I have grown up with Raja’s songs. The beauty of Raja’s composition is that it fits exactly into the situation for the song. The tune apart, the choice of instruments is so apt that it brings the situation live. Apart from being a great compser, he is a prolific singer and a lyricist too. I’m amazed by the recent solo song ’’Kaattu Vazhi’’ in ’’ Adhu Oru Kana Kaalamm ’’ , a classic example to prove the multi-facted genius of Raja.

It is impossible to choose the best 10 from hundreds of eqully great songs composed by the maestro. My personal choice would be:

1. Sriranga Ranga Nathanin from Mahanathi . Sung by S.P.Balasubramanian

In praise of the Divine Lord.

2. Sendhoora Poove from Pathinaaru Vayadhinile . Sung by S.Janaki.

The freshness of youth.

3. Putham Pudhu Poo Poothatho from Thalapathai . Sung by K.J.Yesudoss.

Is it Joy or Sorrow! A widow gets a new lease of life from her husband’s killer!


4. Oru Ganam Oru Yugamaga from Nadodi Thendral . Sung by Ilayaraaja & S.Janaki

The everlasting moments of love.

5. Idhayam Oru Kovil from Idhyak Kovil . Sung by S.P.Balasubramanian / Ilayaraja.

The love originating from the heart.

6. Ennulle... Ennulle from Valli . Sung by Chithra

The seduction.

7. Nirpathauve ... Nadappathuve from Barathi . Sung by Harish Ragavendra

The deceitful nature of Nature.

8. Unnai Ninache from Apoorva Sagodharargal . Sung by
S.P.Balasubramanian.

The innocent dwarf’s feeling of self-pity.

9. Kalyana Maalai /B> from Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal /B> . Sung by
S.P.Balasubramanian.

The expectations from a marriage.

10. Piraye ... Piraye from Pitha Magan . Sung by Madhu balakrishnan   

The depressing scene of a cremation ground!