Echoes of the Maestro – Song 16 – Oththa Rooba

Illayaraaja has given us another fantastic song from the same album, Badrakaali. A few weeks ago, I shared a song that was banned from All India Radio; that song was very folksy. However, this one is more of a song where both lovers respond to each other. As usual, Illayaraja’s touch with Malaysia Vasudevan and S. Janaki’s voices adds more fun. Do give it a listen!

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 7 – Surangani Surangani

Many would have heard this song just like me, there have been numerous versions across India and there have even been a couple of remixes also. However, I didn’t know Illayaraja had his version for the movie Avar Enakke Sontham.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 6 – Entha Soundarya Nodu

If you’re Tamil and you’ve heard Sorgame Endraalum from “Ooru vittu Ooru vandhu,” then Entha soundarya nodu is for Kannadigas. This song is all about the beauty of Karnataka. This was my first choice from the album to feature. However, I chose “Heloru Keloru” for being one of the rarest Kannada Cabaret songs.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 4 – Kettele Ange

Illayaraja is known for some of his hit folk music songs but this one hits on a different level. Unfortunately, I never have listened to this song and also got to know that this song was banned from being aired on All India Radio for its supposedly vulgar lyrics.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 3 – Heloru Keloru

This time we are jumping to a Kannada song composed by Illayaraja for the movie Maathu Tappada Maga. Interestingly, this album marks the Maestro’s first venture into Kannada music. I recently came across a song from this album that was reused in Tamil, which is a popular song.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 2 – Vaadiyamma Ponmagale

“Vaadiyamma Ponmagale” is a fun song and it appears to be the first collaboration between SPB and Illayaraja. Although there is another popular song from the same album featuring this combo, I believe this one was recorded first (correct me if I’m wrong). This song also seems to be the first collaboration between SPB and P. Susheela. It has a mix of Western and Indian Classical music, and don’t miss the usual SPB banter in the song.

Echoes of the Maestro – Song 1 – Machaana Paathehala

Illayaraja is a music composer whom I didn’t listen to as a kid, but I couldn’t resist as an adult and can’t stop listening to it now. It took an open mind for someone like me, who grew up listening to the digital sounds of ARR. Over the years, I have admired the man for his compositions, the stories about him, and of course, the controversies. Despite what people say about him, he is fighting for every artist out there, and