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 🙂

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 71 – Chinna Thaayaval

Chinna Thaayaval is one of the iconic and most popular Amma Song in Tamil Cinema and it is set in Charukesi raga which is predominantly used for devotion. Whoever listened to this song might feel devotional, sad, or a mix of both. It’s such a haunting song that evokes a lot of emotion.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 70 – Amma Endrazhaikaadha

If most of Tamil Cinema and people like me who grew up listening to this song put our Mother on a pedestal this song singlehandedly did that thing. The most popular Mother Sentiment song ever made in the History of Cinema is this and despite all these years this song is still popular and widely celebrated and no one can claim it otherwise.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 69 – Amma Amma

Amma Amma is the third song being featured in this series from Uzhaipaali this song appears at a very interesting point in the film and there are two versions of this song one by SPB and the female version by Sunanda. Such a haunting song in the way it was sung.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 68 – Putham pudhu Poo poothadho

Thalapathi is one of the iconic films not only in Thalaivar Rajni’s career but also to Mani Ratnam and also to Tamil cinema. Whenever this film comes up most times Chinna Thaayaval will be the first song that’ll flash into our heads to that iconic break-up scene and the tune will flash into our eyes or the ever-soothing Yamunai Aatrile or Kaatukuyilu Manasukkula will be our favorites, however,