Being prolific isn't a common trait among writers. But Na Muthukumar is the superlative of prolific with over 1,000 songs to his credit. It's an impossible task to feature a mere number of 10 songs from the list, but we are running through a labyrinth.
So here, a handful of songs penned by the genius who did not live long enough to bag bigger accolades in life.
1. Ananda yazhai (Thanga Meenkal)
When the then 10-year-old Uthara Unnikrishnan was asked of her favorite song the time she held the National Award, she softly said, 'Ananda yazhai'. Such is the beauty of this simple song that has a father's musings on the love and joy spread in his life by his little girl.
2. Azhage azhage (Saivam)
Can we ever forget this beautiful song penned by Na Muthukumar and rendered heartwarmingly by Uthara Unnikrishnan, who went on to bag the National Award along with the lyricist himself? In the simplest of tones, the song decodes the popular ideas of beauty, giving it more realms and lesser boundaries. 'Is only the rain beautiful, isn't the warming heat a thing of beauty too?'
3. Karuppu karuppu (Kaaka Muttai)
Anyone who saw the little ones in Kaaka Muttai battling against all odds to reach out to the exotic pizza, will relate to this song that talks about color, people and their presumptions.
4. Adada mazha da (Paiyya)
It was raining romance in this song that had Karthi and Tamannaah doing one of the most memorable rain dances on screen. The song was on the lips of every toddler during its time.
5. Aval appidi onrum (Angadi Theru)
Angadi Theru was a sharp tug on the shoulder of the consumerist world that did not spare any thoughts for the pathetic living conditions of the youngsters working in garment showrooms. The film had a lighter thread of romance and when the song Aval appidi onrum azhagillai rolled out, people were amazed at the simplicity of emotion that was narrated through the song.
6. Gangster song (Billa 2)
In a departure from the norm today, Na Muthukumar penned the lyrics first for this thumping number from Billa 2, which was set to tune by Yuvan Shankar Raja. Rolling out words both in Tamil and English, the song features the 'adirum don' Thala Ajith.
7. Suttum vizhi (Ghajini)
This song remained on top of the charts for a very long time in the year 2005. Rendered charmingly by Bombay Jayasree and Sriram Parthasarathy, Suttum vizhi is a lyrical as well as melodic treat.
8. Nenjodu kalanthidu (Kadhal Kondein)
A mature debut from Dhanush was certainly the USP of the Selvaraghavan directorial Kadhal Kondein. But the movie stood out for its songs as well, penned by Na Muthukumar and set to tune by Yuvan Shakar Raja. Even though this song drew criticism from all quarters for its likeness with the Celtic band 'Corrs', its lyrics were lauded for talking about a face of love that was away from carnal instincts.
9. Kana kanum kangal (7 G Rainbow Colony)
For Selvaraghavan, 7 G Rainbow Colony was a milestone. An instinctive and impulsive love story, the song talks of young love and the pangs of adolescence.
10. Adada adada (Santhosh Subramaniam)
Peppy and full of life, Adada adada from Santhosh Subramaniam embodies love in its most endearing form.
