Karpanai Kanavinile Lyrics Translation | Kathanayaki | A. M. Rajah | Jikki
The 1955 song “Karpanai Kanavinile” by A. M. Rajah and Jikki is from the film Kathanayaki, starring T. R. Ramachandran and Padmini. Lyricist Kannadasan starts the piece with a man describing his dream heroine. He questions if she sings to a “Hindi Tune” or performs an “English Dance.”
The ideal woman’s description follows this cultural checklist. She should sing in sweet Tamil but move like a “Cineema Star.” The lyrics’ meaning points to a desire for an “International Beauty” with modern appeal.
Karpanai Kanavile NanoruIn a dream of my imagination, I
Kathanayagiyai KandenFound a leading lady
Oru Kadhanayagiyai KandenI found a leading lady
Karpanai Kanavile NanoruIn a dream of my imagination, I
Kathanayagiyai KandenFound a leading lady
Oru Kadhanayagiyai KandenI found a leading lady
Antha Kadhanayagi YaroWho is this leading lady?
Kadhal Pattu PadinaloDid she sing a song of love?
Hindi Tuneyil PadinaloDid she sing it to a Hindi tune?
English Danceu AdinaloDid she perform an English dance?
Suvai Tharum Tamizhil PadiSinging in sweet Tamil
Cineema Star Pol AdiDancing like a cinema star
Sirippu Kattiye Asai MoottiyaInspiring desire with just a smile
International BeautyAn international beauty
Karuppu Thiratchai Pol KangalHer eyes are like black grapes
Kannam Irandume AppleHer cheeks are both apples
Kandham Polave Kavarum PechuHer words pull you in like a magnet
Kidaiththathe Enaku ChanceuI’ve finally gotten my chance
Karpanai Kanavile NanoruIn a dream of my imagination, I
Kathanayagiyai KandenFound a leading lady
Pulli Manai Pol ThulliLeaping like a spotted deer
Parvaiyal Kadhai SolliTelling stories with her gaze
Jollyai Aval Jadai PesaveAs she joyfully gestured
Sarasam Adi VantheeroDid you come here to be playful?
Azhagu Punnagai KanduSeeing her beautiful smile
Avalidam Aval KonduI was completely captivated by her
Anname Ajandha Vanname“My swan, a beauty from an ‘Ajanta’ painting”
Enave Adukku Mozhiyil AlantheeroIs that how you praised her with elaborate words?
Karpanai Kanavile NanoruIn a dream of my imagination, I
Kathanayagiyai KandenFound a leading lady
Parakkum Thattile VanthalShe arrived on a flying saucer
Parkkil Ennaiye KandalShe saw me at the park
Pavai Ennudan Keli PesiyeThis beautiful doll, teasing me playfully
Edhiril Vanthu NirkkindralNow stands right in front of me
Vishayam Purinthu KondenI understood everything
Vahvini Inbam KandenI found heavenly bliss
Kanavilum Ninaivilum Inai PiriyathaIn dreams and in life, an inseparable
Kadhal Jodi NamthaneLove pair, that’s what we are
Karpanai Kanavile NanoruIn a dream of my imagination, I wondered
The dialogue shifts from a one-sided fantasy to a shared understanding. The final lines confirm they are an inseparable pair in both dreams and reality. The song presents a self-aware look at how cinema shaped romantic ideals of its era.
