L. R. Eswari delivers a provocative vocal performance in ‘Manjalum Kungumam’ from the film Vaayadi. Lyricist Kannadasan and composer M. S. Viswanathan craft a playful yet defiant mood. The track questions traditional markers of femininity like turmeric and kumkum.
Manjalum Kungumam
L. R. Eswari • From “Vaayadi”
Vaayadi’s Manjalum Kungumam Tamil Lyrics English Meaning
Kannadasan’s writing rejects societal definitions with lines like ‘Don’t I possess the true magic of womanhood?’ The lyrics promise constant renewal, comparing the singer’s allure to fresh sugarcane that sweetens with repeated experience.
Manjalum Kungumam Kondathae PenmaiyaaIs femininity defined only by wearing turmeric and ‘kumkum’?
Penmaiyin Manthiram Ennidam IllaiyaaDon’t I possess the true magic of womanhood too?
Paadu Ennudan AaduSing with me, come and dance with me.
Kaanalaamae Karpanai ArputhamWe can experience the wonders of imagination.
Eththanai Aththanai EnnidamSo many delights are here with me.
Manjalum Kungumam Kondathae PenmaiyaaIs femininity defined only by wearing turmeric and ‘kumkum’?
Penmaiyin Manthiram Ennidam IllaiyaaDon’t I possess the true magic of womanhood too?
Paadu Ennudan AaduSing with me, come and dance with me.
Kaanalaamae Karpanai ArputhamWe can experience the wonders of imagination.
Eththanai Aththanai EnnidamSo many delights are here with me.
Orunaal Paarththaal Ulagam SuzhalumEven a single glance at me makes the world spin.
Manaiviyin Inbam Mangai TharuvanaeThis maiden offers the comforts usually reserved for a wife.
Ninaivugal Maara Nenjil VizhuvaenaeAs memories fade, I’ll take my place in your heart.
Manjalum Kungumam Kondathae PenmaiyaaIs femininity defined only by wearing turmeric and ‘kumkum’?
Penmaiyin Manthiram Ennidam IllaiyaaDon’t I possess the true magic of womanhood too?
Paadu Ennudan AaduSing with me, come and dance with me.
Kaanalaamae Karpanai ArputhamWe can experience the wonders of imagination.
Eththanai Aththanai EnnidamSo many delights are here with me.
Konjum Sugamthaan Enthan AzhaippuMy invitation is a pleasure that caresses you.
Manjam Viriththaen Unnai AnuppuI’ve prepared the bed, so just surrender yourself.
Intha Poovaiyin Maeniyil BodhaiyunduThere’s an intoxication in this flower-like body.
Nee Poi Vara Aayiram PaathaiyunduThere are a thousand paths for you to come and go.
Malarum Pudhithu Pazhamum Pudhithu Mangaiyin UdambuThe flower is fresh, the fruit is new, and so is this maiden’s form.
Iravu Pagalum Pazhaga Pazhaga Pudhusu Naanoru KarumbuNight or day, the more you taste, the fresher this sugarcane becomes.
Paadu Ennudan Aadu Kaanalaamae Karpanai ArputhamaeSing with me, dance with me, let’s see the wonders of imagination.
Manjalum Kungumam Kondathae PenmaiyaaIs femininity defined only by wearing turmeric and ‘kumkum’?
Penmaiyin Manthiram Ennidam IllaiyaaDon’t I possess the true magic of womanhood too?
Paadu Ennudan Aadu Kaanalaamae Karpanai ArputhamSing with me, dance with me, let’s see the wonders of imagination.
Eththanai Aththanai EnnidamSo many delights are here with me.
Manjalum Kungumam Kondathae PenmaiyaaIs femininity defined only by wearing turmeric and ‘kumkum’?
Penmaiyin Manthiram Ennidam IllaiyaaDon’t I possess the true magic of womanhood too?
Paadu Ennudan AaduSing with me, come and dance with me.
Kaanalaamae Karpanai ArputhamWe can experience the wonders of imagination.
Eththanai Aththanai EnnidamSo many delights are here with me.
Kaanalaamae Karpanai ArputhamWe can experience the wonders of imagination.
Eththanai Aththanai EnnidamSo many delights are here with me.
Alli Koduppaen Nalla InippuI’ll scoop up the finest sweetness and offer it to you.
Kollaiyadikkum Intha Sirippu MullaiThis jasmine-like smile will steal your heart away.
Thorana Vaasalai Naadi ViduCome seek the festive entrance I’ve prepared.
Intha Madhavi Podhumendraadi ViduDecide that this Madhavi is all you need and dance.
Iniya Kanavu Iniya Ninaivu Naan Tharum VirunthuA sweet dream and a sweet memory are the feast I offer.
Ivalai Ninaiththu Ilamai Arunthu Manaiviyai MaranthuThinking of me, drink in your youth and forget your wife.
Paadu Ennudan Aadu Kaanalaamae Karpanai ArputhamSing with me, dance with me, let’s see the wonders of imagination.
Manjalum Kungumam Music Video
L. R. Eswari’s Vaayadi performance defines the Manjalum Kungumam lyrics meaning as bold ownership of female sensuality separate from marital roles. Translations reveal this challenge to convention through direct Tamil-to-English lyric comparisons.