Lyricist Vaali : One of the legendary poet-peers of Tamil Cinema

Poet Vaali is one of the most respected names not just in Kollywood cinema but also in literary circles. Legend has it that Vaali was contemplating suicide at one point of time due to poverty when he heard the motivational lines of the song 'Mayakkama Kalakkamma' from the movie "SumaiThangi"(penned by Shri Kannadasan).

The lines "Unakkum keezhe Ullavar kodi, Ninaiththup Paarthu Nimmadhi naadu....(Crores of people are living below what you think, think of that fact, seek peace...) in that lyric changed his mindset and renewed his vigour to live a new lease of life. Thus born the world known Poet-cum-Author we know of today. He has quoted once that "there were 24 hours before him but no food to eat and next came a unique time when he had enough on the plate but no time to eat".

Lyricist Vaali had close association with celebrities like Karunanidhi, Jayalalitha, VaiKo, etc. He was born on 29th Oct 1931. His birth name is Rangarajan. Before entering into filmdom, he was running an ad related Publicities company. Due to its getting lack of commercial success, he was disillusioned. He was inspired by theater art and started directing dramas such as Dhalapathi.

He is considered as one of the finest Tamil poets of his era. He has written poems and lyrics for countless films in a career spanning over five decades. Her has also acted in movies such as Sathya, Hey Raam, Kaadhal Virus, Paarthale Paravasam, n to name a few. He has written dialogues for around ten films including Kaliyuga Kannan, Oru kodiyil Iru Malargal.

Slowly but steadily, Vaali's attention turned towards silverscreen and he chose to come to Chennai. His maiden penning was for the MGR starred film Azhagar Malaik Kalvan. Many listeners of previous genre use to sing this song by heart. In fact, MGR - one of the most celebrity figures is known for his best choice of songs from the lyricists. In line with expectations of MGR, Vaali fulfilled his lyrics which have the catalystic effect of motivation, dharm chinthan, kadamai, kanniyam, kattuppaadu, etc. family bondage. He has penned songs for the new age heroes too - Sivakarthikeyan, Siddhardh, to name a few. Poet Vaali had his last breath on 18th July, 2013

Lyricist Vaali is responsible for writing more than 15,000 songs fulfilling the poetic desires of four generations. He has also proved that he can not only write lyrics in pure tamil , but mixed with all sorts of folk, hip-hop, rhythm, etc. He can even mix any language in tamil songs. Vaali has also authored for more than 20 books including NijaGovindham, Paandavar Bhoomi, Amma. His books titled Sri Krishna Vijayam(two parts) has again proved literary prowess and knowledge he had applied through his staunch devotion.

His unforgettable lines for the MGR starred song "Naan aanai Ittaal, adhu nadandhu vittaal" ..(If I make a command and that gets being fulfilled....) is one of the most popular songs which are being broadcast and heard at the remotest villages even today.