lyricist Vaali passes away

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One of Tamil cinema’s celebrated lyricist, an evergreen poet, Vaali, who ruled the film industry for over five decades, passed away here Friday. He was 82.

He died due to respiratory illness in a private hospital.

Vaali, who acted in Tamil films such as "Sathya", "Hey Ram" and "Parthale Paravasam", had also penned the biographies of Rama, Krishna and Ramanuja. He even wrote an autobiography titled "Naanum Indha Nootrandum".



Biography

Vaali was born to Srinivasa Iyengar and Ponnammal in Srirangam on October 29, 1931 and came to Chennai in the 1950s seeking an opportunity in Tamil film industry. He became a sought after lyricist in 1960s and 1970s thanks to the patronage he got from MGR. Vaali, whose real name is TS Rangarajan, has been known for his fighting spirit. According to Chennai-based political commentator and columnist Sudhangan, a friend of the lyricist, Vaali came to the city from Srirangam in the 1950s, trying to catch a break in Kollywood. After a few years of dead ends, Vaali was so disillusioned at not being able to break the stranglehold that lyricist Kannadasan had over the film industry, he had decided to pack his bags and leave. "Playback singer PB Srinivas - who passed away recently - happened to see Vaali packing up and decided to sing him the song Mayakama Kalakama from the 1962 movie 'Sumai Thangi'. It was written by Kannadasan. It apparently inspired Vaali so much that he decided to stay back in Chennai," says Sudhangan. Clearly a good decision, as Vaali soon became one of the most prolific lyricists in the Tamil film industry, writing all through to 2013. He even wrote the songs of the soon to be released 'Maryaan'. "While he began his career working with All India Radio, and debuted in Tamil cinema in 1963 with 'Idayathil Nee,' it was the movie 'Karpagam' (also made in 1963) that shot him to fame," says Sudhangan. Vaali wrote more than 10,000 Tamil in a career spanning over five decades. Some of his famous songs include 'Mukkabla' (Kadhalan), 'Maya Machindra' (Indian), 'Ennai Vilai Azhagae' (Kadhalar Dhinam), 'Ale Ale' (Boys) 'Oru Maalai' (Ghajini (2005 film), to name a few. He wrote a number of books including 'Naanum Indha Nootrandum,' his autobiography. Vaali acted in movies like 'Hey Ram,' 'Sathya' and 'Paarthale Parvasam' and 'Poikal Kudhirai.'

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Awards

Civilian honours

Padmashri in 2007[2]
He refused to get the National award for the song—indhia naadu enn veedu in the film "Bharatha vilas-1973"

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards

Vaali is a five-time winner of the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Lyricist[3]

1970 – Engal Thangam
1979 – Ivargal Vidhyasamanavargal
1989 – Varusham Padhinaaru and Apoorva Sagodharargal
1990 – Keladi Kanmani
2008 – Dasavathaaram




Filmography As actor

2001 - Paarthale Paravasam (Tamil)
2000 - Hey Ram (Tamil)
1988 - Sathya (Tamil)
1982 - Poikal Kudhirai (Tamil)

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Filmography As lyricist

2013 - Thillu Mullu (Tamil)
2013 - Mariyaan (Tamil)
2013 - Udhayam NH4 (Tamil)
2013 - Ethir Neechal (Tamil)
2013 - Alex Pandian (Tamil)
2013 - Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya (Tamil)
2012 - Podaa Podi (Tamil)
2012 - Mirattal (Tamil)
2012 - Thadaiyara Thakka (Tamil)
2012 - Aadhalal Kadhal Seiveer (Tamil)
2011 - Osthi (Tamil)
2011 - Vedi (Tamil)
2011 - Mankatha (Tamil)
2011 - Sattapadi Kutram (Tamil)
2011 - Aadu Puli (Tamil)
2011 - Uyarthiru 420 (Tamil)
2011 - Ayyan (Tamil)
2011 - Maaveeran (Tamil)
2011 - Kanden (Tamil)
2011 - Engeyum Kaadhal (Tamil)
2011 - Ponnar Shankar (Tamil)
2010 - Baana Kaathadi (Tamil)
2010 - Ninaivil Nindraval (Tamil)
2010 - Sura (Tamil)
2010 - Agarathi (Tamil)
2010 - Theeratha Vilayattu Pillai (Tamil)
2010 - Leelai (Tamil)
2010 - Thillalangadi (Tamil)
2010 - Valiban Sutrum Ulagam (Tamil)
2010 - Thottuppaar (Tamil)
2010 - Goa (Tamil)
2010 - Guru Sishyan (Tamil)
2010 - Viruthagiri (Tamil)
2010 - Kadhalukku Maranamillai (Tamil)
2010 - Nanda Nanditha (Tamil)
2010 - Naan Than Bala (Tamil)
2009 - Jagan Mohini (Tamil)
2009 - Vaalmiki (Tamil)
2009 - Aadhavan (Tamil)
2009 - Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puravum (Tamil)
2009 - Naan Kadavul (Tamil)
2009 - Mathiya Chennai (Tamil)
2009 - Naadodigal (Tamil)
2008 - Silambattam (Tamil)
2008 - Singakutty (Tamil)
2008 - Kuselan (Tamil)
2008 - Dhanam (Tamil)
2008 - Sakkarakatti (Tamil)
2008 - Saroja (Telugu)
2008 - Dasavatharam (Tamil)
2008 - Jayam Kondaan (Tamil)
2008 - Saroja (Tamil)
2009 - Arunthathi (Tamil)
2009 - Panchamirutam (Tamil)
2007 - Azhagiya Thamizh Magan (Tamil)
2007 - Unnale Unnale (Tamil)
2007 - Thottal Poo Malarum (Tamil)
2007 - En Uyirnum Melana (Tamil)
2007 - Aalwar (Tamil)
2007 - Chennai 600028 (Tamil)
2007 - Sivaji (Tamil)
2007 - Inimey Nangathan (Tamil)
2006 - Vallavan (Tamil)
2006 - Sillunu Oru Kaadhal (Tamil)
2005 - Chidambarathil Oru Appasamy (Tamil)
2005 - Anbe Aaruyire (Tamil)
2005 - Oru Naal Oru Kanavu (Tamil)
2005 - Chandramukhi (Tamil)
2005 - Ghajini (Tamil)
2005 - Mannin Maindhan (Tamil)
2004 - New (Tamil)
2003 - Boys (Tamil)
2003 - Lesa Lesa (Tamil)
2003 - Pudhiya Geethai (Tamil)
2002 - Baba (Tamil)
2002 - Mounam Pesiyadhe (Tamil)
2002 - Shree (Tamil)
2002 - Punnagai Desam (Tamil)
2002 - Bhagavathi (Tamil)
2002 - Youth
2001 - Narasimma (Tamil)
2001 - Dhosth (Malayalam)
2001 - Chocolate (Tamil)
2001 - Dheena (Tamil)
2001 - Parthale Paravasam (Tamil)
2001 - Minnale (Tamil)
2001 - Middle Class Madhavan (Tamil)
2000 - Pennin Manathai Thottu (Tamil)
2000 - Simmasanam (Tamil)
2000 - Priyamaanavale (Tamil)
2000 - Hey Ram (Tamil)
2000 - Vanna Thamizh Paatu (Tamil)
1999 - Manam Virumbudhe Unnai (Tamil)
1999 - Mannavaru Sinnavaru (Tamil)
1999 - Kadhalar Dhinam (Tamil)
1999 - Thirupathi Ezhumalai Venkatesa (Tamil)
1998 - Kadhala Kadhala (Tamil)
1997 - Thambi Durai (Tamil)
1996 - Poovarasan (Tamil)
1996 - Kadhal Desam (Tamil)
1996 - Indian (Tamil)
1995 - Rajavin Parvaiyile (Tamil)
1995 - Muthu Kaalai (Tamil)
1995 - Periya Kudumbam (Tamil)
1995 - Thotta Chinungi (Tamil)
1995 - Chinna Vathiyar (Tamil)
1994 - Kadhalan (Tamil)
1994 - Rasigan (Tamil)
1994 - Seeman (Tamil)
1993 - Manichitrathazhu (Malayalam)
1993 - Valli (Tamil)
1993 - Chinna Jamin (Tamil)
1993 - Kathirukka Neramillai (Tamil)
1993 - Kalaignan (Tamil)
1993 - Maharasan (Tamil)
1993 - Chinna Mapillai (Tamil)
1993 - Yejaman (Tamil)
1993 - Uzhaippali (Tamil)
1993 - Chinna Kannamma (Tamil)
1993 - Dharmaseelan (Tamil)
1992 - Thevar Magan (Tamil)
1992 - Naangal (Tamil)
1992 - Nadodi Paattukkaran (Tamil)
1992 - Chinna Marumagal (Tamil)
1992 - Deiva Vaakku (Tamil)
1992 - Unna Nenachen Paattu Padicchen (Tamil)
1991 - Kizhakku Karai (Tamil)
1991 - Thalattu Kekudhamma (Tamil)
1991 - Nee Paathi Naan Paathi (Tamil)
1991 - Gopura Vasalile (Tamil)
1991 - Chinna Thambi (Tamil)
1991 - Ayul Kaithi (Tamil)
1991 - Idhayam (Tamil)
1991 - Eeramana Rojavae (Tamil)
1991 - Bramha (Tamil)
1991 - Gnana Paravai (Tamil)
1990 - Kizhakku Vasal (Tamil)
1990 - Sandhana Kaatru (Tamil)
1990 - Raja Kaiya Vecha (Tamil)
1990 - Anjali (Tamil)
1990 - Edhir Katru (Tamil)
1990 - Siraiyil Pootha Sinna Malar (Tamil)
1990 - Unnai Solli Kutramillai (Tamil)
1990 - Velai Kidaichiruchu (Tamil)
1990 - Nadigan (Tamil)
1989 - Ponmana Selvan (Tamil)
1989 - Siva (Tamil)
1989 - Varusham 16 (Tamil)
1989 - Dharmam Vellum (Tamil)
1989 - Ennai Peththa Rasa (Tamil)
1989 - Rajanadai (Tamil)
1989 - Araro Ariraro (Tamil)
1988 - Sahadevan Mahadevan (Tamil)
1988 - Manamagalae Vaa (Tamil)
1988 - Thambi Thanga Kambi (Tamil)
1988 - En Thamizh En Makkal (Tamil)
1988 - Dharmathin Thalaivan (Tamil)
1988 - Solla Thudikkuthu Manasu (Tamil)
1988 - Kaliyugam (Tamil)
1988 - Poruthadhu Podhum (Tamil)
1988 - Guru Sishyan (1988 film) (Tamil)
1987 - Veerapandiyan (Tamil)
1987 - Anjadha Singam (Tamil)
1987 - Siraipparavai (Tamil)
1987 - Kavalan Avan Kovalan (Tamil)
1987 - Oorkavalan (Tamil)
1987 - Kudumbam Oru Koyil (Tamil)
1987 - Poomazhai Pozhiyudhu (Tamil)
1987 - Mupperum Deviyar (Tamil)
1986 - Marumagal (Tamil)
1986 - Uyire Unakkaaga (Tamil)
1986 - "Lakshmi Vandhachu (Tamil)
1986 - Dharma Pathni (Tamil)
1986 - Dharma Devathai (Tamil)
1986 - Vasantha Raagam (Tamil)
1986 - Nambinar Keduvadhillai (Tamil)
1986 - Anandha Kanneer (Tamil)
1986 - Mouna Raagam (Tamil)
1986 - Saadhanai (Tamil)
1986 - Oru Iniya Udhayam (Tamil)
1986 - Annai En Dheivam (Tamil)
1986 - Viduthalai (Tamil)
1986 - Enakku Naaney Needhibathi (Tamil)
1985 - Naam Iruvar (Tamil)
1985 - Nalla Thambi (Tamil)
1985 - Padikkadha Pannaiyar (Tamil)
1985 - Bandham (Tamil)
1985 - Naan Sigappu Manithan (Tamil)
1985 - Kettimelam (Tamil)
1985 - Raja Rishi (Tamil)
1985 - Needhiyin Nizhal (Tamil)
1985 - Kanni Rasi (Tamil)
1985 - Padikkadavan (Tamil)
1985 - Mangamma Sabadham (Tamil)
1985 - Manakkanakku (Tamil)
1984 - Kudumbam (Tamil)
1984 - Idhu Enga Boomi (Tamil)
1984 - Naalai Unadhu Naal (Tamil)
1984 - Nalla Naal (Tamil)
1984 - Nallavanuku Nallavan (Tamil)
1984 - Kuzhandhai Yesu (Tamil)
1984 - Anbulla Rajinikanth (Tamil)
1984 - Madras Vathiyar (Tamil)
1984 - Simma Soppanam (Tamil)
1984 - Vidhi (Tamil)
1984 - Iru Medhaigal (Tamil)
1984 - Osai (Tamil)
1984 - Vaidegi Kaathirundhal (Tamil)
1984 - Sathiyam Neeye (Tamil)
1984 - Veettukku Oru Kannagai (Tamil)
1984 - Vellai Pura Ondru (Tamil)
1984 - Kai Kodukkum Kai (Tamil)
1984 - Theerppu En Kaiyil (Tamil)
1984 - Dhaavani Kanavugal (Tamil)
1984 - Madurai Sooran (Tamil)
1984 - Vamsa Vilakku (Tamil)
1983 - Miruthanga Chakravarthi (Tamil)
1983 - Sumangali (Tamil)
1983 - Thai Veedu (Tamil)
1983 - Paayum Puli (Tamil)
1983 - Kozhi Koovuthu (Tamil)
1983 - Neethibathi (Tamil)
1983 - Soorakottai Singakutti (Tamil)
1983 - Sandhippu (Tamil)
1983 - Thanga Magan (Tamil)
1983 - Sivappu Sooriyan (Tamil)
1983 - Adutha Varisu (Tamil)
1983 - Vellai Roja (Tamil)
1982 - Ranga (Tamil)
1982 - Gopurangal Saivathillai (Tamil)
1982 - Enkeyo Ketta Kural (Tamil)
1982 - Nenjangal (Tamil)
1982 - Paritchaikku Neramaachu (Tamil)
1982 - Kanney Raadha (Tamil)
1982 - Thunai (Tamil)
1982 - Thai Mookambhikai (Tamil)
1982 - Vaa Kanna Vaa (Tamil)
1982 - Pattanathu Rajakkal (Tamil)
1982 - Vazhvey Maayam (Tamil)
1982 - Thanikattu Raja (Tamil)
1982 - Thooral Ninnu Pochu (Tamil)
1982 - Moondru Mugam (Tamil)
1982 - Hitler Umanath (Tamil)
1982 - Oorum Uravum (Tamil)
1982 - Ilanjodigal (Tamil)
1982 - Theerpu (Tamil)
1982 - Kelviyum Naaney Badhilum Naaney (Tamil)
1982 - Thyagi (Tamil)
1982 - Valibamey Vaa Vaa (Tamil)
1982 - Adhisaya Piravigal (Tamil)
1982 - Parvaiyin Marupakkam (Tamil)
1981 - Lorry Driver Rajakannu (Tamil)
1981 - Mogana Punnagai (Tamil)
1981 - Needhi Pizhaithadhu (Tamil)
1981 - Sathya Sundharam (Tamil)
1981 - Ranuva Veeran (Tamil)
1981 - Madi Veetu Ezhai (Tamil)
1980 - Vishwaroobam (Tamil)
1980 - Anbukku Naan Adimai (Tamil)
1979 - Allaudinaum Arputha Vilakkum (Tamil)
1979 - Dharma Yuddam (Tamil)
1979 - Naan Vazhavaippen (Tamil)
1979 - Annai Oru Alayam (Tamil)
1978 - Sadhurangam (Tamil)
1978 - Justice Gopinath (Tamil)
1978 - Pilot Premnath (Tamil)
1978 - Vanakkatukuriya Kathaliye (Tamil)
1978 - Mangudi Minor (Tamil)
1976 - Naalai Namathe (Tamil)
1975 - Ninathathai Mudippavan (Tamil)
1974 - Netru Indru Naalai (Tamil)
1974 - Dheerka Sumangali (Tamil)
1973 - Bharatha Vilas (Tamil)
1973 - Ulagam Sutrum Valiban (Tamil)
1972 - Annamitta Kai (Tamil)
1971 - Neerum Neruppum (Tamil)
1971 - Oru Thaai Makkal (Tamil)
1971 - Kumarikkottam (Tamil)
1970 - Engal Thangam (Tamil)
1970 - Thalaivan (Tamil)
1969 - Iru Kodugal (Tamil)
1969 - Adimai Pen (Tamil)
1968 - Kudiyirundha Koyil (Tamil)
1968 - Galatta Kalyanam (Tamil)
1968 - Oli Vilakku (Tamil)
1967 - Iru Malargal (Tamil)
1967 - Kaavalkaaran (Tamil)
1966 - Petralthan Pillaya (Tamil)
1966 - Naan Aanaiyittal (Tamil)
1966 - Chandhrodhayam (Tamil)
1966 - Motor Sundaram Pillai (Tamil)
1965 - Panam Padaithavan (Tamil)
1965 - Thaazhampoo (Tamil)
1965 - Aayirathil Oruvan (Tamil)
1965 - Anbe Vaa (Tamil)
1965 - Enga Veetu Pillai (Tamil)
1964 - Padagotti (Tamil)
1964 - Thaayin Madiyil (Tamil)
1963 - Karpagam (Tamil)
1963 - Edhaiyum Thaangum Idhayam (Tamil)
1963 - Nallavan Vaazhvaan (Tamil)
1963 - Idayathil Nee (Tamil)
1961 - Chandrakanth (Tamil)