From a journalist to poet to lyricist, Palanibharathi has come a long way. Petite and soft spoken his writings speak volumes of his concern for the society. From globalisation effects to NEET examinations, he has never failed to record his opinion. “A writer has to have social awareness and has the responsibility to pass on his knowledge to society,” he says.
Palanibharathi, who is busy working for Kamal Haasan’s Sabash Nayudu and Samuthirakani’s Aan Thevathi , shot to fame with his folk song in Pudhiya Mannargal for A.R. Rahman. The number ‘Nee Kattum Selai Madipille Naan Kasangi Ponendi’ remained one of the top chart busters for many days.
Born to Sami Palaniappan, a poet and disciple of legendary Bharathidasan, Palanibharathi’s penchant for writing poetry is nothing unusual. He belonged to a place which was also the native to great Tamil poet Kannadasan. “My father is a very close friend of Kannadasan. In fact, it was Kannadasan who took my father to Chennai and introduced him to the world of movies. But my father did not like films and preferred to work for Kannadasan’s magazine,” he says.
Growing up in an environment conducive to poetry writing, Palanibharathi developed an interest in it. His first attempt was writing rhymes for children. Unlike his father, he also liked film songs and wanted to etch his name in films. Through a friend he got an opportunity to meet director Vikraman who gave him a chance to write a song for Perumpulli . Unfortunately, the song did not appear in the movie. But the director did not want to disappoint the youngster and included Palanibharathi’s name on the title card.
His second movie was Ponvannan’s Annai Vayal . Though the songs did come out well it was not a box office hit. “Vikraman had a lot of trust in me and continued to offer movies and soon string of successes followed. My interest in journalism took me to a Tamil magazine as a sub-editor. However, I soon left the job in pursuit of greener pastures and landed in Kollywood,” he says.
Palanibharathi met director Sundar C during a casual visit to poet Arivumathi’s office. Impressed by his folk number in Pudhiya Mannargal , Sundar gave him the chance to write lyrics for all the songs in his first project Ullathai Alli Thaa . Palanibharathi struck a chord with music composer Sirpi and the combination reeled out many hits. The years 1995 to 1997 turned out to be his golden years in films and he was much sought after. “I worked in almost 100 films during that period,” he says.
‘Ennai Thalatta Varuvaalo’ in Kadhalukku Mariyadhai for maestro Ilayaraja was his next big hit. Simultaneously, he also worked for Poove Unakkaga . His lyrics for actor Vijay became so popular that he continued to write for most of Vijay’s films during that period.
Inspired by Kannadasan and Vaali, Palanibharathi always wanted to write in simple language. “Any literary piece is worth only if it reaches the audience and I keep it very simple. I don’t believe in being verbose. Take Kannadasan for instance, he always wrote in simple language and that is why he is remembered by everyone even today,” he says.
Palanibharathi likes to write folk numbers for he feels they come out straight from the heart. “One can smell the soil in those songs. Film songs are inseparable part of our life and I take extreme care while I write,” he says.
He remembers the day when he wrote the song ‘Kadavul Thantha Azhagiya Vazhvu’ for Mayavi . “It was written on the day when Tsunami struck Chennai. Usually, I get up early to write. That day I could feel the tremor. I opened the windows and people were on the streets. The incidents of that day were great inspiration for me. The song is remembered by many for the lyrics,” he says.
Palanibharathi expresses deep concern over people getting lyricists’ name wrong when it comes to giving credit to songs. “People take utmost care when they write about music composers and singers but are casual when they mention lyricists. This is nothing new as many give credit to Kannnadasan for Vaali songs,” he says.
It was Palanibharathi who laid the foundation for many young poets to enter the film industry. Many followed his footsteps. He feels that younger generation is more interested in instant fame. Many songs in latest films lack depth and sound just like a prose piece,” he says.
He has worked in more than 300 films and has penned lyrics for more than 1000 songs. He also participates in several poetry recital programmes and has released poetry anthologies including Neruppu Paarvaigal , Veli Nadappu , Mazhaippenn , Puraakkal Maraintha Iravu , Muththangkalin Pazhakkuudai , Thanimaiyil Vilaiyaadum Bommai , Thanniril Vizhuntha Veyil , Sooriyanukku Keezh Oru Vellai Kagitham , Unmeethamarntha Paravai and Vanaranjani .
His Kaatrin Kaiyezhuththu is a collection of essays on how corporate companies influence our daily lives. His poem Puthiya India (New India) is a social comment on the farmers’ issue. He is also planning to come out with an anthology of poems for children.
