Malasiya Vasudevan and S. Janaki perform the duet “Athangaraiyil Poththa” from the album Nadhi Ondru Karai Moondru. The track’s call-and-response format is immediately clear as he compares her to “jasmine blooming by the riverbank.” Lyricist Kannadasan and composer M. S. Vishwanathan frame the song as a negotiation.
Athangaraiyil Poththa
Malasiya Vasudevan | S. Janaki • From “Nadhi Ondru Karai Moondru”
Nadhi Ondru Karai Moondru’s Athangaraiyil Poththa Lyrics Translation
The exchange progresses through nature-based metaphors, with his path interrupted by the “intoxicating sight of a deer.” She establishes a clear boundary when she declares she “will not permit” wandering hands. He immediately validates her condition, promising not to make a mistake.
Athangaraiyil Pootha Malli Kanna ParikkudhuThe jasmine blooming by the riverbank dazzles my eyes.
Asainju Nadakkum Annakkili Enna IzhukkudhuThat graceful swan, swaying as she walks, is pulling me in.
Athangaraiyil Pootha Malli Kanna ParikkudhuThe jasmine blooming by the riverbank dazzles my eyes.
Asainju Nadakkum Annakkili Enna IzhukkudhuThat graceful swan, swaying as she walks, is pulling me in.
Kathu Nozhainju Paruthikkulle Nadanam AdudhuThe wind slips into the cotton and begins to dance.
Kalam Arindhu Sela Konjam Parandhu KattudhuSensing the moment, her saree flutters and flies a little.
Kathu Nozhainju Paruthikkulle Nadanam AdudhuThe wind slips into the cotton and begins to dance.
Kalam Arindhu Sela Konjam Parandhu KattudhuSensing the moment, her saree flutters and flies a little.
Athangaraiyil Pootha Malli Kanna ParikkudhuThe jasmine blooming by the riverbank dazzles my eyes.
Asainju Nadakkum Annakkili Enna IzhukkudhuThat graceful swan, swaying as she walks, is pulling me in.
Salsalangudhu SalasalangudhuIt’s jingling, oh, it’s jingling,
Salangai Kalu Renduher two anklet-adorned feet.
Sarasamada AzhaikkudhaiyaIt’s a playful invitation,
Kanniyulle Vanducoming from within this maiden.
Salsalangudhu SalasalangudhuIt’s jingling, oh, it’s jingling,
Salangai Kalu Renduher two anklet-adorned feet.
Sarasamada AzhaikkudhaiyaIt’s a playful invitation,
Kanniyulle Vanducoming from within this maiden.
Kal Kalangudhu KalakalangudhuIt’s ringing out, oh, it’s ringing out,
Ponnu Sirikkum Siripputhe sound of this girl’s laughter.
Kanni Ponnu Sirippu ThaneA maiden’s laughter itself,
Kadhal Pesum Azhaippuis an invitation that speaks of love.
Kal Kalangudhu KalakalangudhuIt’s ringing out, oh, it’s ringing out,
Ponnu Sirikkum Siripputhe sound of this girl’s laughter.
Kanni Ponnu Sirippu ThaneA maiden’s laughter itself,
Kadhal Pesum Azhaippuis an invitation that speaks of love.
Athangaraiyil Pootha Malli Kanna ParikkudhuThe jasmine blooming by the riverbank dazzles my eyes.
Asainju Nadakkum Annakkili Enna IzhukkudhuThat graceful swan, swaying as she walks, is pulling me in.
Adakkamana KattukulleOn a quiet forest path,
Yanai Pogum Padhaian elephant’s intended trail.
Yanai Pogum PadhaiyileBut on that elephant’s trail,
Manai Partha Bodhaiwas the intoxicating sight of a deer.
Manai Partha BodhaiyileIn the bliss of seeing that deer,
Mayangi Ninna Kodhaithe maiden stood enchanted.
Mayangi Ninna KodhaiyidamTowards the maiden who stood enchanted,
Vizhundhu Vittan Medhaithe wise man fell completely.
Elaya Virichu Pooav PottuI’ll spread out a leaf and place flowers upon it,
Manjam Poda Porenand I’m going to make our bed.
Ela Maraiva Kai MaraivaHidden by the leaves, hidden by our hands,
Konji Pesa VarenI’m coming to speak sweetly with you.
Elaya Virichu Pooav PottuI’ll spread out a leaf and place flowers upon it,
Manjam Poda Porenand I’m going to make our bed.
Ela Maraiva Kai MaraivaHidden by the leaves, hidden by our hands,
Konji Pesa VarenI’m coming to speak sweetly with you.
Ange Inge Kaiya VechaIf your hands wander here and there,
Anumadhikka MattenI will not permit it.
Avasarama Irundha BodhumEven if you’re in a hurry,
Thavaru Seiay MattenI will not make that mistake.
Ange Inge Kaiya VechaIf your hands wander here and there,
Anumadhikka MattenI will not permit it.
Avasarama Irundha BodhumEven if you’re in a hurry,
Thavaru Seiay MattenI will not make that mistake.
Athangaraiyil Pootha Malli Kanna ParikkudhuThe jasmine blooming by the riverbank dazzles my eyes.
Asainju Nadakkum Annakkili Enna IzhukkudhuThat graceful swan, swaying as she walks, is pulling me in.
Athangaraiyil Pootha Malli Kanna ParikkudhuThe jasmine blooming by the riverbank dazzles my eyes.
Asainju Nadakkum Annakkili Enna IzhukkudhuThat graceful swan, swaying as she walks, is pulling me in.
Athangaraiyil Poththa Music Video
This duet unfolds as a symmetrical lyrical exchange where each line answers the one before it. The song’s call-and-response form is central to the “Athangaraiyil Poththa” lyrics meaning. This structure elevates a simple flirtation into an explicit dialogue of mutual respect.