vittaana vil athu enna | Chorus: What is it? |
| Chorus :Adhu enna | Male: In seven colors |
| Male :Yaezhu niraththinil | Rising in the sky, it is the rainbow |
| Vaanil ezhunthidum vaanavil | Chorus: Rainbow |
| Chorus :Vaanavil | Living in water for a thousand ages |
| Female | |
| Aayiram kaalamum neerinil | Which deer is that deer? |
| Vaazhnthidum maan entha maan | Chorus: Which deer? |
| Chorus :Entha maan | Male: Surrounded by water on four sides |
| Male :Naalupuraththilum neerula | The grand deer is Andaman island |
| Seer enum maan anthamaan | Chorus: Andaman |
| Chorus :Anthamaan | The sun and the moon |
| Female | |
| Sooriyan chandhiran | Coming into the sky, why is that? |
| Vaanil varuvathu edhanaalae | Chorus: Why is that, why is that, why is that? |
| Chorus :Edhanaalae edhanaale edhanaale | |
கோகிலங்கள் இசை பாட
கொத்துப்பூ பரிசளிக்கும்
கோலம் அழியாத குலிஸ்தானி
அஸ்லாமு அலைக்கும்.....
அஸ்லாமு அலைக்கும்.....
As nightingales sing music
Giving a bouquet of flowers as a gift
In the fadeless blooming garden of Kulistan
Assalamu Alaikum...
Assalamu Alaikum...
மார்க்கம் தழைக்க வந்த
மெஹபூப் சுர்பானி வாழ்ந்திருக்கும்
பாக்தாத் வளர் நகரின்
எழில் ராணி அலைக்கும் சலாம்....
அலைக்கும் சலாம்....
Arrived for faith to flourish
Where beloved leaders reside
From the growing city of Baghdad
The beautiful queen extends her greeting
Extends her greeting
நவாபுக்கொரு கேள்வி
நல்ல ஜவாப் சொல்லைய்யா
சவால் விட்டு சலாம் போட்டு போக வந்தாயா
Here is a question for the Nawab
Give a good answer, sir
Did you come to throw a challenge, say greetings, and leave?
நவாபுக்கொரு கேள்வி
நல்ல ஜவாப் சொல்லைய்யா
சவால் விட்டு சலாம் போட்டு போக வந்தாயா
Here is a question for the Nawab
Give a good answer, sir
Did you come to throw a challenge, say greetings, and leave?
ஆ....ஆஹ்...ஆ....ஆ....ஆ...ஆஹ்
ஒ மேரி ப்யாரி நீ அல்வா பேச்சுக்காரி
கேலியென்ன கிண்டலென்ன கேட்டுப் பாரு கேள்வி
Aa....aah...aa...aa...aa...aah
Oh my dear Mary, you sweet-talking girl
Ask whatever joke or banter you want to ask
ஒ மேரி ப்யாரி நீ அல்வா பேச்சுக்காரி
கேலியென்ன கிண்டலென்ன கேட்டுப் பாரு கேள்வி
Oh my dear Mary, you sweet-talking girl
Ask whatever joke or banter you want to ask
இலையும் பூவும்...ஆ...ஆ.....ஆ.....
இலையும் பூவும் கனியுமில்லாமல்
இலையும் பூவும் கனியுமில்லாமல்
எல்லோரும் சொல்லுவது என்ன வாழை
குழு :
எல்லோரும் சொல்லுவது என்ன வாழை
Leaves and flowers... aa...aa...aa...
Without leaves, flowers, or fruits
Without leaves, flowers, or fruits
What is the banana/plant that everyone speaks of?
Chorus: What is the banana/plant that everyone speaks of?
குலமும் நலமும்
குலமும் நலமும் குணமும் கெடாமல்
வாழையடி வாழையென வந்த வாழை
குழு :
வாழையடி வாழையென வந்த வாழை
வாஹ்....வாஹ்......வாஹ்.....வாஹ்..
சுபஹான் அல்லா
Without losing lineage and goodness
Without losing lineage, goodness, and character
It is the lineage that continues generation after generation
Waah...waah...waah...waah...
Male: Subhan Allah
ஹே மேரி ப்யாரி நீ அல்வா பேச்சுக்காரி
கேலியென்ன கிண்டலென்ன கேட்டுப் பாரு கேள்வி
Oh my dear Mary, you sweet-talking girl
Ask whatever joke or banter you want to ask
நவாபுக்கொரு கேள்வி
நல்ல ஜவாப் சொல்லைய்யா
சவால் விட்டு சலாம் போட்டு போக வந்தாயா
Here is a question for the Nawab
Give a good answer, sir
Did you come to throw a challenge, say greetings, and leave?
அக்காளை ஒருவனும்
அப்பாவை ஒருத்தியும்
அக்காளை ஒருவனும்
அப்பாவை ஒருத்தியும்
கல்யாணம் செய்ததென்ன சரிதானா
குழு :
கல்யாணம் செய்ததென்ன சரிதானா
That young man
And that innocent doll-like woman
That young man
And that innocent doll-like woman
Is it right for them to get married?
Chorus: Is it right for them to get married?
அக் காளை ஒருவனும்
அப் பாவை ஒருத்தியும்
அக் காளை ஒருவனும்
அப் பாவை ஒருத்தியும்
அழகாய் கல்யாணம் செய்யலாமே
குழு :
அழகாய் கல்யாணம் செய்யலாமே
வாஹ்....வாஹ்......வாஹ்.....வாஹ்.....
மாஷான் அல்லா
That young man
And that doll-like woman
That young man
And that doll-like woman
They can beautifully get married
Chorus: They can beautifully get married
Waah...waah...waah...waah...
Male: Masha Allah
ஹே மேரி ப்யாரி நீ அல்வா பேச்சுக்காரி
கேலியென்ன கிண்டலென்ன கேட்டுப் பாரு கேள்வி
Hey my dear Mary, you sweet-talking girl
Ask whatever joke or banter you want to ask
ஆ...ஆ....ஆ....ஆ......ஆ.....
கன்னம் இடுவதும் களவு செய்வதும்
கன்னம் இடுவதும் களவு செய்வதும்
உண்மையில் குற்றமில்லா ஊரு எந்த ஊரோ
குழு :
உண்மையில் குற்றமில்லா ஊரு எந்த ஊரோ
Aa....aa....aa....aa...aa...
Digging a hole and committing theft
Digging a hole and committing theft
Which is the town where this is truly not a crime?
Chorus: Which is the town where this is truly not a crime?
கன்னத்தில் கன்னமிட்டு
நெஞ்சை களவு செய்தும்...ம்ம்ம்.....
கன்னத்தில் கன்னமிட்டு
நெஞ்சை களவு செய்தும்...
கன்னியரும் காளையரும்
காதல் செய்யும் ஊராகும்...
குழு :
கன்னியரும் காளையரும்
காதல் செய்யும் ஊராகும்...
வாஹ்....வாஹ்......வாஹ்.....வாஹ்.....
Placing cheek against cheek
And stealing the heart... mmmm...
Placing cheek against cheek
And stealing the heart...
Where young maidens and young men
Make love, that is the town
Chorus: Where young maidens and young men make love, that is the town...
Waah...waah...waah...waah...
Hey my dear Mary, you sweet-talking girl
ஹே மேரி ப்யாரி நீ அல்வா பேச்சுக்காரி
கேலியென்ன கிண்டலென்ன கேட்டுப் பாரு கேள்வி
Ask whatever joke or banter you want to ask
Here is a question for the Nawab
நவாபுக்கொரு கேள்வி
நல்ல ஜவாப் சொல்லைய்யா
சவால் விட்டு சலாம் போட்டு போக வந்தாயா
Give a good answer, sir
Did you come to throw a challenge, say greetings, and leave?
To raise oneself
கையை உயர்த்திட
கையில் உயர்ந்த கை அது என்ன
குழு :
அது என்ன
வாழ்க்கை உயர்ந்திட
வாழ்க்கையில் உயர்ந்த கை நம்பிக்கை
குழு :
நம்பிக்கை
What is the highest hand among hands?
Chorus: What is it?
Male: To elevate life
The highest hand in life is trust
Chorus: Trust
Without shooting an arrow
அம்பு விடாதவன்
தும்பு விட்டான வில் அது என்ன
குழு :
அது என்ன
ஏழு நிறத்தினில்
வானில் எழுந்திடும் வானவில்
குழு :
வானவில்
Who left a bow, what bow is that?
Chorus: What is it?
Male: In seven colors
Rising in the sky, it is the rainbow
Chorus: Rainbow
Living in water for a thousand ages
ஆயிரம் காலமும் நீரினில்
வாழ்ந்திடும் மான் எந்த மான்
குழு :
எந்த மான்
நாலுபுறத்திலும் நீருள
சீர் எனும் மான் அந்தமான்
குழு :
அந்தமான்
Which deer is that deer?
Chorus: Which deer?
Male: Surrounded by water on four sides
The grand deer is Andaman island
Chorus: Andaman
The sun and the moon
சூரியன் சந்திரன்
வானில் வருவது எதனாலே
குழு :
எதனாலே
Coming into the sky, why is that?
Chorus: Why is that, why is that, why is that?
சூரியன் சந்திரன்
வானில் வருவது எதனாலே
குழு :
எதனாலே எதனாலே எதனாலே
நிரந்தரமானது
பூமியில் வராது அதனாலே
குழு :
வாஹ்....வாஹ்......வாஹ்.....வாஹ்...க்யா பாத் ஹை......
Kokilangal isai paada
As nightingales sing music
Koththuppoo parisalikkum
Giving a bouquet of flowers as a gift
Kolam azhiyaatha kulisthaani
In the fadeless blooming garden of Kulistan
Asslaam alaikkum….
Assalamu Alaikum...
Asslaam alaikkum….
Assalamu Alaikum...
Maarkkam thazhaikka vantha
Arrived for faith to flourish
Mehaboop surpaani vaazhnthirukkum
Where beloved leaders reside
Baghdad valar nagarin
From the growing city of Baghdad
Ezhil raani alaikkum salaam
The beautiful queen extends her greeting
Alaikkum salaam
Extends her greeting
Nawapukkoru kelvi
Here is a question for the Nawab
Nalla javaap sollaiyyaa
Give a good answer, sir
Savaal vittu salaam pottu poga vanthaayaa
Did you come to throw a challenge, say greetings, and leave?
Nawapukkoru kelvi
Here is a question for the Nawab
Nalla javaap sollaiyyaa
Give a good answer, sir
Savaal vittu salaam pottu poga vanthaayaa
Did you come to throw a challenge, say greetings, and leave?
Aa….aah…aa…aa…aa…aah
Aa....aah...aa...aa...aa...aah
Oh mary pyaari nee halwa pechchukkaari
Oh my dear Mary, you sweet-talking girl
Keliyenna kindalyenna kettu paaru kelvi
Ask whatever joke or banter you want to ask
Oh mary pyaari nee halwa pechchukkaari
Oh my dear Mary, you sweet-talking girl
Keliyenna kindalyenna kettu paaru kelvi
Ask whatever joke or banter you want to ask
Ilaiyum poovum…aa…aa…aa…
Leaves and flowers... aa...aa...aa...
Ilaiyum poovum kaniyumillaamal
Without leaves, flowers, or fruits
Ilaiyum poovum kaniyumillaamal
Without leaves, flowers, or fruits
Ellorum solluvathu enna vaazhai
What is the banana/plant that everyone speaks of?
Chorus :Ellorum solluvathu enna vaazhai
Chorus: What is the banana/plant that everyone speaks of?
Kulamum nalamum
Without losing lineage and goodness
Kulamum nalamum gunamum kedaamal
Without losing lineage, goodness, and character
Vaazhaiyadi vaazhaiyena vantha vaazhai
It is the lineage that continues generation after generation
Vaah…vaah….vaah….vaah….
Waah...waah...waah...waah...
Male :Subahaan allah
Male: Subhan Allah
Oh mary pyaari nee halwa pechchukkaari
Oh my dear Mary, you sweet-talking girl
Keliyenna kindalyenna kettu paaru kelvi
Ask whatever joke or banter you want to ask
Nawapukkoru kelvi
Here is a question for the Nawab
Nalla javaap sollaiyyaa
Give a good answer, sir
Savaal vittu salaam pottu poga vanthaayaa
Did you come to throw a challenge, say greetings, and leave?
Akkaalai oruvanum
That young man
Appaavai oruththiyum
And that innocent doll-like woman
Akkaalai oruvanum
That young man
Appaavai oruththiyum
And that innocent doll-like woman
Kalyaanam seithathenna sarithaanaa
Is it right for them to get married?
Chorus :Kalyaanam seithathenna sarithaanaa
Chorus: Is it right for them to get married?
Ak kaalai oruvanum
That young man
Ap paavai oruththiyum
And that doll-like woman
Ak kaalai oruvanum
That young man
Ap paavai oruththiyum
And that doll-like woman
Azhagaai kalyaanam seiyalaamae
They can beautifully get married
Chorus :Azhagaai kalyaanam seiyalaamae
Chorus: They can beautifully get married
Vaah…vaah….vaah….vaah….
Waah...waah...waah...waah...
Male :Maasha allah
Male: Masha Allah
Hae mary pyaari nee halwa pechchukkaari
Hey my dear Mary, you sweet-talking girl
Keliyenna kindalyenna kettu paaru kelvi
Ask whatever joke or banter you want to ask
Aa….aa….aa….aa…aa…
Aa....aa....aa....aa...aa...
Kannam iduvathum kalavu seivathum
Digging a hole and committing theft
Kannam iduvathum kalavu seivathum
Digging a hole and committing theft
Unmaiyil kuttramillaa ooru entha ooro
Which is the town where this is truly not a crime?
Chorus :Unmaiyil kuttramillaa ooru entha ooro
Chorus: Which is the town where this is truly not a crime?
Kannaththil kannamittu
Placing cheek against cheek
Nenjai kalavu seithum…mmmm….
And stealing the heart... mmmm...
Kannaththil kannamittu
Placing cheek against cheek
Nenjai kalavu seithum…
And stealing the heart...
Kanniyarum kaalaiyarum
Where young maidens and young men
Kadhal seiyyum ooraagum
Make love, that is the town
Chorus :Kanniyarum kaalaiyarum
Chorus: Where young maidens and young men make love, that is the town...
Kadhal seiyyum ooraagum….
Waah...waah...waah...waah...
Vaah…vaah….vaah….vaah….
Hey my dear Mary, you sweet-talking girl
Hae mary pyaari nee halwa pechchukkaari
Ask whatever joke or banter you want to ask
Keliyenna kindalyenna kettu paaru kelvi
Here is a question for the Nawab
Nawapukkoru kelvi
Give a good answer, sir
Nalla javaap sollaiyyaa
Did you come to throw a challenge, say greetings, and leave?
Savaal vittu salaam pottu poga vanthaayaa
To raise oneself
Kaiyai uyarththida
What is the highest hand among hands?
Kayil uyarntha kai athu enna
Chorus: What is it?
Chorus :Adhu enna
Male: To elevate life
Male :Vaazhkkai uyarnthida
The highest hand in life is trust
Vaazhkkaiyil uyarntha kai nampikkai
Chorus: Trust
Chorus :Nampikkai
Without shooting an arrow
Ambu vidaathavan
Who left a bow, what bow is that?
Thumbu vittaana vil athu enna
Chorus: What is it?
Chorus :Adhu enna
Male: In seven colors
Male :Yaezhu niraththinil
Rising in the sky, it is the rainbow
Vaanil ezhunthidum vaanavil
Chorus: Rainbow
Chorus :Vaanavil
Living in water for a thousand ages
Aayiram kaalamum neerinil
Which deer is that deer?
Vaazhnthidum maan entha maan
Chorus: Which deer?
Chorus :Entha maan
Male: Surrounded by water on four sides
Male :Naalupuraththilum neerula
The grand deer is Andaman island
Seer enum maan anthamaan
Chorus: Andaman
Chorus :Anthamaan
The sun and the moon
Sooriyan chandhiran
Coming into the sky, why is that?
Vaanil varuvathu edhanaalae
Chorus: Why is that, why is that, why is that?
Chorus :Edhanaalae edhanaale edhanaale
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This song from Baghdad Perazhagi is a classic musical riddle-and-answer duet (Savaal-Jawaab) between the lead characters. The female protagonist poses playful, riddling questions based on wordplay, social tropes, and nature, challenging the hero's wit. The male protagonist expertly answers each riddle using clever puns (Sledai) and romantic twists. Throughout the track, Islamic cultural greetings such as 'Asslaam alaikkum', 'Subahaan allah', and 'Maasha allah' are seamlessly woven with traditional Tamil folk riddle styles (Vidukadhai), creating a vibrant fusion of Middle Eastern aesthetic and Tamil lyrical finesse.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Sledai (Wordplay / Pun)
“Seer enum maan anthamaan”
The word 'Maan' (deer) is wittily re-interpreted as 'Andaman' (the island chain surrounded by water).
Vidukadhai (Traditional Riddle Structure)
“Ilaiyum poovum kaniyumillaamal... Ellorum solluvathu enna vaazhai”
Lyrical framing around riddles and direct answers, standard in classical Tamil folk literature.
Yamakam / Ethirai (Phonetic Rhyming)
“Akkaalai oruvanum Appaavai oruththiyum”
Playful contrast and internal rhyming on homophones or near-homophones like 'Akkaalai' (that young man) and 'Appaavai' (that innocent woman).
Did you know?
Trivia
'Baghdad Perazhagi' (1973) is a fantasy-adventure film starring Jayalalithaa and Ravichandran. Composed by M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics by Pulamaipithan, this duet features S. P. Balasubramanyam and S. Janaki engaging in a spirited vocal banter.
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