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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

7. Portrayal of Women in Malayalam Film Songs

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The English Optional trainees whom I teach in  the Govt. College of Teacher Education, Thiruvananthapuram are given  take-home assignments during their X’mas vacation. The vacation usually commences one month after joining the  BEd Course. By then, everyone in the class would have fulfilled the first requirement, viz; opening  an email account. The following is the  first Online assignment they were asked to submit.

This year, unlike in previous years  a specific topic was chosen: ‘Portrayal of Women in Malayalam Film songs’. The trainees were directed to submit  a transliteration of the  song chosen and then attempt a translation.  Once the assignment is submitted  they had to meet in groups and identify the way in which the theme  evolves in the  song. Ms. Iswarya,  is the  Class Online Editor  and the person who took the lead in  collecting,  compiling and editing the Online class assignment  of the 2012-13 batch.

A month following the X’mas vacation, the first draft of the  edited version was submitted to me for giving  the finishing touches before uploading.  But then,  I realized that the whole task is  really time consuming  and this resulted  in the delay in submitting the assignment.  So,  I told the editor,  Ms. Iswarya,  not to spend   too much time on  the final editing until  the exams are over.

Incidentally, Ms. Iswarya is getting married this month (May 2013) and is  quite busy  preparing for the marriage. However, she submitted the final version on the last week of April after her first Semester examinations. She has written an excellent introduction and  brief critique for  all the songs included in this  post.  I had very little editing to do!  

Note: A couple of days ago,  during  a  meeting of senior teachers, some voiced  an opinion that students should not be allowed to publish on  Blogs as  they  fail to get  the Copyright  of the material. To them,  I had only one thing to say: The intention of making my students publish annually on Blogs is to provide them a popular publishing platform with a world-wide readership. This prompts them to be  original, to  work hard  and  submit a  well-written assignment. Please find below the  total viewership of this Blog on the day of publishing this assignment. 






A Request to  the  Visitor/ Reader:

I  hope  you  find this   interesting...
Do post your valuable comments...
It would  motivate  the authors of this  piece of work...



Introduction

The ever changing attitude of  Malayalees  towards womanhood is clearly reflected in the Malayalam film songs of the 20th   century.  The feminine sensibility as a mirror of the times has been explored by many writers and this exploration often shows the assumptions and sympathies about women too. The prevailing conditions in Kerala society convinces that the condition of women is rooted in biological and psychological immutabilities. Vaylar Ramavarma, Sreekumaran Thambi, P. Bhaskaran  etc. are the pioneers in the surfacing of female rage and sexuality.

Here we present the transliteration and translation of some of the most famous Malayalam film songs in which we can see the making, un-making and re-making of female characters.  Almost all these writers are concerned with the exploration of female sexuality,  vulnerability, helplessness, failure to live an authentic life, and  dependency. Woman is often portrayed as an object for sensuous satisfaction, an obedient life partner, and as a perfect home maker. They can be seen as fragmented and helpless creatures still locked into dependency on men. It is interesting to note that none of these writers have strived to lift the traditional / patriarchal norms that render woman subordinate to her male counterparts. None of them tend to advocate a new self-definition of woman, instead, they all nourish the prevailing concepts of masculinity. We can assume that the consciousness of all these writers are directed by various socio-political factors.

1.Name of trainee : ANEESHA LIVINGSTON
Song                     : HRIDAYASARASSILE
Film                     : PAADUNNA PUZHA

Lyrics                   : SREEKUMARAN THAMBI

Music                   : DAKSHINMOORTHY

This song is noted for its  novel similes, and its wonderful rhythm. The lover highlights the physical beauty and attractiveness of the lady-love:- her perfect body, her rosy cheeks, her deep blue eyes...He elevates her to the status of an elegant heroine, an ascetic, and a charming flower of pure love. Her burning physical beauty is glorified using powerful, striking imagery. 



Transliteration

Hridaya sarassile
Pranaya pushpame
Iniyum nin kadha parayu….
Ardha nimeeltha mizhikaliloorum 
Asrubindhuven swapnabindhuvo…
                          (Hridaya…)
Ezhuthan vaikiya chitra kadhayile
Ezhazhakulloru nayika ne..
Ennanuraaga thapovana seemayil
Innale vanna thapaswini ne…
                           (Hridaya...)
Ethra sandhyakal chalichu charthi
Ithrayum arunima nin kavilil..
Ethra samudra hridandam charthy
Ithrayum neelima ninte kannil…
                              (Hridaya..)

Translation

Again tell me your story,
Oh lovely flower in the river pool of heart !
A tear drop in your half closed eyes,
Has become a dream spot for me..

You are the elegant heroine,
Of the charming  tale, I lingered to write.
You are an ascetic,who came yesterday,
To my adorable secluded limit..
(Again..)

How many evenings are ornamented so far,
To render the red colour of your cheeks.
How many endless seas are ornamented so far,
To furnish a blue-black glazing in your eyes.(Again…)

2.Name of trainee :  DEEPIKA
Film                       : SASTRAM JAYICHU MANUSHYAN THOTTU
Music                     : DAKSHINAMOORTHY
Lyricist                  : SREEKUMARAN THAMBI
Singer                    :P. JAYACHANDRAN
Song                       : CHANDANATHIL
This song is yet another elegant composition of Sreekumaran Thambi- full of aesthetic beauty. The lover is in a state of ecstasy, and he praises the feminine beauty of his lady-love in a highly sensuous way. He compares her to a statue made of lust, the everlasting source of pleasure and erotic satisfaction.
Transliteration

Chandanathil kadanjeduthoru
sundaree shilpam
manju thullikal thazhuki unarum
madhura hemantham
priyaiyo kaamashilayo neeyoru
pranaya geethakamo.. ho..ho..
(Chandanathil)

gaaname nin raaga bhaavam
thaamarathanuvaaay (2)
ithalittunarum thaalayangal
eeren poonthukilaay…
rathiyo..raaga nadhiyo…
nee sukha ranga sopaanamo…ho..ho..
(Chandanathil)

omlae nin mandhahaasam
poonilaakkuliraay (2)
kungumamaniyum lolakapolam
sandhaymalarithalaay
madhuvo premanidhiyo
nee sukha swarga vaasanthamo..ho..ho..
(Chandanathil)




Translation

Oh, Beautiful figurine, carved from  sandal wood,
You are like the late autumn
Awakened by the gentle touch of dew drops..
Oh, my darling….oh, stone of lust…..oh my  love song(Oh! beautiful…..)

You are a lovely song…!
Your lotus like body is an emotive melody
Movements of your moistened attire,
Resembles the fall-rise of a rhythmic note…
oh Aphrodite! Are you a stream of melody…
or  an ecstatic music harmony..  (Oh! beautiful….)

oh, my darling!
Your sweet smile is like the pleasant moonlight..
Your soft cheeks with saffron dust,
Is like the petal of a flower which blooms in dusk..
Oh,honey! Are you a treasure of romance..
Or an ecstatic heavenly blossom… (Oh! beautiful…)

3. Name of trainee : PRASAJA
Film                        : PANI THEERATHA VEEDU
Music                      :M. S. VISWANATHAN
Lyricist                   :VAYALAR
Singer                     : M.S.VISWANATHAN
Song                        : KANNUNEERTHULLIYE
This song, extremely   popular for its philosophical quality, highlights   the feminine helplessness and purity. By comparing woman to a tear drop  the poet makes her an epitome of sadness and suffering. She is contaminated and manipulated by society. He warns others to handle her carefully as she is fragile but precious. Women are driven  to need and grasp for security and protection. Men ask women for refugee, strength, commitment, and loyal support, while withholding these things from them. The song openly acknowledges woman as a devastated and  diminished  creatures  having the “posture of a helpless victim”. The poet succeeds in conveying  a feeling which is solemn and wet.



Transliteration

Kannuneer thulliye
Sthreeyodupamicha kavyabhavane!
Abhinandhanam,ninakkabhinandhanam
Abhinandhanam,abhinandhanam
Vyasano,Kalidasano, athu
Bhasano,Shelleyo, Shakespearo
Abhinandhanam,ninakkabhinandhanam
Abhinandhanam,abhinandhanam
Vishadasagaramullil irambum
Thushara gadgadabindhu - sthreeyoru vikaravaidooryabindu
" Sariyanu athoru,chippiyil veenal vaidooryamakunnu
Poovil veenal paragamakunnu
Thodaruthu, edutheriyaruth"
Indranathaudhamakki iswaran bhushanamakki
Vyabhicharatheruvil manushyana muthukal
Vilapesi vilkkunnu innu vilapesi vilkkunnu
Prapancha soundharyamullil vidarthum prakasha budbudabindu
Sthreeyoru prabhathanakshathrabindu
"Atheyathe aa nirthulliyilekku nokki-
ninnal prakrithi muzhuvan prathibimbikkunnathu kanam
Thodaruthu, athudakkaruth"
Chandrika chandanam nalki
Thennal vannalakangal pulki
Vazhiyathrakkidayil manushyana kumilakal
Vala viishiudakkunnu innu
vala viishiudakkunu!
Translation

Praise the poetic insight
that found simile in a drop of tear,
a womanhood, may it be from Vyasa, Kalidasa, Bhasa, Shelley or Shakespeare.
A roaring sea of sorrow inside,
woman is a choked emotional pearl spot,
fallen into a shell
it is a pearl
when fallen in to a blossomed flower
it turns its pollen.
Touch it not! fling it not.
It is a decoration for Him,
Indra  turned  it into a weapon.
Man bargain and sell these pearls along the red light street,
now bargain and sell.

You are a morning star,
a twinkle bright light
spreading universal beauty within.
"Yes! yes looking at the green dew drops
reflection of nature can be seen
Touch it not, break it not.
Moonlight granted sandal,
breeze embraced its fringes,
man while spreading nets,
breaks the bubbles
by spreading nets!

4. Name of trainee : DEVI  V. M.
Film                       :THURAKKATHA VATHIL
Music                     : K. RAGHAVAN
Lyricist                  : P. BHASKARAN
Singer                    : K. J. YESUDAS
Song                       : NAALIKERATHINTE
A  typical Keralite’s mind is clearly depicted in this song- the lover sings in fond remembrance of his lady. He is a soldier, far away from his sweet home, so he shares his nostalgic memories with  his fellow soldiers in  a very warm way. He sings of his home-land, his extremely devoted wife, and her beauty… we can feel a sad undertone throughout the song- his craving to meet his lady, the pain of separation...
Transliteration

Naleekerathinte naattilenikkoru
Naazhiyidangazhi mannundu
Naleekerathinte naattilenikkoru
Naazhiyidangazhi mannundu oru
Naazhiyidangazhi mannundu
Athil narayana kili koodu polulloru
Naalu kaalola purayundu (naleekera)                             
Nombum notenne kaathirikkum vaazha
Koombu polulloru pennundu
Chaambakka chundulla chandana kavilulla
Chaattuli kannulla pennundu (naleekera)

Vallya perunaalu vannappol annoru
Velli nilaavulla raathriyil
Kallu vettam kuzhikkakkare vachennodullu
Thurannathin sheshame (naleekera)

Neerunna kannumaay ninne kinaa kandu
Dhoorathu vaazhunna njaananennum (neerunna)
Ororo theevandi odiyethumbozhum
Odunnu mutathu neeyennum (naleekera)

Translation

I own a tract of land
In the country of coconuts
There I own a sweet home
No bigger than  the nest of a sparrow
                                 (In the country...
An inflorescence like girl
waiting for me with solemn prayers
With her rose apple lips, sandal like cheeks
And her harpoon like eyes.
                        (In the country...
On that auspicious day of Bakrid
On that night of silvery moonlight
On the other side of the quarry
She opened her mind forme,thereafter...
                        (In the country..
Your thoughts in my grievous eyes
Kept me alive, at a distant
One at a time the train passes
Hitherto you ran into the courtyard
                        (In the coconut...)

5. Name of trainee        :MITHRA.M.S
Film                               :THARA
Music                             :DEVARAJAN
Lyricist                          : VAYALAR
Singer                            : YESUDAS
Song                              : UTHARAYANAKKILI
This song is effluent in sensual imagery and it gives us the impression that female identity rests on her body only- as it displays only the physical aspect of her existence. The burning desire of the man towards his lady is depicted- he pines for their physical union.
Transliteration

Utharayanakili paadi
Unmadhiniyeppole
Ponnum valayitta vennilavee
Ninne onnu chubichotte
Utharayanakili paadi

Kurunirakal madiyothukki
Kunu koonthal nerukayil ketti
Arayil jaganadhan pudava chutti
Muthola kuda choodi
Moovanthy puzha neenthi
Manvilakkumenthi varum vennilave
En vikaram ninnil vannu nirayukille
Oru naal niraukille
Utharayanakili paadi

Malar mizhiyal kavitha unarthi
Madhurasmitham chundil vidarthi
Maaril kasavulla kacha ketti
Karpoora thalikayumayi
Kasthoori thilakavumayi
Nrithamaadi varum penkidave
Ninte daham ennilekku pakarukille
Oru naal pakarukille
Utharayanakili paadi
Unmadhiniyeppole
Ponnum valayitta vennilavee
Ninne onnu chubichotte
Utharayanakili paadi…………….
Translation

Northern bird sings like a lunatic -
‘O moonlight, wearing golden bangle
May I  kiss you…”
Northern bird sings

O moonlight, come holding a lamp of clay,
Setting right the careless hair on the forehead,
Tieing the curly hair on the top of the head,
Wrapping the cloth around the waist,
Holding a gem – studded umbrella,
Swimming through the river of day…
Will my passion fill you?
Will  it fill you some day?
Northern bird sings…

O sweetheart, come to me dancing ,
Awakening poetry with your flowery eyes ,
Blooming sweet  smile in your lips,
Tying  glittering cloth on your bosom,
Holding a plate with camphor,
Wearing a mark of scented turmeric  on fore head,
Will you share your  thirst with me ?
Will you share it someday ?
Northern bird sings….



6.Name of trainee : ASWATHY.J.R
Film                       : RAKKUYILIL RAJASADASSIL
Music                     : M G RADHAKRISHNAN
Lyricist                  : RAMESAN NAIR
Singer                    : YESUDAS
Song                       : POOMUKHA VATHILKKAL

This song conveys the cultural climate of Kerala, where woman is considered as a typical stereotype – a mistress, mother, colleague, a friend- whose capacities for self-effacement and self-sacrifice seem limitless. Instead of sexuality, the writer has given importance to the solemn virtues expected of each woman in Kerala society, from the male-prospective.
Transliteration

Poomukha vathilkkal sneham vidarthunna
Poothinkalakunnu bharya
Dukhathin mullukal thooviral thumbinal
Pushpagalakunnu bharya

Kannueer thulliyil mazhavillu theerkunna
Swarna prabhamayi bharya
Mandha smithangalal neerum manasine
Chandanam charthunnu bharya

Ethra thelingalum enna vattathoru
Chithra vilakanu bharya
Enniyal theeratha janmantharangalil
Annadeneswari bharya

Bhoomiyekalum shamayulla soubhagya
Deviyanepozhum bharya
Karyathil manthriyum karmathil daasiyum
Roopathil lekshmiyum bharya

Translation

Wife is the new moon
Standing in the Portico
Blooming the buds of love..
Transforming the thorns of agony into flowers
With a single touch of her tender fingers...
She is an enlightened goddess
Who creates a rainbow in the teardrops...
She is a goddess of prosperity
For the immeasurable  generations...

She is an embellished lamb...
Everglowing ...ever shimmering...
A minister in  her actions...A servant in her duties...
And a goddess in her appearance...



7. Name of trainee :VISHNUSREERAM
Film                        : ADIMAKAL
Music                      :DEVARAJAN
Lyricist                   :VAYALAR
Singer                     :A M RAJA
Song                        :THAAZHAMPOO

This song is the passionate and sensuous expression of the lover’s feelings towards his lady. All these expressions have a sexual undertone. It highlights the sex-roles, which do not support female authenticity. Dominance and sensuality are major concerns.
Transliteration

Thaazhampoo manamulla thanuppulla rathriyil
thanichirunnurangunna cheruppakkaaari
poomugha kilivaathil adaaykukilla
kamini ninne njan urakkukilla.
(Thaazhampoo …)

aarum kaanaathoranthapurathile
aaradhana muri thurakum njan(2)
eeranuduthu ne poojaykorungumpol
neela kaarvarnanaay nilkum njan(2)
                                           (thaazhampoo)

etho kinavile aalinganathile
ekantha romanjamaninjavale (2)
omanachundile punjiri pookalil
premathin sourabham thookum njan (2)
                                                      (Thaazhampoo )

Translation

Oh beauty, sleeping alone in the
screwpine scented winter night..
I won't close the window pane of my  room
Sweetheart, I won't let you sleep.
                             (Oh beauty, sleeping alone…)
I will open the prayer room
In your ever open royal bed room
When you begin your prayers after  a bath.
I will stand in front of you,
Disguised as your deity-Krishna

The memory of some sensuous embrace
Gives a unique blush to your body...
I will pour the fragrance of love
In  the sweet smile of your lovely lips.

8.Name of trainee :FASILA

Film                       :KOOTTUKUDUMBAM

Lyricist                  :VAYALAR

Music                     :DEVARAJAN


In this  cute love song, the lover reminds his lady-love of the beautiful moments they spent together in a  highly poetic and romantic manner. Beneath  the apparent meaning of these romantic lines there lies the age old concept of women only as a “giver”, who does not demand any “gifts” in return.
Transliteration

Thanka basma kuriyitta thampuraatti ninte
Thinkalaazhcha noyambinnu mudakkum njaan
Thiruvillwaa malayil nedhichu kondu varum
Ila neer kudaminnudakkum njaan  (thanka)

Vadakkini thadathil poojayeduppinu
Veluppaan kaalathu kandappol
Murappenne ninte poom kavilingal njaan
Harishree ezhuthiyathormayille
Premathin harishree ezhuthiyathormayille  (thanka)

Thumba pookkalathil thiruvonathinu
Thumbi thullaanirunnappol
Pookkila kathirukalkkidayiloode enne nee
Nokki kothippichathormmayille 
Oli kannaal nokki kothipichathormmayille  (thanka)

Kalappura thalathil meda pulariyil
Kani kandu kannu thurannappol
Vilakku keduthi nee aadhyamaay nalkiya
Vishu kai neettangal ormayille
Premathin vishu kai neettangal ormayille  (thanka)

Translation

Oh queen…whose forehead is adorned with golden ashes..
I will hinder your Monday fasting rituals..
And will break your tender coconut pot
Concecrated at Thiruvillwa Mountains (Oh queen…)

At dawn when I saw you in the northern courtyard,
My girl, don’t you remember
How I wrote the first letters of love
On your tender cheeks?  (Oh queen…)


When you sat on the floral carpets of flowers
During the festival of Onam,
Don’t you remember how you enticed me
Glancing through the floral bunches
With longing eyes? (Oh queen…)

On the dawn of spring, after the
First sight of offering,
Don’t you remember ,
The first Vishu gift you gave me…
After putting off the lamp,
You gave me the first gift of love. (Oh queen…)
9.Name of trainee : JINCY JOSEPH
Film                     :Kayalum Kayarum(1979)

Music                   :K.V. Mahadevan

Lyricist                 :Poovachal Khader

Singer                   :K.J. Yesudas


The lover passionately invites his sweetheart to sail away with him. Her beauty and her coyness are endless sources of ecstasy and inspiration for him. He expresses his desire to make her his own treasure, as he loves her intensely.



Transliteration

Chithira thoniyil akkare pokan
Ethidamo penne
Chirayin keezhile penne
Chirinyil chilanka kettiya penne

Ninne kandal mayangi nilkum thoni
Ninne kanathirunnal madichu nilkum thoni
Karayil ninnum kayar kayatti karakal thedunnu
Ente karal thadathil ninte kannukal
Kalam varaykkunnu kalam varaykkunnu

Mali therthum nanam unarthum penne
Malar mali kondu kettiyitto enne
Nalla naalu nokki nin kazhuthil
Taali kettum njan
Nale mankudilil kai pidichu
Kudiyiruthum njan kudiyeruthum njan

Translation

Will you come to me my dear,
To sail ashore in a star-decked vessel?
Oh the girl of the marsh land !
Oh the maiden with a winsome smile,
which resembles the giggling of anklets..

The canoe snooze as it behold you
And pause if it does not have a glimpse of you
It seeks for new lands after having laden with coir
And your eyes entice my heart …

Oh damsel thou evoke shyness and make garland
Have you fasten me with your laurels
I will tie a wedlock on you
When the good day comes
Tomorrow I shall hold your hand and bring
You to my muddy hovel..

10.Name of trainee : RAJESWARI.N.E

Song                         : Nin Thumbu.......

Film                         : Shalini Ente Koottukari

The purity, beauty and elegance of the lady takes her lover to the heights of imagination. He  concentrates completely on his feelings towards his lady which makes him fly in the sky and float in the holy river- here besides the apparent meaning  lies the feelings of erotic satisfaction..


Transliteration

Sundaree... a.. Sundaree... a.. Sundare...
Nin thumbu Kettiyita Churul Mudiyil
Thulasi thalirila choodee
Thushara haram maaril charthi
Tharunnyame nee vannu
Sundaree…       (Nin thumbu)

Sutharya Sundara megangal aliyum
Nithaantha neelimayil (2)
Oru Sukha Sheethala Shaleenathayil
Ozhukee Njaanariyethe
Ozhukee ozhukee njaanariyathe
Sundaree …               (Nin thumbu)

Mridhantha tharalitha vinmaya kiranam
Mazhayaay thazhukumbol (2)
oru saraseerutha souparnikayil
ozhukee njaanariyathe
ozhukee ozhukee njaanariyathe
sundaree….                     (Ninthumbu)


Translation

O my beauty..you came to me
Carrying basil leaves in your knotted curly hair,
Wearing a garland of dew drops in your bosom,
You came to me..my dear..

Beautiful, transparent clouds,
Thaws in the seemingly endless sky..
There I floated in a soothing pleasant modesty
Unwittingly..
I floated again and again ...unwittingly

When the dangling sunrays,
Suddenly transforming the rain embraces me...
Then I floated in the lotus filled river Sowparnika,
Unwittingly
I kept floating ...unwittingly...

11. Name of trainee      : SANDHYA SURENDRAN
Film                               : Pareeksha

Singer                            :Yesudas

Music                             :Baburaj

Lyrics                            :P.Bhaskaran

The lover addresses his lady in an extremely passionate manner. He describes her drastic change from a small, silly girl-child to a full-blown adolescent-  her  “coming of age”. Both her physical and emotional changes are presented using beautiful, literary language.
Transliteration

Annu ninte nunakuzhi thelinjittilla
Annu ninte kavilithra chumannittilla
Pottu kuthanariyilla kannezhuthanariyilla
Ettum pottum thiriyatha pavadakari
Oru thottalvadi karalulla pavadakari

Annuninte mizhiyakum mizhi poykayil
Pon kinavin arayannam irangarilla
Paattu padan vannillenkil
Poo parikkan vannillenkil
Paloli punchiri mayum pavadakari
Pinne neela kannil neeru thulumbum pavadakari (annu ninte)

Annu ninte manasilee malarambilla
Kanmunayil innu kanum kavithayilla
Pallikooda muttathulla mallika poo maram chayum
Padam nokki padikkunna pavadakari
Kandal pari pari parannu pokum pavadakari (annu ninte).




Translation

At that time, your dimple chin was not much bright,
At that time your cheeks were not much red,
You had not know how to put a spot in your forehead
How to  darken your eyes..
You were a silly teenage girl of sixteen then.


At that time, the swan of golden dream
Had not entered in to the flowery lakes in your eyes..
whenever I refused to join you to sing,
Whenever I refused to pluck flowers for you,
your milky white sweet smile used to fade…

And your blue eyes would became tearful,
You were just  a silly girl...                               
                                               ( At that time)

At that time you lacked this cupid’s arrow,
Which you carry in your heart nowadays..
At that time you lacked this poetry,
Which you carry in your eyes nowadays..
You used to learn, watching the flowery tree
Which was bent towards the paddy field.
when you see somebody  watching you,

You used to fly away.....
                                               (At that time)

12. Name of trainee :ISWARYA J S
FILM                         :ORU VADAKKAN VEERA GADHA
MUSIC                       :BOMBAY RAVI
LYRICS                     :K.JAYAKUMAR

This song is highly metaphoric, and presents multiple layers of meaning. The lady of the song is not an ordinary woman, she belongs to the aristocratic class. The lyrics reflect all the elite and elegant qualities of her. The song also includes some of the mythological figures like  Cupid, *Artemis (Greek Goddess of Virginity) etc.

Transliteration

Chandana lepa sugandham choodiyatharo
Katto kaminiyo
Mai varnna petti thurannu koduthath
Yauvanamo rithu devathayo
Yauvanamo rithu devathayo
                                                        (Chandana)
Chenkadali malar chundilinnarkku nee
Kumkuma ragam karuthi vachu
Thozhuthu madangumbol
Koovala poomizhi mattethu devane thedi vannu
Marani kacha kavarnno
Kattu nin anga paragam nukarnno
(Chandana)

Malleesaayakan thannaycho ninte
Angopanka vibhooshanagnal
Pookkila njori vachuduthu nin yauvvanam
Puthari ankam kurikkayayo
Ponnaranjanam ulanjo
Muthadarnee nagha kaanthi kavarnno
                                                            (chandana)
Translation

Who carries the fragrance of sandal cream;
Wind,or my beloved?
Who opens  the multi-coloured box of your body;
Youthfulness, or Artemis*?
                                                               (who carries..)

For whom did you preserve,
The saffron colour of your rosy lips?
For which deity, did your dark blue eyes await,
On  your  way back from the temple?
Wind stole your upper-clothes  and
Enjoyed the fragrance of your body…
                                                               (who carries..)
Has Cupid given you  precious ornaments
To decorate your body parts?
Is your youthfulness, in full glory,
Getting ready for the first encounter?
The golden waist-chain of yours
was broken, shedding pearls,
which stole  the beauty of your lovely nails…
                                                                     (who carries..)
13. Name of trainee      : CLINT JERRY
FILM                              :KADATHANAATTU MAKKAM
MUSIC                           :DEVARAJAN
LYRICS                          :P.BHASKARAN
This song is yet another magical composition of Vayalar-Devarajan team, in which we can see the aesthetic  blend of romance and dismay. The lover is pining for the company of his lady, he sings of her, and through his song he invites her to join him…

Transliteration

Ilavannur madathile ina kuyile
maaril kalabha koottaninju kondurakkamaayo..
virahathin choodungo viyarppundo
ninne veeshuvaan meda kaatin vishariyundo (ilavannur)

kali vallam kettiyittu puzhkadavil njaan
malarani vaaka chottil mayangumbol
kanavinte vellitheril vannille sneha
kalivaakku paranjenne kshanichille kshanichille(ilavannur)

Pathinanjaam raavile paalaazhi thiramaala
padakaali mutathethi vilikkunnu
puliyila karamundu puthachaatte ninte
sakhimaareyunarthaathe vannaatte vannaatte(ilavannur)

Translation

Oh, sweet lovely cuckoo of Ilavannoor Ashram
Have you slept after pouring sandal paste on your bosom?
Do you feel the heat of bereavement?
Are you sweating?
Is there Monsoon wind to refresh you?

When I was sleeping under the shadow of the Vaka tree
After tying my boat on the river side,
You came in my dream
And invited me with teasing words…
Didn’t you?

On the fifteenth night of full moon,
Waves of the milky-sea have come to your courtyard
To invite you. Come on my dear..
Wearing the  traditional attire,
Without awakening your sleeping maids..


14.Name  of trainee   : HANNAH MATHEW

Film                             :SAKUNTHALA
Lyrics                          :VAYALAR
Music                           :DEVARAJAN

This song includes several traditional imagery related to Hindu Mythology and culture. A chaste and beautiful maiden is the centre of this song- her unique qualities are depicted through intensely suggestive words.

Transliteration

Swarnna thamarayithalil urangum
Kanva Thapovana kanyake
Arude anuraga mallika nee
Arude swayam vara kanyaka nee

Choodatha navarthna mani pole
Chumbana mariyatha poo pole
Nullatha thalir pole
Meettatha shruthi pole
Nukaratha madhu pole ninnu nee
Nukaratha madhu pole (swarnna thamara)
Kalil dharbha muna konditto
Maril pushpa sharam konditto
Alli poonthalir nanichu ninnu nee
Arayanna pida pole
Ninnu nee arayanna pida pole (swarnna
thamara...)

Translation

Sleeping on a petal of golden lotus,
Hey! young lady of kanva tapovana,
Whose lovable jasmin are you?
Whose young bride are you? (2)



You stood,
Like honey-never tasted,
Stem -now budding,
Rhythm-never composed,
Precious gem-never worn,
Like a flower- never kissed..


Sleeping on a petal,
Of golden lotus,
Hey! Young lady of kanva tapovana,
Whose lovable jasmin are you?
Whose young bride are you?


what made you stand with coyness,
Under the shadow of Alli tree,
Like a beautiful female swan?
Did the sharp darbha grass pierce your legs,
Or the arrows of Cupid hit your chest?


Sleeping on a petal,
Of golden lotus,
Hey! Young lady of kanva tapovana,
Whose lovable jasmin are you?
Whose young bride are you?

15. Name of trainee    : SILPA MOHAN

Film                             :MEEN
Lyrics                          :YUSUF ALI KECHERI
Music                           :DEVARAJAN

This is an extremely popular song, full of energy and feeling. The writer dissects the emotional and physical side of sex intelligently and erotically. Throughout the song an intense and passionate emotion is conveyed.

Transliteration

Ullasapoothirikal kannilaninjavale
Unmaadatenalakal chundilaninjavale
Raagam neeyallo thaalam neeyallo
Ennathma sangeetha shilpam neeyallo [Ullasa]
Vaa malayajasurabhila pulakithanimishamithe
Nee thaa manasija madukana manupamarathilathike [2]
Madhuvaahini mathimohini
Yekanthaswapnathin threri vaa
En manassin paanapaathram nee nukaraan vaa
Nin ponchiri then manjari
Va va va sakhi vaa [Ullasa]
Nee asulabha madhumaya nava mrithu kusumadalam
Ee njaan anudinamathiloru sahridaya mani shalabham[2]
Suravaahini sughadaayini
Aarorum choodatha poove nee vaa
Poothunilkum ponkinavin nandanathil vaa
Nin neelmizhi vintharamaayi
Va va va sakhi vaa [Ullasa]
Translation

Oh! My darling, your eyes twinkle with the light of joy.
Oh! Girl your lips bear the waves of ecstasy,
You are the melody, you are the rhythm,
You are the musical statue of my soul.

You come to me my sweetheart,
in this rarest moment of ecstasy,
when the wind spreads the fragrance of sandalwood..
Give me the moon-lit honey drop,
Oh! Unique tendril of lust!
Oh! Carrier of honey!  Epitome of beauty!
Come to me,in a chariot of lonely dream,
And drink from the vessel of my mind.

You are the new, soft petal
Of a rarest honey-filled flower.
In that I am a sensible butterfly everyday..
Oh! Carrier of Manna, who always gives pleasure!
Come, my ever-embellished flower,
Whose blue eyes mirror the stars in the sky.
Come to my blooming pleasure-garden of golden dreams.


16. Name of trainee    : LEKSHMI.S
Film                             : ENTE GRAMAM
Music                           :VIDYADHARAN
Lyrics                          :SREEMOOLA NAGARAM  VIJAYAN


The lover praises the eternal and immortal qualities of love and beauty. He compares her lady to a musk-deer, a beautiful stream, a glowing lamp,  and to a mythological figure- Damayanthi. Thus, beauty and purity are the main concerns.

Transliteration

Kalpantha kalatholam kathare neeyen munnil
Kalhara haravumay nilkkum..
Kalpantha kalatholam kathare neeyen munnil
Kalhara haravumay nilkkum..
Kalyanaroopanakum kannante karaline
Kavarnna radhikayeppole..
Kavarnna radhikayeppole..(Kalpantha)

Kannatachalumente kanmunnilozhukunna
Kalloliniyallo nee...(Kannatachalumente)
Kanmadappoovitarnnal Kalivirunnorukkunna
Kasthurimanallo nee...
Kasthurimanallo nee...(Kalpantha)

Karppoorameriyunna kathirmandapathile
Karthika vilakkanu nee...(Karppoora)
Kadanakavyam pole kaliyarangil kanda
Kathirmayi damayanthi nee..
Kathirmayi damayanthi nee..(Kalpantha)





Translation

Oh, my coy darling,
You will stand in front of me,
Until the end of this world,
With a garland of lotus.
Like Radhika-who stole the heart of  Lord Krishna.
                                           (Oh, my ..)

Even after I close my eyes,
You will appear before me
And flow like  a stream..
You are my musk-deer,
Who prepares a feast,
When the rock-flower blooms..
                                            (Oh my..)

You are the  glowing lamp of Pleiad –fest,
Placed in a decorated dais for wedding,
Where camphor lights burn…
 Like a parody of misery, I saw you in the stage,
There you become the dramatic heroine -Damayathi..
(Oh my…)

17. Name of trainee      : ASWATHY.S.S
Film                               : CHRISTIAN BROTHERS
Music                             :DEEPAK DEV
Lyrics                            :KAITHAPRAM

This song directs us to the joy, ecstasy, and excitement of romantic love-affairs. Some of  the subtle and funny aspects of love-making are presented through a fresh point of view. The joyous mood of  enjoyment  is clearly conveyed.

Transliteration

Moham kondal innethu pennum poochaye pole
Pathiye pathiye athu paal pathram kudich vattikkum (2)
Mizhikalil naanam mozhikalil naanam
ithakave naanam
Ante nadayilum naanam nilayilum naanam
ithadimudiyoru naanam
Pani neer nilaavin poomazha
Anuraagalola yaamini
Ithu hridayam nirayum nimisham
(Moham kondal.)
Njan illa illa illa ennoru naatyam kaanikkum
Ini koode poru poru nee ennishtam bhaavikkum
Nee ente kinavennente kurumbenn ennellam konjikkum
Oli koodi koodi koodittavale koode nadathikkum
Madhuram thiru madhuram pola
Madhuvudhuvith madhuram pola
Onniniyoru kaalam paadam njan
Ee hridayam nirayum daaham
(Moham kondal..)

Njan ellam ellam ellam ennoru thonnal thonnikkum
Njan pora pora pora ennoru poothiri kathikkum
Nee ennaval ennum nallaval ennum punnaram chollum
Avan avalod avalod avalodaliyum sneha nilaavakum

Evide nee evide karale
Nee eviden kavithe parayu
Nee ezhuthiya gaanam paadamo
Nin hridayam kaviyum gaanam
Moham kondal innethoraalum poochaye pole
Pathiye pathiye athu paal pathram kudich vattikkum
Pani neer nilaavin poomazha
Anuraagalola yaamini
Ithu hridayam nirayum nimisham
(Moham kondal..)
Translation

When desire strikes, every girl is like a cat
 It will empty the milk tumbler slowly(2)
there is coyness in her bashful eyes,
In her timid words
in every footstep she makes..
In  every posture she takes..
There is coyness all around her

There is a shower of rose water  in this  moonlit night
And the night is filled with romance
It's the moment that fills our heart (When desire)

She will pretend, “Nay, I won’t”,
She will fondly feign, “Come with me”,
she will pamper, “You are my dream, my naughty darling”,
And her craving  will make her walk beside him ..
Honeymoon days are sweet, sweet  like manna,
I'll sing a song now that fills my heart
 (When desire)

she will feel that he is her world,
He will pamper her by saying “You are mine ..you are the best”
He'll become the moonlight of love that dissolves in her
Where are you, my dear.. my sweet melody..
Can you sing it for me, the song that fills your heart
(When  desire)

18. Name of trainee      : NAYANA NARAYANAN
Film                               : INAPRAVUKAL
Music                             :DAKSHINA MOORTHY
Lyrics                            :VAYALAR
The lover merrily addresses his lady-love, comparing her to a black-bird, which sings beautifully. The bird is described as the “Princess of Crows”, which indicates the Cuckoo. He passionately  tells the bird to adorn herself  to join her Groom  in the wedding  pavilion.

Transliteration

Kakka thamburatti karutha manavatti 
Koodevide koodevide
Kootin inayalle konchum mozhiyalle
Koode varu koode varu

Vellaram kunnirangi vannatte
Ninte pullankuzhal enikk thannatte
Kattarin kadavathu kannadi kadavath
Kalivachu pattu padi parannatte
                     (kakka thamburatti)

Puthan pudava njoriunjatte
Kathil mukkooti kammal eduthanijatte
Kalli penne ninte kannadi cherukkante
Kalyana panthalil vannirunnatte
(kakka thamburatti)

Translation

Oh Princess of Crows, Oh Black Bride,
Where is your nest? Where is your nest?
Oh dear, with a coquettish voice,
Where is your mate?
come with me, dear, come with me…(Oh Princess..)


Come to me, ascending the white-stoned hill,
And give me your flute..
Fly, singing your boat-song,
In the banks of the mirror like stream,,(Oh Princess..)

Oh, naughty girl,
Wear new attire, and cute earrings..
Come and sit beside your groom,
Near the decorated wedding dais..       (Oh Princess..)

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  *

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Good attempt...!

venugopal said...

came across this blog while browsing.... This made my day.

poochakutty said...

great work sir, hats off to you.. can you please translate the malayalam song "oru chempaneer pooviruthu" too please..

N said...

i'm very happy and impressed to come across this blog... good work... keep it up... I would really appreciate if you could translate these two old songs for me and upload please... 1: oru pushpam maathramen 2. thamasamenthe varuvaan

Unknown said...

Delighted and thankful to have found this blog. God bless.

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