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Photo: R. Ashok

Going strong Straightforward

“I never scout for chances. I only take up offers that cime my way. The everlasting songs that I had penned for MGR satisfies me into thinking that I cannot ask for more,” he says.

Muthulingam takes pride in the fact that MGR had used two of his songs ‘Anbukku naan adimai …’ and ‘Ithu naatai kakkum kai …’ frequently during his election campaigns.

“Those were among MGR’s favourite songs. He is one person who gave lot of importance to lyrics and stressed that even duets should have messages. That’s the mark of a socially responsible actor,” he recalls.

Muthulingam relishes fond memories of his association with MGR. “The film ‘Meenava Nanban’ was almost complete when MGR came to know that I had not penned a song in the movie. The iconic actor immediately prevailed upon the director Sridhar and incorporated into the move a dream song sequence. That song ‘thangathil mugameduthu…’ turned out to be a super hit, winning MGR’s appreciation,” he smiles.

Muthulingam’s debut song ‘Thanjavuru seemayile thaave vanden ponniamma …’ in the film ‘Ponnukku Thanga Manasu’ still remains a sought after number in functions for its meaningful lyrics on national integration.

The veteran who has given many striking numbers right from the time of Ilayaraja’s reign including, ‘Muthal muthal raaga deepam ettrum neram …,’ ‘sangeetha megam thaen sindhum neeram …,’ ‘Ithazhil kathai ezuthum …’ to the recent ones in the film ‘Mayakannadi’ was all praise for the music director’s knowledge of Tamil literature.

Muthulingam asserts that he had used English words in his songs only when the situation demanded and not for the sake of it. “Also the music directors with whom I had worked were quite understanding and never forced me. I thoroughly enjoyed working with all of them,” he says.

Muthulingam sees an imperative need to avoid vulgar lyrics in Tamil cinema, which, he apprehends, can spoil culture. “When the young brigade of lyricists has the capacity to pen songs like ‘Oovoru pookalume …’ where is the need for provocative lyrics? Filmmakers should also think about society and not just focus only on the commercial aspects,” he says.

Muthulingam is into acting these days and did a role in ‘Mayakannadi.’ He has acted in the soon to be released flick ‘Ayyavazhi’ as well. He is also busy penning lyrics for about 10 films including a couple of songs in ‘Aarai En 305il Kadavul.’

Muthulingam also plans to produce a film soon. The ground work is on.

“I should have done it much before, but had to postpone the idea for various reasons. This time around I am determined enough to make the movie a grand success,” says the lyricist exuding confidence.

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