Saroja Devi passes away: 10 iconic Tamil songs to remember the late legendary actor

The Hindu

4 days ago

When the news about the demise of veteran actor B Saroja Devi broke out earlier today, I found a fellow passenger on the Metro train humming the tune of 'Unnai Ondru Ketpen' from the actor's 1964 film Puthiya Paravai. Speak to your mother about Saroja Devi, and she would sing 'Chittu Kuruvi,' from the same film, reminiscing about the times when the 'Abhinaya Saraswathi' ruled the silverscreen.
A veteran who has starred in over 200 films in Kannada, Tamil and Telugu, Saroja Devi is best remembered for featuring in some iconic songs during the Golden Age of Tamil cinema.
Here are 10 iconic Tamil songs to remember the 'Kannadathu Paingili' who ruled the hearts of film audiences. Interestingly, late acclaimed singer P. Susheela was the voice behind Saroja Devi in all of these popular songs, while M.S. Viswanathan, independently or as part of the popular duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, composed the music. You might be surprised to find many entries from films starring M.G. Ramachandran; the Tamil superstar had starred in over 20 films with Saroja Devi.
'Naan Pesa Ninaippathellam' from Palum Pazhamum (1961)
A duet track with the late legendary Sivaji Ganesan, 'Naan Pesa Ninaippathellam' is undoubtedly one of the most famous romantic songs of the '60s. The beautiful romance track features Sivaji and Saroja Devi dancing on a hilltop. Do watch out for Saroja's expressions when she sings, 'Paalodu pazham yaavum unakaga vendum, paavai un mugam paarthu pasiyaara vendum.'
'Unnai Ondru Ketpen' from Puthiya Paravai (1964)
An evergreen Susheela rendition, this had to be on the list. 'Unnai Ondru Ketpen' is not only remembered for its elegant tune but also for its picturisation. The song features Saroja Devi, in a gorgeous red saree, singing in a ballroom, while Sivaji plays the piano. Lyricist Kannadan seizes the day when he goes, 'Kaadhal paatu paada, kaalam innum illai; thaalaatu paada thaai aagavillai.'
'Thottal Poo Malarum' from Padagotti (1964)
A staple late-night melody, 'Thottal Poo Malarum' is adored by audiences for its breezy, laid-back composition. We doubt if there's a record of a Tamil mother from the '60s changing a television channel playing this iconic song, which features MGR and Saroja Devi as a couple from the fishing community, dancing and clapping in sync with the beats. The song was remixed by A.R. Rahman for the movie New decades later.
'Chittu Kuruvi' from Puthiya Paravai (1964)
Another song that is so close to the hearts of the female audiences who grew up in the '60s and '70s. The percussion in the background, Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy's ever-refreshing music, Susheela's mesmerising voice, and the unbeatable 'Abhinaya Saraswathi' at her best. Life is good when 'Chittu Kuruvi' is playing.
'Love Birds' from Anbe Vaa (1966)
A great companion piece to 'Chittu Kuruvi,' this was the song you play when you feel the butterflies in your stomach. Saroja Devi, in a modern attire, captured the hearts of a million fans, especially fans of MG Ramachandran, who remember this comedy film dearly. Both 'Love Birds' and the film, Anbe Vaa, are highly recommended.
'Naan Paarththathile' from Anbe Vaa (1966)
A portion of this romantic track, from the same film, was recently viral on Instagram for the lyrics: 'Endha kalaignanum avalai silai vadipaan, endha pulavanum avalai paatil vaipaan. Andha iyarkaiyum aval mel kaadhal kollum, aval ninaivaalae en kaalam sellum.' We agree, Mr. Vaali; who could resist singing about the beautiful Saroja Devi?
'Kodi Asaindhathum' from Parthal Pasi Theerum (1962)
Did the flower bloom after the moonrise? Or did the moon arrive after the flower bloomed? Sivaji Ganesan and Saroja Devi promenade along a misty terrain, wondering about the same. One of the most famous tracks from Parthal Pasi Theerum, this song deserves a special place in our list.
'Aalaya Mainiyin Osayai' from Palum Pazhamum (1961)
A Saroja Devi retrospective without this song would do it no justice. An evergreen lullaby, 'Aalaya Mainiyin,' from Paalum Pazhamum, features innumerable close-ups of the ever-radiant Saroja in a light-coloured saree, winning a million hearts with her expressions.
'Thanimayile Inimai' from Aadi Perukku (1962)
This is for the loners who are feeling the Monday blues. Gemini Ganesan and Saroja Devi engage in a musical back-and-forth under the full moon, pondering if one could seek pleasure from solitude. 'Naam kaanum ulagil yedhum thanimai illai,' says lyricist KD Santhanam.
'Andru Vanthathum Idhe Nila' from Periya Idathu Penn (1963)
Many would recommend the usual, chirpy version of this song, but we recommend you check out the sad version, which features Saroja and MGR sharing an intimate, vulnerable moment. 'Inbam thandhadhum orae nilaa, yenga vaippadhum orae nilaa,' goes a lyric and it's hard not to imagine her as that enchanting moon. Rest in peace, Saroja Devi.
Special mentions:
'Sange Muzhangu' from Kalangarai Vilakkam (1965)
'Oru Pennai Paarthu' from Deiva Thai (1964)
'Kumari Pennin' from Enga Veettu Pillai (1965)