“His voice was a priceless treasure,” says T Vijayaraj, an ardent admirer of legendary singer TM Soundararajan (TMS). Recalling his association with the singer, whose 103rd birth anniversary fell on March 24, Vijayaraj says that TMS’s songs formed an integral part of the Dravidian political firmament.
Vijayaraj has directed a documentary series, Imayathudan Oru Isai Payanam, on the singer’s journey to stardom, tracing his rise as the voice of MGR and Sivaji Ganesan.
The Political Power of TMS’s Voice
| Song | Significance |
|---|---|
| “Naan aanaiyittal” | Still echoes during election campaigns |
| “Yaen endra kelvi ketkaamal vaazhkai illai” | Still echoes during election rallies |
| “Acham enbadhu madamaiada” | Revolutionary song drawing attention to Dravidian ideologies |
“Even today, numbers such as ‘Naan aanaiyittal’ and ‘Yaen endra kelvi ketkaamal vaazhkai illai’ echo during election campaigns and rallies across Tamil Nadu. These songs contributed immensely in boosting MGR’s popularity and helped him win a huge fan following,” Vijayaraj says.
“His songs for MGR were political statements that elevated his image as a champion of the poor. The songs still resonate with people, because they hold out hope.”
The Documentary Series: ‘Imayathudan Oru Isai Payanam’
| Episode Location | Significance |
|---|---|
| TMS’s house in Madurai | The singer’s birthplace |
| Pakshiraja Studios, Coimbatore | Where TMS recorded ‘Eththanai kaalam thaan emaatruvaar’ for Malai Kallan |
| Bharathiyar Illam, Triplicane | Where TMS interacted with the poet’s grandson |
| Modern Theatre, Salem | Where TMS recorded many songs for actor Jaishankar |
| Adyar Film Institute | Where TMS sang for Uzhavar Magan |
Vijayaraj shot the first episode of the series in Madurai, at TMS’s house in Thaerkku Krishnan Koil Street, the singer’s birthplace. Another episode was filmed at Pakshiraja Studios in Coimbatore, where TMS recorded ‘Eththanai kaalam thaan emaatruvaar’ for the MGR blockbuster Malai Kallan.
The final episode was shot at Adyar Film Institute, where TMS sang the popular title song ‘Unnai dhinam thaedum thalaivan’ for Vijayakanth in Uzhavar Magan.
Special Moments in the Documentary
| Segment | Details |
|---|---|
| Lata Mangeshkar | Shares her fan-moment with Sivaji Ganesan with TMS |
| Ilaiyaraaja | Interview about TMS singing ‘Annakili unnai thaeduthu’ for his first film Annakili |
| A.R. Rahman, K.J. Yesudas | Interviews about TMS |
| Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth | Interviews about TMS |
| MGR’s House | Emotional visit to Chandranthi Nilayam in Kerala |
Vijayaraj recalls some special moments while working on the documentary. “One segment features Lata Mangeshkar sharing about her fan-moment with Sivaji Ganesan with TMS. There are interviews with maestro Ilaiyaraaja (TMS sang ‘Annakili unnai thaeduthu’ for his first film Annakili), A.R. Rahman, K.J. Yesudas and actors such as Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth.”
He adds that a visit to MGR’s House — Chandranthi Nilayam — at Kuzhalmannam village in Kerala was another memorable outing. “TMS became emotional there. He shared a special bond with MGR.”
TMS’s Legacy
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | 1923, Madurai |
| Songs Recorded | Over 10,000 songs |
| Career Span | More than five decades (since 1950) |
| Notable Songs | ‘Engey nimmadhi’, ‘Manappara maadukatti’, ‘Veedu varai uravu’, ‘Satti suttadhadaa’ |
| Centenary Honour | Bronze life-size statue unveiled by CM MK Stalin in Madurai (2023) |
Born in Madurai in 1923, TMS sang over 10,000 songs across six generations spanning more than five decades since 1950. While his versatility comes through in songs such as ‘Engey nimmadhi’, ‘Manappara maadukatti’ and ‘Veedu varai uravu’, his mastery in modulation technique and emotions-laden singing stand out in ‘Satti suttadhadaa’ and the revolutionary ‘Acham enbadhu madamaiada’.
To mark the birth centenary of TMS in 2023, Chief Minister MK Stalin unveiled a bronze life-size statue of the singer at the Madurai Corporation East Zone Office.
What’s Next
Vijayaraj is awaiting approval from an OTT platform to air the series, which he documented by revisiting iconic studios along with TMS between 2001 and 2013.
