This is the following list of the remaining songs composed by M.S. Viswanathan and his talented professional partner, T.K. Ramamurthi, based on the Hindustani raag, Bilaskhan-i Todi:
‘Tharai Mel Pirakkavaidhan ……’ from the MGR- B.Saroja Devi hit film, ‘Padagotti’ (1964). Written by Sakthi Krishnaswami, it was produced by G.N. Velumani for his unit Saravana Films. The colour film was directed by Tatineni Prakash Rao.
‘Aaru Manamey Aaru …..,’ a hit song from the box office success, ‘Andavan Kattalai’ (1964), starred Sivaji Ganesan and Devika and was directed by K Shankar.
‘Aaaru manamey…..’ was sung by T.M. Soundararajan and filmed on Sivaji Ganesan.
‘Pallakku Vanga Ponen….,’ a popular song from the successful ‘Panakkaara Kudumbam.’ This sad song had lyrics by Kannadasan, sung by T.M. Soundararajan and filmed on MGR. The cast included B. Saroja Devi, R.S. Manohar and Nagesh and was made by Ramanna.
‘Naan Anaittal Adhu Nandathuvittal’…. is from the hit movie ‘Enga Vettu Pillai (1965). It was directed by Tapi Chanakya and had Kannadasan as the lyricist. In this song MGR outlines his philosophy, beliefs and theories. In theatres, during the screening people clapped after every line in the song!
Of the remaining songs in Bilaskhan-I-Todi, some were composed solely by MSV after he parted company with T.K. Ramamurthi. Out of them, one requires special mention.
‘Ammammaa Kaatruvandhu Aadai…’ became popular and was from ‘Vennira Aadai’ (1965). Kannadasan penned the lyrics, and the singer was P. Susheela. It was produced and directed by C.V. Sridhar. The film saw J. Jayalalithaa’s debut as a heroine.
The film also introduced two other major stars, Srikanth and Nirmala, apart from comedy star Murthi. They were identified with the film so much that the words ‘Vennira Aadai’ became prefixed to their names.
