- Lyricist
- Thanjai Vaanan
- Singer
- K. J. Jesudass
- Music director
- G. K. Venkatesh
- Movie name
- Kashmir Kadhali
- Movie release year
- 1983
- Lyrics added on
- 26 Mar 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song Poo Pondra Pengalae from Kashmir Kadhali (1983) presents a direct cultural critique regarding Western influences on Indian women and traditional values. The narrator addresses women tenderly as the delicate eyes and pride of the nation, expressing sorrow over how traditional grace, modest clothing like the saree, and cultural heritage are being abandoned in favor of Westernized fashion and lifestyle. The song contrasts the noble, nurturing maternal roles of women—such as feeding children and comforting infants—with modern habits like public smoking and superficial aesthetic trends, appealing to women to preserve their intrinsic cultural identity and dignity.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Poo pondra pengalae…”
Compares women to delicate, pure flowers using the comparative marker 'pondra'.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Pon naattin kangalae…”
Directly equates women to the vital 'eyes' of the golden nation, highlighting their importance.
Alliteration / Second-letter Rhyme (Ethirai)
“Melai naattu mogam kondathaalae / Selai suttrum azhagu ketupochu”
The second letter 'i' matches between 'Melai' and 'Selai', creating poetic rhythmic harmony.
Irony / Contrast (Muran)
“Mazhalai selvam kulavi konjum idhzhgalae / Naanam vittu pugaippathenna sabaiyilae”
Contrasts gentle maternal imagery with the bold adoption of public smoking, highlighting cultural shift.
Did you know?
Trivia
Kashmir Kadhali (1983) features music by the legendary G. K. Venkatesh, a veteran composer who mentored legendary musicians like Ilaiyaraaja. The song reflects a common theme in 1980s Tamil cinema addressing cultural shifts and Westernization.
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