Actor, filmmaker and politician, Marudur Gopalan Ramachandran, popularly known as M.G.R., was a cultural icon. Apart from his acting skills and catchy dialogues he has gifted us with many beautiful songs.
On his 101st birth anniversary, here is our pick of five of his best songs that have stood the test of time.
Naalai namadhe
Naalai namadhe (1975)
Anbu Malargalae Nambi Irungalae,
Nalai Namadhae intha Nalum Namadhae
Dharmam Ulagilae...Irukum Varaiyillae,
Nalai Namadhae Intha Nalum Namadhae
Affectionate flowers, please believe
Tomorrow is ours, so is today
In a just world...until you live
Tomorrow is ours so is today
Kana pona pokkile kaal pogalaama
Panam Padaithavan (1965)
Kan poana poakkilae kaal poagalaamaa? kaal poana poakkilae manam poagalaamaa?
Is it right for the legs to go where ever the eyes wander to?
Is it right for the heart to go where ever the legs take it to?
Accham enbadhu madamayada
Mannathi Mannan (1960)
Acham enbathu madamaiyada
anjaamai dravidar udamaiyadaaaa
anjaamai dravidar udamaiyada,
Living in fear is foolishness, being fearless is the hallmark (wealth) of the Dravidians,
Don’t fear death, you could die at the age of six or at one hundred,
But more importantly, it is your duty to protect your motherland,
Ennathan nadakum
Panathottam (1963)
Ennadhaan nadakkum nadakkattumae
Iruttinil needhi maraiyattumae
Thannaalae veli varum thayangaadhe
Oru thalaivan irukkiraan mayangaadhe
Let whatever that happens,
happen Justice may be overshadowed by the darkness,
Things will come to limelight by themselves,
don’t fret! There is a leader (God), so do not be bewildered
Naan Aanayitaal
Enga veetu pillai (1965)
Naan Aanai Itaal
Athu Nadanthu Vitaal
Ingu Yezhaigal Vethanai Padamaatar
Uyir Ulla Varai
Oru Thunbam Illai
Avar Kaneer Kadalile Vizha Maataar
If I make a command,
And that happens,
The poor will never feel unhappy.
Until they live,
Without any trouble,
They will not fall into an ocean of tears.