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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thalaivi Thalaivi

From Mohana Punnagai · 1981

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Vani Jairam
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Mohana Punnagai1981

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
………….....
Male
Thalaivi thalaiviLeader, my lady,
Ennai neeraattum anantha aruviA waterfall of joy that bathes me,
Thalaivi thalaiviLeader, my lady,
Ennai neeraattum anantha aruviA waterfall of joy that bathes me,
Female
Thalaivan thalaivanLeader, my lord,
Ennai thaalaattum mellisai kalainganA artist of sweet music who lulls me,
Thalaivan thalaivanLeader, my lord,
Ennai thaalaattum mellisai kalainganA artist of sweet music who lulls me,
Male
Thalaivi thalaiviLeader, my lady,
Ennai neeraattum anantha aruviA waterfall of joy that bathes me,
Chorus
…………….....
Female
Virasam edhuvumindri sarasam payilumPracticing romance without any vulgarity,
Intha vedikkai needikkumoWill this playful romance endure?
Virasam edhuvumindri sarasam payilumPracticing romance without any vulgarity,
Intha vedikkai needikkumoWill this playful romance endure?
Male
Villakkam edharkku innumWhy is an explanation needed anymore,
Nerukkam valarntha pinnum yaenintha santhegamoEven after intimacy has grown, why this doubt?
Villakkam edharkku innumWhy is an explanation needed anymore,
Nerukkam valarntha pinnum yaenintha santhegamoEven after intimacy has grown, why this doubt?
Female
Idhu pennodu undaanathuThis is natural to a woman,
Male :Adhu koodaathu pollaathathuMale: That should not be, it is a bad trait!
Female
Thalaivan thalaivanLeader, my lord,
Ennai thaalaattum mellisai kalainganA artist of sweet music who lulls me,
Chorus
…………….....
Male
Radhiyum madhanum thendral radhaththil ulaviRathi and Manmatha, strolling in a chariot of gentle breeze,
Vanthu poovaara pottaarammaaCame and showered garlands of flowers, my dear!
Radhiyum madhanum thendral radhaththil ulaviRathi and Manmatha, strolling in a chariot of gentle breeze,
Vanthu poovaara pottaarammaaCame and showered garlands of flowers, my dear!
Female
Rasanai migunthaPossessing great taste,
Intha rasigan irukka kanduSeeing that this admirer was present,
Yaarendru kettaaraiyyaaThey asked who it was, sir!
Rasanai migunthaPossessing great taste,
Intha rasigan irukka kanduSeeing that this admirer was present,
Yaarendru kettaaraiyyaaThey asked who it was, sir!
Male
Adhu naanendru yaar sonnathuWho said that it was me?
Female :Adhai naanandri yaar solvathuFemale: Who else but me would say that?
Male
Thalaivi thalaiviLeader, my lady,
Ennai neeraattum anantha aruviA waterfall of joy that bathes me,
Female :Thalaivan thalaivanFemale: Leader, my lord,
Ennai thaalaattum mellisai kalainganA artist of sweet music who lulls me,
Chorus
…………….....

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This romantic duet from the movie Mohana Punnagai (1981) expresses the deep affection, mutual admiration, and playful dialogue between two lovers. The male protagonist compares his beloved lady to a cascading waterfall of joy, while the female protagonist praises him as a sweet musician who lulls her soul. Their conversation touches upon the purity of their affection—free from vulgarity—and playfully explores innocent doubts, feminine shyness, and sweet reassurances. Poetically referencing Rathi and Manmatha (the divine deities of love) arriving on a breeze-chariot to bless their bond, lyricist Vaali and composer M. S. Viswanathan craft an elegant portrait of timeless romance.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Virasam edhuvumindri sarasam payilum

The second letters 'ra' in 'Virasam' and 'sarasam' match, creating a rhythmic harmony in the opening line of the stanza.

Metaphor (Uvameyam)

Ennai neeraattum anantha aruvi

'Anantha aruvi' (Waterfall of joy) metaphorically equates the lady's presence and bliss to a cascading waterfall refreshing the lover.

Metaphor / Characterization

Ennai thaalaattum mellisai kalaingan

'Mellisai kalaingan' compares the lover to a soft-music artist who lovingly comforts and lulls the heroine.

Mythological Allusion & Imagery

Radhiyum madhanum thendral radhaththil ulavi

Refers to Rathi and Madhana (Manmatha), the Hindu deities of love and desire, riding a chariot made of gentle breeze ('thendral radham') to shower floral blessings.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song features the iconic music composition of M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics penned by Vaali, sung brilliantly by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Vani Jairam. The film 'Mohana Punnagai' (1981) starred Sivaji Ganesan, Jayabharathi, and Geetha, and is noted for its melody-rich soundtrack.

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