Thiruchi Loganathan and K. Jamuna Rani perform “Nikkatuma Pogatuma” from the film Irumbu Thirai, starring Sivaji Ganesan and Vyjayanthimala. The lyrics were written by Kothamangalam Subbu with music from S. V. Venkatraman. The duet begins with his question of whether he should stay or leave.
Nikkatuma Pogatuma
K. Jamuna Rani | Thiruchi Loganathan • From “Irumbu Thirai (1960)”
Irumbu Thirai (1960)’s Nikkatuma Pogatuma Lyrics Translation
The man argues that their love has already matured, making money unimportant. She counters by stating proper duties must be done before he can touch her. This exchange establishes their different viewpoints on timing and intimacy.
Nikkattuma PogattumaShould I stay or should I go?
Nenja Thoranthu KattattumaShould I open my heart and show you?
Nikkattuma PogattumaShould I stay or should I go?
Nenja Thoranthu KattattumaShould I open my heart and show you?
Akkarakkara MamanukkuFor the man from the far shore,
Aththana Kobam AgumaWhy must there be so much anger?
Akkarakkara MamanukkuFor the man from the far shore,
Aththana Kobam AgumaWhy must there be so much anger?
Meththa Meethu Paduththa PothilumEven when I lie on a soft mattress,
Niththirai Varalla MamaSleep won’t come to me, my love.
Meththa Meethu Paduththa PothilumEven when I lie on a soft mattress,
Niththirai Varalla MamaSleep won’t come to me, my love.
Unakku Puththiye Illa MamaYou just don’t have any sense, my love.
Oru Yukthi Nan SollalamaShall I suggest a clever plan?
Oru Yukthi Nan SollalamaShall I suggest a clever plan?
Paththu Per Munne Malai PodaveTo exchange garlands before everyone,
Panaththai Theda VendamaDon’t we first need to earn some money?
Paththu Per Munne Malai PodaveTo exchange garlands before everyone,
Panaththai Theda VendamaDon’t we first need to earn some money?
Kadhal Muththi Pazhuththu PonapinAfter our love has matured and ripened,
Kasukkennadi JoliWhat’s the use of money, my girl?
Kadhal Muththi Pazhuththu PonapinAfter our love has matured and ripened,
Kasukkennadi JoliWhat’s the use of money, my girl?
Kazhuththil Katta Venumo ThaliMust a ‘thali’ be tied around your neck?
Summa Karumbu Thingavo KooliDo you need wages just to eat sugarcane?
Summa Karumbu Thingavo KooliDo you need wages just to eat sugarcane?
Kaththirathu En Aththiram IniMy waiting has now turned to impatience.
Come Here Povom JollyCome here, let’s go have some fun.
Nithani MamaBe patient, my love.
Sari Sari PappaAlright, alright, dear.
Paiya Paiya En Pakkam VanthuSlowly, slowly, you come to my side,
Nee Kaiya Podura MamaAnd you place your hands on me, my love.
Paiya Paiya En Pakkam VanthuSlowly, slowly, you come to my side,
Nee Kaiya Podura MamaAnd you place your hands on me, my love.
Amma Vaiya Poguthu MamaOh my, this is going too far, my love.
Ippa Maiyal MeridalamaShould we let this desire consume us now?
Seiyum Kariyam SeithidamaleWithout first doing what must be done,
Thaiyalai ThodalamaShould you be touching a maiden?
Anname UnakkagaveMy graceful swan, it was just for you
Ennai Munname PadachandiThat God created me long ago.
Anname UnakkagaveMy graceful swan, it was just for you
Ennai Munname PadachandiThat God created me long ago.
Avan Muchum Pottu VachandiHe even placed his seal upon it.
Chumma Modi SeigirathendiSo why are you playing these coy games, my girl?
Chumma Modi SeigirathendiSo why are you playing these coy games, my girl?
Ennamo Kadhai SollugiraiYou’re just telling me some story.
Idhai Yezhai NanarivendiHow would a simple girl like me know of this?
Ennamo Kadhai SollugiraiYou’re just telling me some story.
Idhai Yezhai NanarivendiHow would a simple girl like me know of this?
Panthal PodanumA ‘panthal’ wedding canopy must be raised,
Panthi VaikkanumA wedding ‘panthi’ feast must be served,
Paligai MulaikkonumThe ceremonial ‘paligai’ grains must sprout.
Oru Thaliyum Katta VenumAnd a ‘thali’ necklace must also be tied,
Konjam Melamum Thatta VenumAnd the wedding drums must also beat.
Antha Nal Mattum Unthan AsaiyaiUntil that day finally comes,
Adakkiyum KollavenumYou must keep your desire in check.
Nikkattuma PogattumaShould I stay or should I go?
Nenja Thoranthu KattattumaShould I open my heart and show you?
Nikkattuma PogattumaShould I stay or should I go?
Nenja Thoranthu KattattumaShould I open my heart and show you?
Nikkatuma Pogatuma Music Video
He then claims that God made him specifically for her, framing their love as destiny. She calmly lists necessary wedding traditions, including the wedding canopy and feast. The song presents a charming negotiation between immediate passion and accepted custom.