KJ Iyenar Anbugurudass joins A.R. Rahman for ‘Gandhi Rap’ on the album ‘Gandhi Talks.’ K J Ayyanar writes lyrics while the composer A.R. Rahman produces the beat. The song brings a modern twist to Gandhi’s message of truth and peace.
Released: January 30, 2026
Gandhi Rap
A.R. Rahman | Kj Iyenar Anbugurudass • From “Gandhi Talks”
Gandhi Talks’s Gandhi Rap Tamil Lyrics English Translation
K J Ayyanar writes about how symbols of Gandhi have become empty gestures. The lyricist mentions portraits in offices asking for bribes. The line ‘We’ve forgotten the path’ shows the disconnect between principles and practice.
Pakkala Unna South Africa BoatulaI didn’t see you on that boat from South Africa
Pakkala Unna Barrister CoatulaI didn’t see you in a barrister’s coat
Pakkala Unna Kadhar Veshitiyila KoodaI didn’t even see you in a ‘khadi’ dhoti,
Nanga Pathadhilla Unna Pachaiyana NoteulaWe haven’t seen the real you on those green banknotes.
Hare Ram HareHail Lord Rama, Hail
Ram Ram RamRama Rama Rama
Hare Hare Hare RamHail, Hail, Hail Rama
Hare Ram Ram RamHail Rama, Rama Rama
Hare Hare HareHail, Hail, Hail
Ram Hare RamRama, Hail Rama
Ram Ram HareRama Rama Hail
Hare Hare RamHail, Hail Rama
Hey RamOh Rama
Hey RamOh Rama
Engalukku Solla VenaYou don’t need to tell us
Artham Enna Eswar AllahThe meaning of ‘Ishwar Allah’,
Ellar Manadhaiyum Adhikkam SeiyumThe ‘Pandits’ and ‘Mullahs’ who rule
Pandit MullahOver everyone’s minds,
Marandhu Vitta Namadhu Vazhi PadhaiWe’ve forgotten the path we once walked,
Ellam GyaniEveryone’s acting like a ‘sage’ now,
Mattravarin Valiyai Unaravillai YarumBut no one feels the pain of another.
Hare Ram HareHail Lord Rama, Hail
Ram Ram RamRama Rama Rama
Hare Hare Hare RamHail, Hail, Hail Rama
Hare Ram Ram RamHail Rama, Rama Rama
Hare Hare HareHail, Hail, Hail
Ram Hare RamRama, Hail Rama
Ram Ram HareRama Rama Hail
Hare Hare RamHail, Hail Rama
Hey RamOh Rama
Hey RamOh Rama
Nalum Eppoludhum KoottamEvery day there’s always a crowd
Tascu MarkulaChasing after ‘task marks’,
Dhoosiyala Jamuh AchuEverything’s jammed up with dust
Sakkara Wheel Uh LaOn the ‘spinning wheel’,
Sathiyavarthai Irudhi SadangilThe word of truth is only
Useuh AgudhuUsed during the final rites,
Palagina Manavargal Agimsai VadhiAnd those who’ve learned are now just ‘non-violence’ practitioners.
Hare Ram HareHail Lord Rama, Hail
Ram Ram RamRama Rama Rama
Hare Hare Hare RamHail, Hail, Hail Rama
Hare Ram Ram RamHail Rama, Rama Rama
Hare Hare HareHail, Hail, Hail
Ram Hare RamRama, Hail Rama
Ram Ram HareRama Rama Hail
Hare Hare RamHail, Hail Rama
Hey RamOh Rama
Hey RamOh Rama
Arasangathu Sevuthil UnnaOn the walls of government offices,
Thonga Vida PoranThey’re going to hang your portrait,
Tableukku Keezha KoodaAnd even under the table,
Unna Kekka PoranThey’re going to ask for you.
Kurudan Oomai SevuduThe blind, the mute, and the deaf
Unna Adaiyalam KattaWill be the ones to identify you,
Unna Thedi AdhavanumAnd even the sun searching for you
Unna Namba PoranIs going to believe in you.
Hare Ram HareHail Lord Rama, Hail
Ram Ram RamRama Rama Rama
Hare Hare Hare RamHail, Hail, Hail Rama
Hare Ram Ram RamHail Rama, Rama Rama
Hare Hare HareHail, Hail, Hail
Ram Hare RamRama, Hail Rama
Ram Ram HareRama Rama Hail
Hare Hare RamHail, Hail Rama
Hey RamOh Rama
Hey RamOh Rama
Unnaviradha PorattamAfter going on hunger strikes
Seidhittu YeraTo climb up the ladder,
Sathyagraham Ippo AthigarathinThe ‘Satyagraha’ has now become
Valiya MaraA path to seize power.
Amaidhi Kakka VenumYou’ve got to stay peaceful,
Konjam Purinji IrungaJust try to understand,
Pesunakka Unna ThirumbhiBecause if you speak up, they’ll
Poga SolvangaTell you to go back.
Hare Ram HareHail Lord Rama, Hail
Ram Ram RamRama Rama Rama
Hare Hare Hare RamHail, Hail, Hail Rama
Hare Ram Ram RamHail Rama, Rama Rama
Hare Hare HareHail, Hail, Hail
Ram Hare RamRama, Hail Rama
Ram Ram HareRama Rama Hail
Hare Hare RamHail, Hail Rama
Hey RamOh Rama
Hey RamOh Rama
Gandhi Rap Music Video
‘Gandhi Rap’ is about the commercialization of Gandhi’s legacy. The lyrics offer a critique of how satyagraha became a path to power. KJ Iyenar Anbugurudass delivers these powerful words that bridge generations.