- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- Jamuna Rani
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Movie name
- Hello Mister Zamindar
- Movie release year
- 1965
- Lyrics added on
- 18 Jul 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song from 'Hello Mister Zamindar' offers a witty yet profound social critique on human nature, wealth, and ego. Lyricist Kannadasan contrasts how a person thinks and behaves when poor versus when rich. The lyrics emphasize that while material prosperity can alter one's external appearances and social stance, it does not inherently change one's fundamental identity or grant true peace of mind.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor / Analogy (Uvamaani)
“Gopurathil iruppadhanaal Kuruvi parundhaavadhillai”
Kannadasan uses the metaphor that a sparrow sitting on a grand temple tower does not automatically become a majestic eagle, symbolizing that sudden wealth or elevated position does not change a person's intrinsic stature.
Moonaal (Initial Alliteration)
“Pattinikku oru manasu / Panathukku oru manasu”
Repetition of initial consonant sound 'P' across consecutive lines (Pattinikku, Panathukku, Pazhangkadhai, Paarvaiyae).
Idiomatic Expression / Hyperbole
“Kaasu vandha neram mudhal Kazhuthilae thalaiyum illae”
'Kazhuthilae thalaiyum illae' (The head is missing from the neck) is a Tamil idiom indicating that wealth makes someone lose their head to vanity and pride.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Hello Mister Zamindar' (1965) is a Tamil comedy-drama film starring Gemini Ganesan and Savitri, directed by K. J. Mahadevan. The music was composed by the legendary duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, and the song reflects Kannadasan's signature philosophical wit.
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