NAAM IRUVAR
Around 1946, a play being staged in Madras was making waves. Written by
a patriotic journalist named Pa. Neelakantan it was originally titled
"Thyaga Ullam" and was renamed as "Nam Iruvar ('We Two' in English)
for the stage. "Naam Iruvar" was put on stage by the NSK Nataka Sabha,
a drama troupe named after the celebrated movie star, comedian, cult
figure and hailed as 'the Charlie Chaplin of India,' N. S. Krishnan.
With his innovative flair AV. Meiyappan was eager to include the
patriotic songs of Bharathiyar in "Naam Iruvar". One song was included
in the stage play and he was eager to have more in the movie.
Consequently he wished to acquire the copyright of Bharathiar's works
and on enquiry he found that a well-known firm of jewelers and diamond
merchants of Madras city, Surajmal Lalloobhai owned it.
And the copyright of Bharathiar's songs changed hands
and Meiyappan became the proud owner of what is now an immortal
national treasure in the public domain. In later years, Meiyappan sold
his rights to the Government of Madras.
Kumari Kamala danced to the songs, " Aduvome pallu paaduvomey ..." and "
Vetri ettu dhikkum etta kottu murasey… .!".
These famed Bharathiyar songs highlighting the freedom sprit were sung
off screen by the famous iconic
Classical Carnatic musician and top star, D. K. Pattammal. A much
applauded and highly respected lady of culture and charm, she was one
of the earliest women performers of standing and stature to sing as
voice-lending off-screen 'play-back' singer in Tamil cinema. The
credit of introducing such an eminent musician to movies goes to
Meiyappan. Indeed in the song sequence an announcement is made over
loud-speakers about her singing. It was a novel introduction during
1940s in South Indian cinema..
All such songs invested "Naam Iruvar" with nationalistic fervor and
patriotic spirit although the story had no direct link with the Indian
Freedom Movement. The movie made
history in many ways and is fondly remembered today after half century
and more.
By
Randorguy