Vaali was a consummate poet of the Tamil world. His poetry went beyond lyrics for Tamil cinema. His poems told the story of Ramayanam, Mahabharatham in lucid Tamil to the young generation of readers. Photo: The Hindu
Tamil film industry beckoned him in the 1960s. With the active support of legendary actor-turned-chief minister MGR, Vaali made a mark in the industry. Photo: The Hindu
Vaali continued to attract the next generation film goers by penning lyrics to actors such as Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan. The superstar of Tamil cinema Rajnikanth with lyricist Vaali at a music release function in Chennai. Photo: The Hindu
Veteran actor Nagesh (right) was the catalyst in making the career of Vaali. Vaali was staying in a lodge, with Nagesh, in the next room, when he was looking for a break in Tamil filmdom. Photo: The Hindu
Vaali seen with his wife Ramani Thilagam during a feliciation function in Chennai. They have a son. Photo: The Hindu
Though widely presumed as rivals in the profession, Vaali and Kannadasan respected each other. While Vaali once said that Kannadasan’s lines from a song ''Mayakkama Kalakkaama" changed his mindset and became a turning point in his life, Kannadasan announced Vaali as his heir-apparent. Photo: The Hindu
The evergreen lyrics penned by Vaali was metamorphosed into classic songs by the music duo Viswanathan - Ramamurthy. Here Vaali is seen chatting with M.S. Viswanathan during a function. Photo: The Hindu
Music duo Viswanathan-Ramamurthy made Vaali's songs into evergreen classic and popular among Tamil people. The picture shows Vaali in a happier moment with music director Ramamurthy. Photo: The Hindu
After the Viswanathan-Ramamurthy duo, Vaali joined hands with Ilayaraaja to give some timeless classics such as Amma endru azhaikkadha uyir illaye and nalam vaazha ennalum en vaazhthukkal. Photo: The Hindu
Lalitha Bharathi, grand daughter of Mahakavi Bharathiar, presenting the 'Bharathi Award' to Vaali at a function held at Bharathi memorial in Chennai. Photo: The Hindu