The Queen of Music... Review on Five Best Songs of Vani Jayaram

Her voice is as clear as white crystal. It is sweeter than honey and if I can choose a definition for perfection, I would define it as something that comes close to, yet falls short of describing Vani s golden voice. Vani s musical notes had a stamp of class, clarity and above all, a feeling of fulfillment to the inner being of the listener. A legend that she is, Vani was always captivated by music itself rather than name, fame, awards or money.

Like a child that tries to identify the sweetest piece in a packet of chocolates, I have tried to pick up a few songs of this lady who brought a sense of insecurity even in Lata Mangeshkar.

I never had a number in mind – I just picked up those that appealed to me the most….

Song: Ezhu Swarangalukkul

Film: Aboorva Raagangal( 1975)

A lovely song that blends classical and commercial music together. I was perhaps two years old when I heard this song first time and I cannot recollect an event earlier than that in my life. The lyrics of the song, typical to a K Balachander film, fits the situation of the movie with an amazing precision. The song brought her a national award and she found a unique place for herself in tamil music.

My favourite lines are

Namakendru boomiyile kadamaigal undu

Adhai namakaaga nam kaiyaal seivadhu nandru

( We have our mission to complete and it is better we do it ourselves and do it well, for our own benefit)

Song: Megame Megame

Film: Paalaivanacholai( 1982)

Vani probes the limits of turnings and melody in this romantic song. Subtle yet expressive of a woman s heart, the icing of this song is the line where the lady proposes to the man who captured her heart with the line

Enakoru malar maalai nee vaanga vendum….( You should buy me a garland of flowers.)

Vani emotes the feelings of the lover in her voice to such an extent that the listener can actually feel the love the lady has for her man.

Song: Malligai Mullai Poo Pandhal

Film: Anbe Aaruyre(1973)

This song describes the wedding arrangements and proceedings to the finest detail, by the bride herself. Vani s asset is her clarity and sweetness, which she combines with her ability express the emotions of the character / role . This best part of the song is the wonderful way it presents the feelings of the bride about her first night with her man through the lines

Palliyin vaasal kadhavadaithu

Panjanai paingili kai anaithu

Velli mulaikum veali varai

Solli mudippom kadhal kadhai( With the door of the holy abode closed, as he holds my hands, we will script a story of love till dawn)

Song: Malligai En Mannan mayangum

Film: Dheergasumangali

This song would be the dream of every man, who wants the love of his life to sing a song for him. I can write a full review on this song alone. To keep it short, this song is the ultimate expression of romance by the lady for her partner. I may have to list every line in this song as my favourite line, so I shall refrain from doing that .

Song: Edhu Sugam Sugam Adhu( Duet with S P Balasubramanium)

Film: Vandicholai chinraasu( 1992)

The music, the emotion and the combination of voices of two greatest singers the nation has seen make this song an ever green memory. Vani and SPB match each other note for note, tune to tune in this lovely song that expresses the love a couple have for each other.

The familiar feeling of time coming to a standstill when separated from the lover and 24 hours a day being short when together is wonderfully captured in the lines

Koodum neram sila yugangal kanangal aagum

Neengum neram sila kanangal yugangal aagum

Great singer do not just sing, but also express the emotions through their voice. Legends like Vani take it a step ahead by making the listener feel the emotion and also act the emotion. Vani redefined the rules of film music with her sweet and crystal clear voice and to her diehard fans like me, Vani has been a religion by herself and will always remain the unchallenged queen of our hearts.