From time immemorial, raga Abheri has been used in many film songs. It is a music composer's favourite raga, as it can be experimented widely. Many famous musicians have included this raga in their compositions and have brought out well-known songs in the Tamil film industry. The attractiveness of this raga still continues to be a rage today and there are traces of Abheri even in new-age songs. Now, let's delve into some celebrated songs that are composed using this raga.
The first ever song to be composed in Abheri is the evergreen Vaarai Nee Vaarai from the 1950 movie Manthiri Kumari. Composed by G. Ramanathan, this song was sung effectively by Jikki and Trichy Loganathan. This number still evokes a sense of nostalgia whenever listened to. Later, Vaarayo Vennilave from Missiamma took the music industry by storm with its simple yet heartwarming tune. A.M. Rajah and P. Leela's fruity vocals enhanced the joyful mood of this number which had Abheri at its purest. And then came the breathtaking song Malarnthum Malaratha from the Sivaji Ganesan starrer Pasamalar. This emotionally driven number indulged Abheri throughout and was well sung by T.M. Soundarrajan and P. Susheela. Other popular yesteryear compositions include the sangadhi-filled classically-rich Singara Velane Deva from Konjum Salangai, the romantic Poo Maalaiyil from Ooty Varai Uravu, and K.V. Mahadevan's semi-classical number Isaithamizh Nee Seidha from Thiruvilaiyadal.
The 80s saw a splurge of songs composed in Abheri raga. Ilaiyaraaja and Gangai Amaran used this raga abundantly and created songs that are immensely loved even now. Neela Vaana Odaiyil from Vaazhve Maayam is the perfect example for pure Abheri. Composed by Gangai Amaran, this song was beautifully rendered by the legend S.P. Balasubrahmanyam. Another quintessential melody is Naadhan En Jeevane from Kaadhal Oviyam, composed by Ilaiyaraaja and sung wonderfully by S. Janaki. Other famous compositions of Ilaiyaraaja in Abheri raga are Chinnajiru Vayadhil from Meendum Kokila, the mellifluous Poove Poochoodava from Poove Poochoodava, the joyful Megam Karukkudhu from Anandha Ragam, the amazing romantic melody Guruvaayoorappa from Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal (this number indulged some upbeat contemporary interludes in Abheri) and Un Manasula Paatu Than from Paandi Naatu Thangam.
Semi-classical numbers like M.S. Viswanathan's Raagangal Pathinaaru from Thillu Mullu (sung by S.P. Balasubrahmanyam), Vidyasagar's Kanaa Kandenadi from Parthiban Kanavu (sung by Madhu Balakrishnan) and A.R. Rahman's Kannodu Kaanbadhellam from Jeans (sung by Nithyashree Mahadevan) are marvellous examples of Abheri in its purest form. A.R. Rahman also used Abheri in the following songs: Poongatrile from Uyire (also its Hindi version Aye Ajnabi), Pachai Nirame from Alaipaayuthey (Hindi version Saathiya), Tanha Tanha from Rangeela (Tamil version Thaniye Thaniye), Kabhi Kabhi Aditi from Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and the classically rich Manmohini Morey from 2008 movie Yuvvraaj.
Harris Jayaraj, too, used Abheri effectively in his composition Unakkul Naane from Pachaikili Muthucharam. Especially the violin piece in the second interlude displayed Abheri in its unadulterated state. And Bombay Jayashri's hoarse rendition added a contemporary touch to the raga.
Other notable songs in this raga:
1. Gangai Karai Thottam from Vaanampaadi
2. Pazhamudhir Cholailyile from Kuzhandhaiyum Deivamum
3. Kuyile Kavikuyile from Kavikuyil
4. Poongaviyam Pesum Oviyam from Karpoora Mullai
5. Sindhu Nadhi Karai Oram from Nalladhoru Kudumbam
6. Rakkamma Kaiya Thattu from Thalapathi
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