Echoes of the Maestro – Song 80 – Kelade Nimageega

I was shocked to learn that Devadhai Ilam Devi from Aayiram Nilave Vaa movie was actually from the Kannada song Kelade Nimageega and the use of the songs in these two films is completely different while the Tamil version is more of a Ghost song and the Kannada original is a love song and all these

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 79 – Veene Veene

Aalolam is your 80’s Malayalam family drama which is a commentary on the decaying Village life directed by M. Mohan. Veene Veene is such a poignant song that shows the Mother’s love for her unborn child and possibly a song that would put the child to sleep. As usual, Janaki Amma brings life to this song with her rendition and Illayaraja takes it up a notch in the emotion through his music.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 78 – Yarigaagi Ee Aata

Yarigaagi Ee Aata is from the Kannada movie Bhaari Bharjari Bete, directed by Rajendra Singh Babu, which is a Western Action film. This song is set in Puriya Dhanashree, a Hindustani raga. In one of the interviews, Illayaraja mentioned that the song demanded Cabret-style music, but he didn’t want to be predictable. He gave the song a choppy and modern beat, and it was said to be unconventional in its sensibility.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 77 – Thumbi Vaa Thumbakudathin

Thumbi Vaa is yet another popular song that became so popular and loved by Balu Mahendra that he used the tune in his Hindi film Auk Ek Prem Kahani, and his Telugu film Nireekshana. Director Balki re-used the song in his Hindi film Paa. I’ll add all the different variations of the song. It is such a beautiful song that I love Janaki Amma’s version even though Sangathil Paadadha Kavidhai is the version I first listened to.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 76 – Jotheyali

Choosing to explore Illayaraja songs from different languages and not writing about Jotheyali will be the biggest sins. One of the popular songs that was loved across languages and remade in Tamil and Hindi as far as I know but not sure about other languages. I’ll loop in all the versions for you to enjoy this beautiful song.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 75 – Nanna Neenu Gellalare

Nee Nanna Gellalare is the only film of Dr. Rajkumar that had music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. Despite some of the songs becoming popular, the film was not successful and had only a 63-day theatrical run. I was surprised to find out that Dr. Rajkumar sang all the songs in this film and he really sounded good. High-time I watch his movies to know him better.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 74 – Pongi Porale Andalenno

Kotha Jeevithalu is the Telugu remake of Puthiya Vaarpugal which was first produced by Bharathiraja and Bagyaraj made his debut as a Lead actor. Kotha Jeevithalu also marks Bharathiraja’s Telugu debut along with Suhasini’s as well.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 73 – Thangaliyalli Naanu Teli Bande

Janma Janmada Anubandha is the second directional of Legendary Shankar Nag and also the second direct Kananda Film for Illayaraja. Eventhough, the song starts in an eerie tone it moves on to a different scale altogether. S. Janaki Amma brings a touch of eeriness and also the longing in her voice through this song. It is set in Gourimanohari Raaga.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 72 – Maan kidaave Nin Nenchum

Dooram Arike is the second direct Malayalam composition of Raaja and he used familiar voices of Malayalam and Tamil for all the songs. Maan kidaave Nin Nenchum even though the setup of the song seems grim the music doesn’t and is kinda soul stirring if you ask me. Do give it a listen 🙂