T. V. Rathnam delivers a sharp cultural critique in “Naagareegama Idhu Naagareegama” from the film Kalyanam Panniyum Brahmachari. The song, starring Sivaji Ganesan and Padmini, poses a series of pointed questions about modern life. It directly confronts the tension between tradition and changing societal norms.
Naagareegama Idhu Naagareegama
T. V. Rathnam • From “Kalyanam Panniyum Brahmachari”
Kalyanam Panniyum Brahmachari’s Naagareegama Idhu Naagareegama Lyrics Translation
K. D. Santhanam’s lyrics use direct comparisons to make a point. He asks if applying face powder like refined flour or blindly copying Western customs constitutes true civilization. These questions frame modern choices as a neglect of duty and cultural identity.
Nagareegama Idhu NagareegamaIs this civilization? Is this civilization?
Nagareegama Idhu NagareegamaIs this civilization? Is this civilization?
Poga Poga Verum Poli AzhagaiyeAs time goes on, valuing only a fake beauty,
Poga Poga Verum Poli AzhagaiyeAs time goes on, valuing only a fake beauty,
Pudhumaiyaga Ennum Mathiyillatha SeyalIs a thoughtless act you call modern.
Nagareegama Idhu NagareegamaIs this civilization? Is this civilization?
Ulla Thooimaiyodu Nalla PengalaiWith inner purity, for good women,
Ozhukkaththai Valarppathu Nagareegama VerumIs nurturing discipline civilization? Or just,
Udaigalinale Udalai MinukkiyePolishing your body with fine clothes,
Udaigalinale Udalai MinukkiyePolishing your body with fine clothes,
Oorai Suttruvathu Nagareegama Idhu NagareegamaIs roaming around town civilization? Is this civilization?
Mangalakaramai Manjalai PoosiApplying auspicious ‘manjal’ turmeric paste,
Kungumam Anivathu Nagareegama Adhu NagareegamaAnd wearing ‘kungumam’ powder, is that civilization? Is that civilization?
Mangalakaramai Manjalai PoosiApplying auspicious ‘manjal’ turmeric paste,
Kungumam Anivathu NagareegamaAnd wearing ‘kungumam’ powder, is that civilization?
Maida Mavai Pola Face Powderai MugaththilLike it’s refined flour, face powder on the face,
Maida Mavai Pola Face Powderai MugaththilLike it’s refined flour, face powder on the face,
Poosik Kolvathu Nagareegama Idhu NagareegamaIs smearing it on yourself civilization? Is this civilization?
Padupattu Panam Thedum KanavanukkuFor the husband who toils to earn money,
Panividai Seivathu Nagareegama Athu NagareegamaIs it civilization to serve him? Is that civilization?
Padupattu Panam Thedum KanavanukkuFor the husband who toils to earn money,
Panividai Seivathu Nagareegama Athu NagareegamaIs it civilization to serve him? Is that civilization?
Avar Veedu Thedi Varum Malai VelaiyilWhen he returns home in the evening,
Ulava Povathu NagareegamaIs going out for a stroll civilization?
Avar Veedu Thedi Varum Malai VelaiyilWhen he returns home in the evening,
Ulava Povathu Nagareegama Idhu NagareegamaIs going out for a stroll civilization? Is this civilization?
Than Pettra Kuzhanthaiyai Thalatti PaloottiSinging lullabies and breastfeeding the child you bore,
Thane Valarppathu NagareegamaIs raising them yourself civilization?
Than Pettra Kuzhanthaiyai Thalatti PaloottiSinging lullabies and breastfeeding the child you bore,
Thane Valarppathu NagareegamaIs raising them yourself civilization?
Adhu Thane Valarppathu NagareegamaIs raising them yourself civilization?
Adhai Thayattra Pillai Pol AyalidaththileOr leaving them with the neighbors like a motherless child,
Adhai Thayattra Pillai Pol AyalidaththileOr leaving them with the neighbors like a motherless child,
Tharai Varppathu Nagareegama Idhu NagareegamaIs casting them aside civilization? Is this civilization?
Acham Nanam Madam PayirppuFear, shyness, modesty, and innocence,
Amaintha Thanmai NagareegamaIs possessing these qualities civilization?
Acham Nanam Madam PayirppuFear, shyness, modesty, and innocence,
Amaintha Thanmai NagareegamaIs possessing these qualities civilization?
Aringayargal Pirantha Nattil PengalIn the land where scholars were born,
Azhagai Pottrinal NagareegamaIs it civilization for women to praise their own beauty?
Aringayargal Pirantha Nattil PengalIn the land where scholars were born,
Azhagai Pottrinal Nagareegama Idhu NagareegamaIs it civilization for women to praise their own beauty? Is this civilization?
Idhu NagareegamaIs this civilization?
Kanni Tamilnattin Panpai EnnalumThe culture of pristine Tamil Nadu, always,
Kann Pol Kappathu NagareegamaIs protecting it like your own eyes civilization?
Verum Kannmoodithanamai Menattu MuraiyaiOr just blindly following Western customs,
Kannmoodithanamai Menattu MuraiyaiBlindly following Western customs,
Copy Adippathu Nagareegama Idhu NagareegamaIs copying them civilization? Is this civilization?
Nagareegama Idhu NagareegamaIs this civilization? Is this civilization?
Naagareegama Idhu Naagareegama Music Video
The song ultimately suggests that inner purity defines a civilized person, not superficial actions. This “Naagareegama Idhu Naagareegama” lyrics translation shows a strong argument for preserving cultural integrity over thoughtless imitation.