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