Tuesday, September 19, 2006

THAt's MAgically RHYming and reverberating !! (THAMARHY)

"கண் பார்த்து கதைக்க முடியாமல் நானும் தவிக்கின்ற ஒரு பெண்ணும் நீ தான்...
கண் கொட்ட முடியாமல் முடியாமல் பார்த்தும
சலிக்காத ஒரு பெண்ணும் நீ தான்
சலிக்காத ஒரு பெண்ணும் நீ தான்"

A few lines from Paartha Mudhal Naale song in Vettaiyaadu Vilayaadu. Was stuck with the way in which the lines were framed, and the way in which it was fitting into the tune as such. As if talyor made, if I am not exaggerating. Wonderful lyrics !! Needless to say, excellent music composed as well. A hot favourite number in the recent times across audiences.

A few years back, I was one amongst a million who was so curious in getting to know the name of the person who has composed the lyrics of Kaaka Kaaka. Was so eager to get to know the person behind those splendid lyrics, a sample being

"பெண்களை நிமிர்ந்தும் பார்த்திடா உன் இனிய கண்ணியம் பிடிக்குமே

கண்களை நேராய் பார்த்துதான் நீ பேசும் தோரணை பிடிக்குதே"

Was told by one of my friends that its a SHE and she is Thamarai. From that time till now have been a great fan of her's. Everyone knows and tells that Gautham Menon's movies are synonymous with Harris Jayaraj's music, but less about the silent performer - Thamarai. They three in all make an excellent team. But unfortunately Thamarai is an unsung hero.

Loads of talent in her, an example which I could quote is that she managed to write a club song (Thoothu varuma - Ramya Krishnan song) in pure Tamil, without any traces of English influence. Incredible really !!

Here are some facts / information about this awesome talent:

  • Basically from Coimbatore
  • Has chosen to write only in Tamil as a policy decision
  • She runs a Tamil School
  • "Thaai Tamil Kalvipani" - the school is the brain child of her
  • Her husband Thyagu looks after the school with her
  • Was awarded "The best lyricist award" by ITFA in 2004 for her "Ondra Renda"
  • Got the state award for her lyrics in Thenali by 2002

For sure, Thamarai has given a new dimension to the film music, and thereby to the Tamil music. I feel her lyrics definitely has some feminine touch that makes it tenderness personified. Who but a woman could have dreamed up the gorgeous "Vaseegara". It has some variety and strongly shows a demarcation from the other stereotyped lyrics.

Wishing forward to hear more such lovely lyrics in the future as well from you !!