Alli Malar Solai Lyrics English Translation: Kalvanin Kadhali (1955) | P. Bhanumathi | S.D.Sundharam
“Alli Malar Solai” by P. Bhanumathi and S.D. Sundharam appeared on the album Kalvanin Kadhali. S. D. Sundharam wrote the lyrics, with music from Ghantashala, Kavimani Desigavinayagam Pillai, and G. Govindaraju Naidu. The song opens with a declaration that women should live with courage like the epic figure Kannagi.
Released: December 31, 1955
Alli Malar Solai
P. Bhanumathi | S.D.Sundharam • From “Kalvanin Kadhali (1955)”
Lyricist
S. D. Sundharam
Composer
Ghantashala, Kavimani Desigavinayagam Pillai, G. Govindaraju Naidu
The song then shifts into a series of questions. One singer asks what another would do if a beautiful temptress like Madhavi appeared. The challenge intensifies with another question about how one would react if the villainous Ravana arrived to cause torment.
Alli Malar Cholai Inba Valli IvalthaneShe is the joyful Valli, from a grove of lily flowers.
Alli Malar Cholai Inba Valli IvalthaneShe is the joyful Valli, from a grove of lily flowers.
Mella Vanthu SolluvaleShe’ll softly come and tell a story,
Nalla Kadhai SolluvaleShe’ll tell a truly virtuous story.
Mella Vanthu SolluvaleShe’ll softly come and tell a story,
Nalla Kadhai SolluvaleShe’ll tell a truly virtuous story.
Vannamayil KannmaniyeOh, colorful peacock, the apple of my eye,
Vaniye En AnnameOh, Vani, my beloved swan.
Vannamayil KannmaniyeOh, colorful peacock, the apple of my eye,
Vaniye En AnnameOh, Vani, my beloved swan.
Vaniye En AnnameOh, Vani, my beloved swan.
Nalla Kadhai Solla VenumYou must tell us a virtuous story,
Engalukku Nalla Kadhai Solla VenumFor us, you must tell a virtuous story.
Oo Oo Ooh Oo OoOo Oo Ooh Oo Oo
Thelluthamil Pavai Kannagiyai PoleLike Kannagi, that woman of pure Tamil,
Thelluthamil Pavai Kannagiyai PoleLike Kannagi, that woman of pure Tamil,
Veeramaga Vazhvom Pengal NameWe women will live with great courage.
Veeramaga Name VeeramagaWith courage, we will, with courage.
Veeramaga Vazhvom Pengal NameWe women will live with great courage.
Veeramaga Name VeeramagaWith courage, we will, with courage.
Oo Oo Oo Mohiniyai Pole OruOh, but like the enchantress ‘Mohini’,
Madhavi Vanthale Madhavi VanthaleIf a ‘Madhavi’ were to appear, if ‘Madhavi’ were to appear,
Manamohinaiyai Pole OruLike a heart-stealing enchantress,
Madhavi Vanthale Madhavi VanthaleIf a ‘Madhavi’ were to appear, if ‘Madhavi’ were to appear.
Nee Enna Seivai Kannagiye Sollu NeeyeWhat will you do then, Kannagi? Tell me yourself.
Enna Seivai Kannagiye Sollu NeeyeWhat will you do, Kannagi? Tell me yourself.
Pahdil Sollu NeeyeYou yourself must give the answer.
Alli Malar Cholai Inba Valli IvalthaneShe is the joyful Valli, from a grove of lily flowers.
Mella Vanthu SolluvaleShe’ll softly come and tell a story,
Nalla Kadhai SolluvaleShe’ll tell a truly virtuous story.
Ennai Manam Seiyum Mannavan SriramanThe king who marries me is the noble Sriraman.
Ennai Manam Seiyum Mannavan SriramanThe king who marries me is the noble Sriraman.
Veru Kanniyar Thammai Veru Kanniyar ThammaiAs for other women, as for other women,
Kannedhthum Parththodanadi En ThozhiHe wouldn’t even let his eyes fall upon them, my friend.
Kannedhthum ParththodanadiHe wouldn’t even let his eyes fall upon them.
Soorpanagai Varuval Soodhu Pala Seithiduval‘Soorpanagai’ will arrive and play her many tricks,
Soorpanagai Varuval Soodhu Pala Seithiduval‘Soorpanagai’ will arrive and play her many tricks.
Seedhaiye Enna Seivai Vathaiye ThanthidumSita, what will you do when the one who brings torment,
Ravananum Vanthu SernthalWhen Ravana himself also arrives?
Seedhaiye Enna Seivai Vathaiye ThanthidumSita, what will you do when the one who brings torment,
Ravananum Vanthu SernthalWhen Ravana himself also arrives?
Seedhaiye Enna SeivaiSita, what will you do,
Ravananum Vanthu SernthalIf Ravana also arrives?
Seedhaiye Enna SeivaiSita, what will you do,
Ravananum Vanthu SernthalIf Ravana also arrives?
Adho Ravananum Vanthu SernthalLook there, Ravana himself also arrives…
This song functions as a moral examination presented through music. The lyrics use famous figures from literature not to tell a story but to create a test of character. The meaning of the ‘Alli Malar Solai’ lyrics is found in this clever debate about feminine virtue and strength.
