Mayamalavagowla Raga - Tamil songs in Mayamalavagowla, the harmonious raga.

Dubbed as the easiest raga to learn, Mayamalavagowla is the raga that is used to introduce beginners to Carnatic music. This harmonious raga has been extensively used in many Tamil film songs. There are songs that have happy tones and then there are songs that have melancholic undertones. Nevertheless, this is a joyful raga that is easy on the ears and an absolute cakewalk for singers. My favourite classical composition in this raga is Thyagaraja's ethereal kirtan Tulasi Dalamulache.  Let us see some Tamil movie songs composed in Mayamalavagowla raga.

The ancient composition Govinda Varadha Srihari Gopala from the lost Tamil film Thukkaram that released way back in 1938. This movie featured the Carnatic singer Musiri Subramaniam Iyer. Composed by Susarla Dakshinamurthy, the peppy dance number Azhagaana Ponnu Naan from the movie Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum. Bhanumathi Ramakrishna's effortless singing would have elevated the sensuousness of the number. Another wonderful composition is from Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy duo. The song Kallellam Manickka Kallaguma from the movie Alayamani is a perfect example of Mayamalavagowla. Sung by T.M. Soundarrajan and L.R. Eswari, this is one of those rare numbers where this delightful raga is heard in its purest form.

Ilaiyaraaja's foray into this raga began with the composition Andhapurathil Oar Maharani from the 1977 Sivaji Ganesan movie Dheepam. And then he started composing some mesmerizing numbers in Mayamalavagowla. Some of the popular songs include Kaadhal Kavidhaigal Padithidum from Gopura Vaasalile, Poongathave Thaazhthiravai from Nizhalgal (such a beautiful semi-classical composition) and Nandri Sollave Unakku from Udan Pirappu. There are also many innovative Ilaiyaraaja compositions in this raga which include the devotional Maariyamma Maariyamma from Karagaattakaaran and Poova Eduthu from Amman Kovil Kizhakkale. Though there are many more songs to name, these are some of the astounding numbers in Mayamalavagowla.

A.R. Rahman indulged this raga in its purest form in Hai Rama Yeh Kya Hua (Hai Rama Oar Varama in Tamil) from the movie Rangeela and the song Sollayo Solaikili (Sunta Hai Mera Khuda in Hindi) from the movie Alli Arjuna. The song Konjum Mainakale from the movie Kandukondain Kandukondain too has traces of this raga and the most recent composition Oh Nanba Nanba (a catchy foot-tapping introduction song for Superstar Rajnikanth) from Lingaa is based on this raga. 

Other songs in Mayamalavagowla are:

1. Solladi Abirami from Adhiparasakthi

2. Andhi Varum Neram from Mundhanai Mudichu by Ilayaraja

3. Enga Ooru Laila Laila from Karagattakaari  by Ilayaraja

4. Idho Idho En Nenjile from Vattathukkul Sathuram

5. Kuyila Pudichu from Chinnathambi  by Ilayaraja

6. Manadhil Urudhi Vendum from Manadhil Urudhi Vendum  

7. Maasaru Ponne Varuga from Thevar Magan  by Ilayaraja

8. Sivagami Nenapinile from Kili Petchu Ketkava  by Ilayaraja

9. Uyire Uyire Urugadhe from Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam

Sankarabharanam Raga - Tamil songs in Sankarabharanam, the classically-rich raga.

Raga Sankarabharanam is usually associated with pure classical songs. Lots of Thyagaraja Kirtans and other varnams are composed in this raga. This raga has a royal touch to it and hence songs composed in this raga are sure to stay in your playlists for a long time. Film music composers too embedded this raga in many of their compositions. Especially there are lots of Ilaiyaraaja songs in this raga which we will see in this post.

Though Sankarabharanam is not used in its unadulterated state, traces of this raga can be heard in many film songs. One of the oldest compositions which is the ideal example of this raga is the song Chandrodhayam from the 1942 fantasy movie Kannagi. This song was composed by musician S.V. Venkatraman. Another beautiful song which displays the elegance of Sankarabharanam is the song Omkara Naadhanu from the Carnatic-music based Telugu movie Shankarabharanam. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam and S. Janaki rendered the mellifluous tune flawlessly and K.V. Mahadevan's composition is still a huge hit with classical music lovers. 

Moving on to Ilaiyaraaja's compositions, there are famous songs composed in Sankarabharanam raga. His earliest number in this raga was Indha Minminiku Kannil Oru from the 1978 Kamal Hassan starrer Sigappu Rojakkal. This sensuous romantic melody has Sankarabharanam playing hide-and-seek in many lines. Then came the popular song Germaniyin Senthen Malare from the movie Ullasa Paravaigal. Once again, this was a chirpy romantic melody in the evergreen voices of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam and S. Janaki. K.S. Chitra's ultimate song Kuzhaloodhum Kannanukku from Mella Thiranthathu Kadhavu is a quintessential example of Sankarabharanam. Mamavukku Kuduma Kuduma from Punnagai Mannan is a foot-tapping number with traces of this raga. Another peppy song is Pudhu Mappillaikku from the 1989 hit Aboorva Sagodharargal, which is an innovative composition. There have been intricate fusion compositions like Poove Ilaiye Poove from Kozhi Koovuthu (sung sonorously by Malaysia Vasudevan) and Pudhucheri Katcheri from Singaravelan. 

Ada Veetukku Veetukku and Pacha Malai Poovu from Kizhakku Vaasal are songs with a folksy touch. Vachikkava Unna Mattum from Nallavanuku Nallavan, Podi Nadaiya Ponavare from Kadalora Kavidhaigal and Per Vechalum Vekkama from Michael Madana Kamarajan are totally folk numbers which are based on this raga. The ever-popular song Kanmani Anbodu from the Kamal Hassan movie Guna is a wonderful example of Sankarabharanam. Two beautiful songs from the movie Chembaruthi have this raga as their base - Nila Kaayum Neram and Pattu Poove Mettu Paadu. Ilaiyaraaja has composed a heart-melting pathos Thene Thenpandi Meene from the movie Udhaya Geetham.

A.R. Rahman has also used Sankarabharanam in his very first composition Chinna Chinna Aasai from Roja. Neethan En Desiya Geetham from Paarthale Paravasam begins with Sankarabharanam and steers towards Hamir Kalyani and Behag. Music composer Deva has adopted this raga for the beautiful melody Pulveli Pulveli from Aasai. 

Other amazing songs in this Sankarabharanam raga from Tamil Cinema:

1. Aadungal Paadungal from Guru

2. Alapol Velapol from Ejamaan

3. April Mayile from Idhayam

4. Dhillubar Jaane from Kalaignan

5. Maalai En Vedhanai from Sethu

6. Malayala Karaiyoram from Rajadhi Raja

7. Paadi Va Thendrale from Kokkarako

8. Apdi Paakuradhellam from Ivan

9. Singaara Pennoruthi from Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam

Check out other ragas and their Tamil songs here:

1. Abheri Raga

2. Charukesi Raga

3. Mohanam Raga

4. Kalyani and Hamir Kalyani Raga

5. Gowri Manohari Raga

6. Sindhu Bhairavi Raga

Sindhu Bhairavi raga - Tamil songs from the heartwarming Sindhu Bhairavi raga.

Sindhu Bhairavi Raga:

If there is a raga that is heartwarming as well as exuberant, it is sure to be Sindhu Bhairavi. This mellifluous raga is said to move even mountains. There are many popular film songs composed in this raga. What's more? There was also a movie named Sindhu Bhairavi, which became a cult classic as years passed by.

Let me begin an assessment of this raga by quoting my favourite classical song. It is the breezy Venkatachala Nilayam composed by Purandaradasa. There are many versions of this song, but my favourite is the modern one sung by Vijay Prakash. You can listen to it here to get a grip of how beautiful Sindhu Bhairavi raga is:

Coming to film songs, the oldest composition in this raga is from the 1943 movie Sivakavi. The song Vadhaname Chandra Bimbamo, composed by Papanasam Sivan and rendered by M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar. Other famous evergreen compositions are from the 1945 movie Meera. Brindavanathil Kannan Valarndha and Kaatrinile Varum Geetham. Sung wonderfully by Bharat Ratna awardee M.S. Subbulakshmi, these songs are perfect examples of the pleasant Sindhu Bhairavi. Another popular song is Mahakavi Bharathiyar's Theerathu Vilaiyaattu Pillai (sung by legend D.K. Pattammal) from the 1948 movie Vedhala Ulagam. In Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy combination, Vaarayen Thozhi Vaarayo from Pasamalar is an ideal exemplary of Sindhu Bhairavi raga. Another famous song of the combo is Aaru Maname from Aandavan Kattalai. M.S. Viswanathan alone indulged in Sindhu Bhairavi in some of his beautiful songs like Unakenna Mele Nindraai from Simla Special (the classical jathis and charanams display the raga's purest form) and Raman Ethanai Ramanadi from Lakshmi Kalyanam.

In the 80s, Ilaiyaraaja took over the reins and composed some astounding songs in this raga, the best one being Valai Osai from the movie Sathya. Of course, Naan Oru Sindhu from Sindhu Bhairavi movie is also based on this raga, where K.S. Chitra's voice perfectly complements the raga. One of the brilliant instances of Sindhu Bhairavi is seen in Madha Un Kovilil from Achaani and Muthu Mani Maalai from Chinna Goundar. Other amazing Ilaiyaraaja compositions include Shenbagame Shenbagame from Enga Ooru Paatukaran (subtly rendered by Mano and Asha Bhosle in their respective versions) and Oru Naalum Unnai from Superstar Rajnikanth's Ejamaan. My personal favourite is the heartwarming Keladi Kanmani from Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal.

Though these composers used this raga extensively, it was A.R. Rahman who took it to the next level with his mind-blowing compositions. His flawless usage of Sindhu Bhairavi is seen in Maargazhi Thingal Allava from Sangamam (sung beautifully by S. Janaki) and Enge Enadhu Kavidhai from Kandukondein Kandukondein in the mellifluous voice of K.S. Chitra. Traces of Sindhu Bhairavi can be seen in Taal Se Taal song from Taal, though the song is completely based on Bhairavi raga. Other Rahman compositions include Nenjinile from Uyire (Hindi version Jiya Jale), Kulirudhu Kulirudhu from Taj Mahal and the recent number Punnagaye (parts sung by Shashaa Tirupati) from 2016 movie 24.

Ivan Dhana from Saamy, composed by Harris Jayaraj, also has Sindhu Bhairavi in it. 

Other noteworthy songs in Sindhu Bhairavi are:

1. Ennai Yaarendru from Paalum Pazhamum

2. Kalyana Saapadu from Major Chandrakanth

3. Thiruthani Muruga from Neelagiri Express

4. Aattama Therottama from Captain Prabhakaran

5. Vanithamani from Vikram

6. Vaanile Thenila from Kaaki Sattai

7. Poongatru from Moondram Pirai

8. Mani Osai from Payanangal Mudivadhillai

9. Enna Satham Indha Neram from Punnagai Mannan

10. Maane Thene from Udhaya Geetham

11. Aalolam Padi from Aavaram Poo

12. Nilave Mugam Kaatu from Ejamaan

13. Nilavu Paatu from Kannukkul Nilavu

Abheri Raga:
http://musicalltheway-music.blogspot.com/2018/03/abheri-popular-raga-songs-in-abheri.html

Charukesi Raga:
http://musicalltheway-music.blogspot.com/2018/03/charukesi-raga-tamil-songs-in-charukesi.html

Mohanam Raga:
http://musicalltheway-music.blogspot.com/2018/03/mohanam-raga-tamil-songs-in-mohanam.html

Kalyani Raga:
http://musicalltheway-music.blogspot.com/2018/03/songs-in-kalyani-and-hamir-kalyani.html

Gowri Manohari Raga:
http://musicalltheway-music.blogspot.com/2018/03/gowri-manohari-tamil-songs-in-gowri.html

Songs in Kalyani and Hamir Kalyani, the soulful ragas.

Today, I am combining two ragas in this post. Kalyani and Hamir Kalyani. Kalyani raga is generally considered as The Queen of Carnatic Ragas, while Hamir Kalyani is janya ragam of Kalyani. That is, Hamir Kalyani is derived from Kalyani. Both these ragas have famous kirtans, varnams and bhajans. They have also been incorporated in film music from the golden era. They have a lullaby-like touch to them which makes them the best raga to compose mellifluous songs. Let us see some examples of film songs composed in Kalyani and Hamir Kalyani raga. Kalyani raga is known as Yaman in Hindustani and Hamir Kalyani is known as Kedar.

The first Tamil song to release in this raga was Sinthanai Sei Maname from the 1957 movie Ambikapathy. Composed by G. Ramanathan, this song was beautifully rendered by the legend T.M. Soundarrajan. In the 1967 Sivaji Ganesan starrer Thiruvarutchelvar, a wonderful song named Mannanvan Vandhaanadi Thozhi has Kalyani in its purest form. This song was crooned melodiously by nightingale P. Susheela and composed by K.V. Mahadevan. Another evergreen composition is Viswanthan-Ramamoorthy's Madhuraiyil Parandha song from the 1967 movie Poova Thalaiya. Hamir Kalyani raga was rarely used in yesteryear compositions. One stand out song is En Uyir Thozhi from the movie Karnan. This was also a Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy composition and it was rendered by P. Susheela.

Ilaiyaraaja used Kalyani raga meticulously in many of his compositions. His famous composition Amma Endru Azhaikaadha from Superstar Rajnikanth movie Mannan is based on Kalyani. Being an auspicious raga, Ilaiyaraaja used it in his devotional composition Janani Janani from Thai Mookambikai. Of course, the ebullient Kalaivaaniye Sindhu Bhairavi movie also has this raga flowing throughout the number. Another pleasant and recent composition is the song Kaatril Varum Geethame from the 2006 movie Oru Naal Oru Kanavu. Other popular songs include Nadhiyil Aadum from Kaadhal Oviyam, Nirpathuve Nadapathuve from Bharathi, Sundari Kannal Oru Seidhi from Thalapathy, and Vandhaal Mahalakshmiye from Uyarndha Ullam. Ilaiyaraaja also used Hamir Kalyani in his compositions, but not as frequent as Kalyani. Some of his famous songs which have traces of Hamir Kalyani are Kaadhal Oviyam Kanden from Kavikuyil and Kai Veenaiyai from Vietnam Colony.

A.R. Rahman is staunch opposite to Ilaiyaraaja in the usage of these ragas. He has incorporated Hamir Kalyani more in his compositions. One of the beautiful songs is Malargale Malargale from the movie Love Birds. Though the song is also infused with another raga, it is a good example for Hamir Kalyani. Mellisonant voices of Hariharan and K.S. Chitra elevate the mood of the song. Other mellifluous Rahman songs include Kaiyil Midhakkum from Ratchagan, Swasame Swasame from Thenali, and Nila Kaaigiradhu from Indira. One can find traces of Kalyani raga in the song Suttum Vizhi Chudar from the movie Kandukondein Kandukondein.

Other songs in Kalyani are:

1. Aararo Aararo from Anand

2. Arul Thavazhum from Guru Ramana Geetham

3. Charanam Bhava Karunamayi from Sethu

4. Konjam Sangeedham Kattru Tha from Veetula Visheshanga

5. Naan Enbadhu Nee Allavo from Soorasamharam

6. Radha Azhaikkiral from Therkathi Kallan

7. Thaalatum Kaatre from Devan

8. Vellai Pura Ondru from Pudhu Kavidhai

Other songs in Hamir Kalyani are:

1. Chandrodayam Oru Pen from Chandrodhayam

2. Kaalai Paniyil from Gayathri

3. Paataale Budhi Sonnar from Karagaatakaaran

Gowri Manohari - Tamil songs in Gowri Manohari, the divine raga.

Gowri Manohari raga is a spiritual raga which brings in a sense of calmness to the listener. This is the perfect raga to be played during rituals at home and devotional festivals in temples. There are some soulful melodies in Tamil films which have been composed using this raga. In fact, this is one of the favourite ragas of Ilaiyaraaja and he has based many of his songs on this raga. 

Gowri Manohari - list of Tamil songs in Gowri manohari and more about the raga

Charukesi raga - Tamil songs in Charukesi, the mesmerizing raga.

Charukesi is a heart-melting raga that is used in melodious compositions. Right from the 50s, this beautiful raga has been used to compose songs that render a feel of pathos as well as warm the hearts of the listeners. Though this raga is extensively used in Classical music, it was adopted by music composers to provide a classical touch to their songs. Charukesi's charm was popularized by many film songs and it is used even in today's compositions.

The first song to have Charukesi as its base was Manmadha Leelaiyai song from the movie Haridas. Composed by Papanasam Sivan, this song was rendered flawlessly by M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar. There are many sangadhis in this song which perfectly reflect the astounding raga. Another golden number is Aadal Kaaneero song from the movie Madurai Veeran. This song was composed by G. Ramanathan and crooned meticulously by M.L. Vasanthakumari. This number too has lots of layers of sangadhis and Charukesi is heard at its purest form. Then the popular song Vasantha Mullai from the movie Sarangadhara also has Charukesi evolving from every line. Interestingly, the remix version from the 2007 movie Pokkiri also is based on this raga.

While there is the popular notion that Charukesi is best suited for mellifluous songs, there are some foot-tapping numbers which prove otherwise. The best example is M.S. Viswanathan's Azhagiya Tamizh Magal Ival from the movie Rickshawkaaran. When it comes to the 80s era, Charukesi wasn't left behind. Ilaiyaraaja used this raga beautifully in his evergreen compositions. Songs like Aadal Kalaiye from Sri Raghavendra, Thoodhu Selvadhaaradi from Singaaravelan, and Mayanginen Solla Thayanginen from Naane Raja Naane Mandri. Music composer Deva indulged this raga in the playful romantic number Engengey Engengey from the movie Nerukku Ner. Sung by Asha Bhosle and Hariharan, this song had a rich classical feel to it, despite being a fast-paced melody.

A.R.Rahman, too, used Charukesi in some of his soothing compositions. The best one is Udhaya Udhaya from the movie Udhaya. This sangadhi-filled number was perfectly rendered by Hariharan and Sadhana Sargam. Another soulful song is Yedho Yedho from Enakku 20 Unakku 18 movie. Karthik and Gopika Poornima's voices flow like honey along with this heartwarming raga. In Bollywood, the song Ahista Ahista from Swades has traces of Charukesi in it.

Some of the new-age songs like Thaiyya Tha from Thiruttu Payale and Nenjil Nenjil from Engeyum Kaadhal are good examples of Charukesi raga.

Other Tamil songs based on this mesmerizing raga are:

1. Amma Nee Sumandha Pillai from Annai Oar Aalayam

2. Maapillai Ragasiyam Sollava from Arangetram

3. Muthuthaaragai from Oru Kai Osai

4. Kaadhalin Deepam Ondru from Thambikku Entha Ooru

5. Siriya Paravai from Andha Oru Nimidam

6. Chinnajiru Kiliye from Mundhaanai Mudichu

7. Manamaalayum Manjalum from Vaathiyaar Veetu Pillai

Abheri - The popular raga. Songs in Abheri

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

Keeravani Raga - Tamil songs in Keeravani, the endearing raga.

Hi, friends. One of my favorite ragas is Keeravani. It is the 21st Melakarta ragam and its quite popular in western music as well. It is known as Harmonic minor scale in western music. Many songs have been composed in this raga. Most of Ilaiyaraja's compositions are in this raga.

One such song is Oru Kili Uruguthu song from Anandha Kummi movie. Its a beautiful as well as an innovative composition by Ilaiyaraja in Keeravani ragam. Then, of course the song Keeravani from Paadum Paravaigal is also based on Keeravani raga. Its my favorite song as the fluctuations of the high & low notes are well composed. We can hear the Carnatic touch relevant throughout the song. Another great composition by our Maestro. The popular song Unna Nenachen from Apoorva Sagodharargal is also another example of this raga. The song won a National Award. That makes us believe that Keeravani is obviously a beautiful raga.

Read my full post and the songs list in below link:
Keeravani raga - Tamil songs in Keeravani raga