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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Sulthan Vanthaar

From Thulli Odum Pulliman · 1971

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
L. R. Eswari
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Thulli Odum Pulliman1971

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aa…aa…aa…aah…Ah... ah... ah... ah...
Sulthan vanthaarThe Sultan has arrived,
Sulthan vanthaar china bajar-uThe Sultan has arrived at the China Bazaar.
Thunaikku oruthi koodaIf a female companion comes along with him,
Vanthaal Pesum gulsaar-uThe joyful conversation blossoms into a garden.
Female
Sulthan potta sarigaiThe zari-brocaded shirt worn by the Sultan,
Sattai silk nijaar-uAlong with his silk trousers,
Thudaippam pola perukkuchammaaSweeps the floor like a broom, my dear lady,
Adhaan bejaar-uAnd that is the real nuisance!
Female
Sulthan vanthaarThe Sultan has arrived,
Sulthan vanthaar china bajar-uThe Sultan has arrived at the China Bazaar.
Thunaikku oruthi koodaIf a female companion comes along with him,
Vanthaal Pesum gulsaar-uThe joyful conversation blossoms into a garden.
Female
Navamanigal nirainjirukkumFilled with nine precious gems,
Sulthan gajaanaaIs the vast treasury of the Sultan.
Anna nadai nadakkum pengalukkoFor women who walk gracefully like swans,
Palingu janaanaaThere is a marble harem built.
Female
Iravu pagal entha neramDay or night, at any hour,
Gaana bajaanaa gaanaa bajaanaaThere is song and dance, music and celebration!
Adhil iduppai vetti panam parippaalSwaying her waist and grabbing money amidst all this,
Munvar sulthaanaComes the chief Sultana!
Female
Sulthan vanthaarThe Sultan has arrived,
Sulthan vanthaar china bajar-uThe Sultan has arrived at the China Bazaar.
Thunaikku oruthi koodaIf a female companion comes along with him,
Vanthaal Pesum gulsaar-uThe joyful conversation blossoms into a garden.
Female
Madhulam pazhampol idhazhilEnraptured on lips reddish like pomegranate seeds,
Mayangi kidakkum navap-uLies the enchanted Nawab.
Than madiyil kidakkum pengalukkuTo the women resting on his lap,
Vidiya solvaar javap-uHe offers answers until dawn breaks.
Female
Matharukkum maddhuvukkumthaanTo women and wine alone,
Varushamellaam kulaamuHe remains a slave throughout the year,
Varushamellaam kulaamuA slave throughout the entire year!
Than manjaththilae pengalukkuUpon his bed, to those women,
Poduvaaru salam-uHe pays his respectful salute.
Female
Sulthan vanthaarThe Sultan has arrived,
Sulthan vanthaar china bajar-uThe Sultan has arrived at the China Bazaar.
Thunaikku oruthi koodaIf a female companion comes along with him,
Vanthaal Pesum gulsaar-uThe joyful conversation blossoms into a garden.
Female
Sulthan vanthaarThe Sultan has arrived,
Sulthan vanthaar china bajar-uThe Sultan has arrived at the China Bazaar.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a lively and satirical dance track describing the extravagant, hedonistic lifestyle of a wealthy Sultan visiting China Bazaar. Through energetic rhythm and theatrical imagery, the lyrics detail his rich attire, grand harem, endless celebrations, and complete surrender to wine and female charms. Lyricist Kannadasan skillfully incorporates Urdu and Hindustani loanwords to evoke a royal, Mughal-inspired atmosphere filled with humor and flair.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uvamai)

Thudaippam pola perukkuchammaa

Compares the trailing long silk pants of the Sultan to a broom sweeping the floor.

Simile (Uvamai)

Madhulam pazhampol idhazhil

Compares the deep reddish, beautiful lips to a pomegranate fruit.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Sattai silk nijaar-u / Adhaan bejaar-u

Rhyming end sounds using Hindustani/Urdu loanwords ending with the 'u' sound (Bajar-u, Gulsaar-u, Nijaar-u, Bejaar-u).

Did you know?

Trivia

To convey the lavish lifestyle of royalty, lyricist Kannadasan blended traditional Tamil with Urdu and Hindustani loanwords common in Madras slang, such as 'Gulsaar' (garden/joy), 'Nijaar' (trousers), 'Gajaanaa' (treasury), 'Janaanaa' (harem), and 'Gaana Bajaanaa' (music and dance).

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