- Lyricist
- M. S. Balasubramaniyam
- Singer
- P. A. Periyanayaki
- Music director
- Pendyala Nageswara Rao
- Movie name
- Kudumbam
- Movie release year
- 1954
- Lyrics added on
- 25 Mar 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song from the 1954 film Kudumbam features a female protagonist teasingly expressing her elusive nature and beauty to her beloved king. She compares herself to a fresh blooming rose, a glowing reflection in the moonlight, and a cuckoo singing sweet melodies. Through evocative imagery, she portrays herself as a captivating enchantress (Mohini) and goddess of music, playfully declaring that she remains unattainable despite being deeply connected to her lover in boundless bliss.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uruvagam (Metaphor)
“Pudhu malar roja nanae”
Directly compares the singer to a fresh rose without using explicit comparative conjunctions.
Uvamai (Simile)
“Kokkilam pol geetam paadum”
Uses 'pol' (like) to compare her singing style to that of a cuckoo bird.
Sol Kattu / Rhythm (Onomatopoeia)
“Thagida thagida thagathimi”
Incorporates classical dance mnemonic syllables (Sollukattu) to accentuate rhythmic movement.
Alliteration (Moonaai / Etukai)
“Rathimuga ranjitha raani naan”
Repetition of consonant and vocalic sounds across adjacent words enhancing melodic flow.
Did you know?
Trivia
Kudumbam (1954) was directed by A. Kasilingam and scored by Pendyala Nageswara Rao. P. A. Periya Nayagi, who sang this song, was a acclaimed classical singer and actress who also famously voiced songs for early Tamil cinema classics including Jagathala Prathapan.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Kudumbam
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.