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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nilavum Malarum

From Then Nilavu · 1961

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
A. M. Rajah, P. Susheela
Music director
A. M. Rajah
Details
Then Nilavu1961

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Nilavum malarum paaduthuThe moon and the flower are singing
En ninaivil thendral veesuthuA gentle breeze blows through my thoughts
Nilai mayangi mayangiSwooning and losing control of one's state
Kaadhalinaal jaadai pesuthu…Speaking in subtle gestures through love...
Female
Nilavum malarum paaduthuThe moon and the flower are singing
En ninaivil thendral veesuthuA gentle breeze blows through my thoughts
Nilai mayangi mayangiSwooning and losing control of one's state
Kaadhalinaal jaadai pesuthu…Speaking in subtle gestures through love...
Female
Sirithu sirithu uravu vanthaalIf a relationship is formed merely through laughter and smiles
Nilaiththu vaazhumaaWill it endure and last forever?
Male :Manam thudithu thudithuMale: Once eager hearts beat with excitement
Serntha pinnae tholvi kaanumaa…aaaAnd unite, can love ever face defeat?
Sirithu sirithu uravu vanthaalIf a relationship is formed merely through laughter and smiles
Nilaiththu vaazhumaaWill it endure and last forever?
Female :Thanthai pirithu pirithuFemale: Just because a father keeps us apart
Vaippathinaal kaadhal maarumaaWill true love ever change?
Male
Mugathai mugathai maraithukkondaalIf you keep hiding your face
Paarkka mudiyumaaIs it possible to see you?
Female :Indru paarthu paarthuFemale: If I gaze at you to my heart's content today
Mudithu vittaal naalai vendumae…aeWhat longing will be left for tomorrow?
Mugathai mugathai maraithukkondaalIf you keep hiding your face
Paarkka mudiyumaaIs it possible to see you?
Male :Kanai thoduthu thoduthuMale: Shooting arrows of glances repeatedly
Mirattum kannaal paarkkalaagumaaIs it right to look with such threatening eyes?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Nilavum malarum paaduthu' from Then Nilavu (1961) is a charming romantic duet that captures a playful and tender conversation between two lovers. Set against the romantic backdrop of nature where the moon and flowers seem to sing and breezes blow, the song reflects the heady, dreamy state of being deeply in love. The lovers engage in a poetic dialogue questioning whether love built on smiles can withstand obstacles, including parental disapproval.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Personification

Nilavum malarum paaduthu

The moon (Nilavu) and the flower (Malar) are given human qualities of singing.

Adukkuthodar (Repetition for Emphasis)

Nilai mayangi mayangi

The repetition of 'mayangi' highlights the deep intensity of being intoxicated with love.

Metaphor

Kanai thoduthu thoduthu Mirattum kannaal

Glances from the eyes are metaphorically compared to sharp arrows ('kanai') shot from a bow.

Iyaipu (Rhyming ends)

Nilaiththu vaazhumaa / tholvi kaanumaa

The lines end with matching rhyming sounds ('vaazhumaa' and 'kaanumaa').

Did you know?

Trivia

Then Nilavu (1961), directed by C. V. Sridhar and starring Gemini Ganesan and Vyjayanthimala, was one of the earliest Tamil feature films to be shot extensively on location in Jammu & Kashmir. The memorable soundtrack was composed by singer-music director A. M. Rajah, who also rendered the male vocal tracks alongside P. Susheela.

Keep listening

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