Heavy Rotation: Vidyasagar (Part I)

Some of my favourite songs from Vidyasgar that I've been playing on an endless loop in the last few weeks...

Endaro Mahanubhavulu (Devadoothan) - Vidyasagar's Western orchestral symphonic adaptation of the popular Carnatic music kriti by noted composer Tyagaraja is truly a 'divine' masterpiece.

Vellinila Thullikalo, Doore Mamarakkombil, Manikyakallal, Okela Okela (Varnapakittu) - One of Vidyasagar's early compositions in Malayalam and a captivating one at that, thanks to M. G. Sreekumar, K. S. Chithra, Swarnalatha and Sujatha!

Kannil Kaashithumbakal, Manimuttathaavani, Pakkaala Paadan Vaa, Raathriyil (Dreams) - P. Jayachandran, Yesudas, Shankar Mahadevan, Sujatha and Gayatri join hands for what's a mesmerising semi-classical fare.

Dhwadasiyil (Madhuranombarakattu) - An astounding assortment of veena, ghatam, violin and flute, with K. J. Yesudas and Sujatha's superlative rendition working wonders for the hindōlam raga-based classical melody. The segue to Tyagaraja's Sāmaja Vara Gamana in the second interlude, in particular, is astonishing!

Muttathethum, Ponmulam Thandu Moolum, Aaraarum, Nijadasavarada (Chandrolsavam) - The most underrated Vidyasagar soundtrack in my opinion, and these classical-leaning melodies are beyond enchanting.

Kannile Kannile Sun TV (Karnaa) - Karnaa was the film that made people sit up and take notice of Vidyasagar (at least in Tamil), and this song in particular is absurdly foot-tapping.

Vennilave, Paadu Paadu, Uchchi Muthal Patham (Sengottai) - Vennilave is a delightful classical-meets-electronic fusion, complete with groovy basslines and propulsive techno beats, while Chithra brings to life the malayamarutham raga-based composition Paadu Paadu.

Thaen Thaen (Kuruvi) - I just love the song's orchestration and Shreya Ghoshal's honey-sweet voice.

Thanthana Thanthana (Thavasi) - Yesudas has sung a lot of lovely melodies for Vidyasagar in Malayalam, but not so much in Tamil. But he makes up for it and how!

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