# M. L. Vasanthakumari

Madras Lalithangi Vasanthakumari (popularly referred to as MLV) (3 July 1928 – 31 October 1990) was a Carnatic musician and playback singer for film songs in many Indian languages. MLV and her contemporaries, D. K. Pattammal and M. S. Subbulakshmi, are popularly referred to as the female trinity of Carnatic music. A prime disciple of G. N. Balasubramaniam, she was the youngest among the established musicians of that era and was the youngest female to receive the Sangita Kalanidhi award. In 1967, she was honored with the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award, by the government of India. Her daughter, the late K. Srividya, was an actress in Tamil and Malayalam films.
As well as being a much sought-after playback singer for films, MLV popularized unfamiliar ragas, and her Ragam Thanam Pallavis were considered cerebral. Additionally, she popularized the compositions of the Haridasas. Her most famous disciples include Srividya (her daughter), Sudha Raghunathan, Charumathi Ramachandran, and A. Kanyakumari.

## Early life

MLV was born into a musical family. Her father, Kuthanur Ayya Swamy Iyer, was a noted musician, and her mother, Lalithangi, was also a musician. When Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das died in 1925, Lalithangi came out with a song as a tribute to his patriotism. A rare gramophone record of her rendition of this song is said to be in V. Sundaram's possession.
MLV (M. L. Vasanthakumari) received her school education in Madras, attending a convent school, where she initially planned to pursue a career in medicine. However, her path took a pivotal turn when Carnatic musician G. N. Balasubramaniam became her guru. In her own words:
"My parents had rendered yeoman service to Carnatic music. They were instrumental in popularizing the compositions of Purandara Dasa in South India. Although they were not keen on my pursuing a career in music and instead provided me with a general education, the musical atmosphere at home gave me ample opportunity to practice vocal music. When G. N. Balasubramaniam heard me sing, he convinced my parents to allow him to tutor me. It is he who is responsible for the position I hold in the music world today."

## Learning Carnatic music

MLV learned Carnatic music from G. N. Balasubramaniam (GNB). She was also GNB's first disciple.

## Performing and recording career

MLV made her debut in 1940, at the age of 12, by accompanying her mother to a recital. Two years later, she gave a solo recital in Bengaluru. She also cut her first 78-rpm disc. From then on, her career took on a geometric progression as a stage artist, and by 1950, she had established herself as a front-ranker.

### Her own musical style

MLV imbibed much of GNB's style but did not make a fetish of speed and struck out on her own, evolving an inimitable style of her own.
While MLV was known more for her cerebral style than her emotional one, this was compensated for by her rich and original manodharma. Similar to GNB, she was said to be a genius in her tricky, instantaneous, brilliant manodharma. Indira Menon comments, "MLV did adopt her Guru's idea of a quick impressionistic sketch of the raga covering the two octaves at the start, but settled down to a reposeful elaboration, unfolding it gradually with her virtuosity in the form of BRIGA-CCASCADES appearing only where necessary. She was careful not to carry to excess what her versatile voice was capable of."
MLV's mastery of vocal techniques was comprehensive and complete. She could render several difficult ragas with her alapana and kalpana swaras, suitably embellished with shruthi-bheda. Her listeners had the same ecstatic experience when she sang, and more particularly when, in a lightning manner, she shifted gracefully from the melodic world of one raga in one pitch to another raga in another pitch. In this context, one has to refer to raga combinations like Shanmukhapriya-Sankarabharanam, Bhairavi-Kamas, and Abhogi-Valaji to illustrate this point.
In GNB's own words, Vasanthi typifies real discipleship—she absorbs all but presents her own glorious creations."

### Purandaradasa Tradition

Lalithangi, MLV's mother, had a vast repertoire of Purandaradasa kritis. She passed on this tradition to her daughter, MLV. As a result, like T. Brinda, who brought Kshetrayya Padams to the public platform, and M. S. Subbalakshmi, who brought Annamacharya kritis to the public arena, MLV popularized the Devaranamas of Purandaradasa.

### Sindhubhairavi

She popularized the composition 'Kalyana Gopalam', composed by Narayana Teertha, in Raga Sindhubhairavi. She also popularized the composition 'Venkatachala Nilayam' by Purandaradasa in the same raga. Hindustani maestro Bade Ghulam Ali Khan was generous in his praise for her music. Sudha Ragunathan mentions, "MLV Amma has told me that it was Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Saab who taught her the nuances of Sindhu Bhairavi in the Hindustani style."

### Ragam Thanam Pallavi

She popularized the composition 'Kalyana Gopalam', composed by Narayana Teertha, in Raga Sindhubhairavi. She also popularized the composition 'Venkatachala Nilayam' by Purandaradasa in the same raga. Hindustani maestro Bade Ghulam Ali Khan was generous in his praise for her music. Sudha Ragunathan mentions, "MLV Amma has told me that it was Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Saab who taught her the nuances of Sindhu Bhairavi in the Hindustani style."

### Playback Singing

By 1946, MLV was also a playback singer. Her first big hit was in the 1951 film Manamagal, where she sang the song Ellam Inbamayam in Ragamalika and Subramania Bharathiyar's evergreen composition, Chinnanchiru Kiliyae. In the 1960 film Raja Desingu, MLV also sang another Ragamalika, Parkadal Alaimele, which was well received and later became popular in Bharatha Natyam recitals. In later years, MLV would also sing these songs towards the end of her Carnatic music concerts, and today, many musicians often include them in their repertoire.
MLV also sang Ayya Saami in the 1951 film, Or Iravu. This song was based on the song Gore Gore from the film Samaadhi, which was in turn based on the Latin American song Chico Chico from Puerto Rico from the film Cuban Pete. In the 1952 film Thayullam, MLV sang Konjum Purave, which was based on the famous Hindi song Thandi Havayen.
Other songs MLV sang include Adisayam Vanathu Arivumayam, Senthamarai Kannanae, Vanna Tamizh, and Adum Arul Jothi in the films Vikramadithian, Vairamalai, and Sornakili. Incidentally, each of these songs contained the raga Kalyani and was also well received.
MLV sang the Dashaavataara song for Bhookailas like Munneeta Pavalinchu Naagashayana, while Kumari Kamala danced in a classical way. She sang for films until 1970.

### Personality

As one of the top-ranking stage artists, MLV was noted for her charm, grace, warmth, self-restraint, and humility. Her self-restraint as an artist can be understood from her own words: Brigas in a fast tempo should adhere to the shruthi, and above all, true music must touch the listener's heart. MLV, however, maintained a philosophy: A concert is a daily test of the caliber of a musician. A slight lapse may let the musician down, and constant vigilance is essential.

### Accompanists

Mridangam maestro Palghat Mani Iyer made an exception to the decision he had made early in his career not to accompany a female performer and accompany her to concerts. MLV helped others, including Mannargudi Easwaran, Srimushnam V. Raja Rao, Seerkazhi J. Skandaprasad, Thiruvarur Bakthavathsalam, R. Ramesh, Karaikudi Krishnamurthy, G. Harishankar (kanjira), Dwaram Mangathayaru (violin), Kannyakumari (violin), and more, establishing them by encouraging them and giving them opportunities to accompany her in concerts.

## Family

MLV married Kalaimamani Vikatam R.Krishnamurthy in the year 1951. They had a son, K. Shankarraman and Srividya.

## Disciples

MLV taught her daughter K.Srividya, who, at the age of 10, was ready to perform and sang very much like MLV. Srividya, however, wanted to pursue a career in the film industry and went on to become a notable actress in Indian films.
By coincidence, Srividhya made her acting debut in a Tamil movie as a concert vocalist. It was her mother, MLV, who sang for Srividhya. The Asaveri Raga Krithi MLV sang for her daughter Srividhya to mouth in the film, and it would have been equally in place in a concert in the December season.
MLV trained several other students, and many of them are the top-ranking musicians today. Some of the notable musicians who have studied under MLV include Sudha Ragunathan, Charumathi Ramachandran, and A. Kanyakumari.
Saraswathi Srinivasan (b. 1936) was the first disciple of MLV. After marriage, Saraswathy Srinivasan, jointly with MLV, gave some concerts.

## Awards

| Year | Award | Awarded by |
| 1967 | Padma Bhushan | Third highest civilian award by the government of India |
| 1970 | Sangeet Natak Akademi Award | Sangeet Natak Akademi, India |
| 1976 | Doctorate degree for her work with regard to Purandaradasa's contributions to music | Mysore University |
| 1977 | Sangeetha Kalanidhi (Highest accolade in the field of Carnatic music) | Music Academy, Madras |
| 1977 | Isai Perarignar | Tamil Isai Sangam, Madras |
| 1987 | Sangeetha Kalasikhamani | Indian Fine Arts Society, Chennai |

## Death

She died in 1990 at the age of 62 due to cancer and was stoic about the suffering she faced in the last year of her life.

## Playback singer

She was a much sought-after playback singer from the late 1940s until the mid-1960s.

### Collaborations with music composers

She worked under C. R. Subburaman, S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, G. Ramanathan, S. Dakshinamurthi, K. V. Mahadevan, Vedha, V. Nagayya, Pendyala Nageshwara Rao, T. Chalapathi Rao, Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, S. Rajeswara Rao, R. Sudarsanam, R. Govardhanam, T. R. Pappa, S. V. Venkatraman, Kunnakudi Venkatrama Iyer, G. Aswathama, T. A. Kalyanam, M. S. Gnanamani, C. N. Pandurangan, C. S. Jayaraman, G. Govindarajulu Naidu, T. G. Lingappa, K. G. Moorthy, Ghantasala, Master Venu, G. Aswathama, V. Dakshinamoorthy, G. Devarajan, K. Raghavan and Shankar–Jaikishan.

### Collaborations with playback singers

She sang duets mostly with Thiruchi Loganathan, Seerkazhi Govindarajan and A. M. Rajah. Others are M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, V. N. Sundaram, T. R. Mahalingam, T. A. Mothi, C. R. Subburaman, C. S. Jayaraman, Ghantasala, G. K. Venkatesh, T. M. Soundararajan, P. B. Sreenivas, K. S. George, V. Dakshinamoorthy, and K. J. Yesudas.
She also sang duets with female singers, most notably with P. Leela & N. L. Ganasaraswathi. Others are A. P. Komala, T. S. Bagavathi, Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi, Jikki, T. V. Rathnam, Radha Jayalakshmi, P. A. Periyanayaki, P. Bhanumathi, K. Jamuna Rani and A. G. Rathnamala.
| Year | Film | Language | Song | Music | Co-singer |
| 1948 | Krishna Bakthi | Tamil | Raadhaa Samedhaa Krishnaa | S. V. Venkatraman & Kunnakudi Venkatrama Iyer | |
| 1948 | Krishna Bakthi | Tamil | Endha Vedugo O Raagavaa | S. V. Venkatraman & Kunnakudi Venkatrama Iyer | |
| 1948 | Raja Mukthi | Tamil | Kulakkodi Thazhaikka | C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1948 | Raja Mukthi | Tamil | Aaraaro Nee Aaraaro | C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1948 | Raja Mukthi | Tamil | Ingum Angum Engum Inbame | C. R. Subburaman | M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar |
| 1948 | Raja Mukthi | Tamil | Enna Aanandham | C. R. Subburaman | M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar |
| 1948 | Raja Mukthi | Tamil | Sandhoshamaai Anbar Varuvaaradi | C. R. Subburaman | P. Bhanumathi |
| 1949 | Kanniyin Kaadhali | Tamil | Puvi Raajaa | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu & C. R. Subburaman | Thiruchi Loganathan |
| 1949 | Kanniyin Kaadhali | Tamil | Kalaivaaniye Nee | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu & C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1949 | Kanniyin Kaadhali | Tamil | Kaaranam Theriyammal | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu & C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1949 | Mayavathi | Tamil | Maane En Prema Raani | G. Ramanathan | T. R. Mahalingam |
| 1949 | Mayavathi | Tamil | Vaaraai En Inba Vaazhve | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1949 | Mayavathi | Tamil | Aahaa Thanimai Tharum Inbam | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1949 | Mayavathi | Tamil | Alli Malaraayirundhen | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1949 | Mayavathi | Tamil | Varuvano Madhivadhanan | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1949 | Mayavathi | Tamil | Jeyame En Vaazhvile | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1949 | Nallathambi | Tamil | Gaanalolan Madhanagopaalan | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu & C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1949 | Nam Naadu | Tamil | Mosam Pogadhe Nee | G. Govindarajulu Naidu & Purushotham | |
| 1949 | Nam Naadu | Tamil | Enthan Mana Ullaasam | G. Govindarajulu Naidu & Purushotham | |
| 1949 | Nam Naadu | Tamil | Enadhu Ennam Veene | G. Govindarajulu Naidu & Purushotham | |
| 1949 | Nam Naadu | Tamil | Vedhanai Ilaa Logam | G. Govindarajulu Naidu & Purushotham | |
| 1949 | Nam Naadu | Tamil | Maname Enna Pedhamai | G. Govindarajulu Naidu & Purushotham | |
| 1949 | Pavalakodi | Tamil | Kandeepan Maithunaa | C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1949 | Pavalakodi | Tamil | Naane Vendinen | C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1949 | Pavalakodi | Tamil | Ini Nammodellaam | C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1949 | Pavalakodi | Tamil | Unathu Pugazh Paaduven | C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1949 | Vazhkai | Tamil | Gopaalanodu Naan Aaduvene | R. Sudarsanam | |
| 1950 | Beedala Patlu | Telugu | Yauvaname Aahaa Yauvaname | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu | |
| 1950 | Beedala Patlu | Telugu | Sarasaku Raade Aane | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu | |
| 1950 | Ezhai Padum Padu | Tamil | Yauvaname Aahaa Yauvaname | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu | |
| 1950 | Ezhai Padum Padu | Tamil | Kannan Mana Nilaiye | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu | |
| 1950 | Ezhai Padum Padu | Tamil | Vaanamudhe Ondraai | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu | Thiruchi Loganathan & P. A. Periyanayaki |
| 1950 | Manthiri Kumari | Tamil | Isai Kalaiye Inidhaana | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1950 | Manthiri Kumari | Tamil | Kaadhal Baliyaagi | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1950 | Manthiri Kumari | Tamil | Manam Pola Vaazhvu Peruvome | G. Ramanathan | Jikki |
| 1950 | Manthiri Kumari | Tamil | Aahaahaahaa Vaazhvile | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1950 | Manthiri Kumari | Tamil | Ennum Pozhuthil Inbam | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1950 | Parijatham | Tamil | Niyaayam Alladi Bhaamaa | S. V. Venkatraman & C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1950 | Parijatham | Tamil | Piraana Naathanae | S. V. Venkatraman & C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1950 | Parijatham | Tamil | Anbinil Yaavume.... Thulasi Jegan Maathaa | S. V. Venkatraman & C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1950 | Parijatham | Tamil | Pugazhnthu Pugazhnthu Uraikka | S. V. Venkatraman & C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1950 | Parijatham | Tamil | Vantharul Endruraippai | S. V. Venkatraman & C. R. Subburaman | |
| 1950 | Prasanna | Malayalam | Kalaanikethe Keralamaathe | M. S. Gnanamani | |
| 1950 | Prasanna | Malayalam | Gaanamohana Hare | M. S. Gnanamani | |
| 1950 | Prasanna | Malayalam | Jaathivairam Neethirahitham | M. S. Gnanamani | |
| 1950 | Prasanna | Malayalam | Thakarukayo Sakalamen | M. S. Gnanamani | |
| 1950 | Vijayakumari | Tamil | Geethaanandham Perinbam | C. R. Subburaman | P. Leela |
| 1951 | Manamagal | Tamil | Chinnanciru Kiliye Kannammaa | C. R. Subburaman | V. N. Sundaram |
| 1951 | Manamagal | Tamil | Ellaam Inbamayam | C. R. Subburaman | P. Leela |
| 1951 | Manamagal | Tamil | Aayirathu Tholaayirathu | C. R. Subburaman | P. Leela |
| 1951 | Manamagal | Tamil | Paaviyinum Padu Paavi | C. R. Subburaman | V. N. Sundaram |
| 1951 | Manamagal | Tamil | Iru Kaadhalar Magizhndhe | C. R. Subburaman | C. R. Subburaman |
| 1951 | Mayamalai | Tamil | | P. Adinarayana Rao | |
| 1951 | Navvithe Navaratnalu | Telugu | Marubal Kavadhe Meera | G. Aswathama | |
| 1951 | Navvithe Navaratnalu | Telugu | Uyyaala Loogena O Manasam | G. Aswathama | |
| 1951 | Navvithe Navaratnalu | Telugu | Telirekhalu Virise Thurupudisa | G. Aswathama | |
| 1951 | Navvithe Navaratnalu | Telugu | Saanthiye Ledhaa Naaku | G. Aswathama | |
| 1951 | Navvithe Navaratnalu | Telugu | Sri Rajarajesvari Sritajanavandita | G. Aswathama | |
| 1951 | Or Iravu | Tamil | Ayyaa Saami Avoji Saami | R. Sudarsanam | |
| 1951 | Or Iravu | Tamil | Boologam Thanai Kaana Varuveer | R. Sudarsanam | T. S. Bagavathi |
| 1951 | Pelli Kooturu | Telugu | Veera Jaajula Valape | C. R. Subburaman | C. R. Subburaman |
| 1951 | Pelli Kooturu | Telugu | Anta Premamayam | C. R. Subburaman | P. Leela |
| 1951 | Pelli Kooturu | Telugu | 1950 Ki 60 Ki Ento Teda | C. R. Subburaman | A. P. Komala |
| 1951 | Pelli Kooturu | Telugu | Paapula Loka Dupaapi | C. R. Subburaman | C. R. Subburaman |
| 1951 | Pelli Kooturu | Telugu | | C. R. Subburaman | C. R. Subburaman |
| 1951 | Rajambal | Tamil | Vaazhvu Uyara Vendum | M. S. Gnanamani | |
| 1951 | Rajambal | Tamil | Ahaa Haa Manaiviyaaven | M. S. Gnanamani | |
| 1951 | Rajambal | Tamil | Theeraadha Thunbam Thaanaa | M. S. Gnanamani | |
| 1951 | Saudamini | Tamil | Anbe En Sivame Aandarulvaaye | S. V. Venkatraman | |
| 1951 | Saudamini | Tamil | Maara Sundara Maadhu Ivale | S. V. Venkatraman | |
| 1951 | Soudamini | Telugu | Elukkona Ra | S. V. Venkatraman | |
| 1951 | Tilottama | Telugu | | P. Adinarayana Rao | |
| 1952 | Andhaman Kaidhi | Tamil | Kaani Nilam Vendum Paraasakthi | G. Govindarajulu Naidu | C. S. Jayaraman |
| 1952 | En Thangai | Tamil | Dheena Dhayaabari Thaaye | C. N. Pandurangan | |
| 1952 | Kanchana | Tamil | Maye Thvam Yaahi | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu | |
| 1952 | Kanchana | Tamil | Shivakameshwari Chintaye | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu | |
| 1952 | Kanchana | Tamil | Maye Thvam Yaahi | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu | |
| 1952 | Kanchana | Tamil | Shivakameshwari Chintaye | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu | |
| 1952 | Kanjana | Malayalam | Maye Thvam Yaahi | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu | |
| 1952 | Kanjana | Malayalam | Shivakameshwari Chintaye | S. M. Subbaiah Naidu | |
| 1952 | Moondru Pillaigal | Tamil | Antha Raama Sowndharyam | P. S. Anantharaman & M. D. Parthasarathy | A. P. Komala |
| 1952 | Mr. Sampat | Hindi | Manchi Dinamu Nede | B. S. Kalla & Emani Sankara Sastry | |
| 1952 | Mugguru Kodukkulu | Telugu | Aaraaghu Ra Muni | K. G. Moorthy | N. L. Ganasaraswathi |
| 1952 | Panam | Tamil | Ezhai Nin Kovilai | Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy | G. K. Venkatesh |
| 1952 | Panam | Tamil | Kudumbatthin Vilakku | Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy | |
| 1952 | Parasakthi | Tamil | Vaazhga Vaazhgave Vaazhgave | R. Sudarsanam | |
| 1952 | Penn Manam | Tamil | Kanavilum Maraven | Kunnakudi Venkatarama Iyer | |
| 1952 | Penn Manam | Tamil | Vazhvile Vaazhvile | Kunnakudi Venkatarama Iyer | Madhavapeddi Satyam |
| 1952 | Penn Manam | Tamil | Sugamedhu Vaazhvile | Kunnakudi Venkatarama Iyer | Madhavapeddi Satyam |
| 1952 | Puratchi Veeran | Tamil | Kaaranam Theriyaamal | Shankar–Jaikishan | |
| 1952 | Shyamala | Tamil | Ambaa Aadhi Sakthi Jegadhaambaa | G. Ramanathan, T. V. Raju & S. B. Dinakar Rao | |
| 1952 | Thai Ullam | Tamil | Konjum Puraave | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1952 | Thai Ullam | Tamil | Vellai Thamarai Poovil | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1952 | Thai Ullam | Tamil | Kovil Muzhuthum Kanden | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1952 | Thai Ullam | Tamil | Kathayai Kelada | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1952 | Velaikari Magal | Tamil | Anbe Endhan Aaruyire Azhaadhe | C. R. Subburaman & S. Dakshinamurthi | |
| 1952 | Velaikari Magal | Tamil | Mudinthathe En Vazhvu | C. R. Subburaman & S. Dakshinamurthi | |
| 1952 | Velaikari Magal | Tamil | Pagalellam Velai Seithe | C. R. Subburaman & S. Dakshinamurthi | K. Devanarayanan |
| 1953 | Aasai Magan | Tamil | Kalaigal Migundha Engal | V. Dakshinamoorthy | P. Leela |
| 1953 | Aasai Magan | Tamil | Neeye Arul Velavane | V. Dakshinamoorthy | |
| 1953 | Aashadeepam | Malayalam | Janani Jayikka Neenal | V. Dakshinamoorthy | P. Leela |
| 1953 | Aashadeepam | Malayalam | Sharanam Mayilvaahanaa | V. Dakshinamoorthy | |
| 1953 | Ammalakkalu | Telugu | Nee Kosam | C. R. Subburaman | Pithapuram Nageswara Rao |
| 1953 | Anbu | Tamil | Adavare Naattile | T. R. Pappa | A. M. Rajah |
| 1953 | Anbu | Tamil | Isaippaadi | T. R. Pappa | |
| 1953 | En Veedu | Tamil | Konjum Mozhi Maindharkale | V. Nagayya & A. Rama Rao | T. A. Mothi |
| 1953 | Gumastha | Tamil | Aiyavin Penndattikku | G. Ramanathan, V. Nagayya & C. N. Pandurangan | K. R. Chellamuthu |
| 1953 | Gumastha | Tamil | Dance Baby Dance | G. Ramanathan, V. Nagayya & C. N. Pandurangan | |
| 1953 | Inspector | Tamil | Varuvaai Mana Mohanaa | G. Ramanathan | V. N. Sundaram |
| 1953 | Inspector | Tamil | Madhana Singaara Neelaa | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1953 | Inspector | Tamil | Moodiyirundha En Vizhiyinul | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1953 | Inspector | Telugu | Marupayena Mohana | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1953 | Inspector | Telugu | Mara Sukumara | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1953 | Inspector | Telugu | Moodapa Dhinana Muddulaveena | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1953 | Jatagam | Tamil | Velan Varuvaanodi | R. Govardhanam | |
| 1953 | Kangal | Tamil | Inba Veenaiyai Meettudhu | S. V. Venkatraman | |
| 1953 | Kangal | Tamil | Kann Kanda Deivame | S. V. Venkatraman | |
| 1953 | Kangal | Tamil | Annai Karamena Nammai | S. V. Venkatraman | |
| 1953 | Kangal | Tamil | Varungkaala Thalaivan Neeye | S. V. Venkatraman | |
| 1953 | Kodarikam | Telugu | Illalu Illalu | C. N. Pandurangan | |
| 1953 | Kodarikam | Telugu | Mahaa Ganapathi Gajaananaa | C. N. Pandurangan | |
| 1953 | Mamiyar | Tamil | Penn Ivale Miga | C. N. Pandurangan | |
| 1953 | Mamiyar | Tamil | Mahaa Ganapathi Gajaananaa | C. N. Pandurangan | |
| 1953 | Manam Pola Mangalyam | Tamil | Solai Naduve Odi | A. Rama Rao | |
| 1953 | Manidhanum Mirugamum | Tamil | Inbakuyil Kuralinimai | G. Govindarajulu Naidu | A. M. Rajah |
| 1953 | Manidhanum Mirugamum | Tamil | Imayamalai Chaaralile | G. Govindarajulu Naidu | |
| 1953 | Manithan | Tamil | Kuyile Unakku | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1953 | Marumagal | Tamil | Nianikkira Maaadhiri Ellaam | C. R. Subburaman | T. R. Ramachandran |
| 1953 | Naa Illu | Telugu | Adigadigo Gagana Seema | V. Nagayya & A. Rama Rao | T. A. Mothi |
| 1953 | Naa Illu | Telugu | Raara Maa Intidaka | V. Nagayya & A. Rama Rao | |
| 1953 | Naalvar | Tamil | Irul Soozhum Vaanil | K. V. Mahadevan | |
| 1953 | Naalvar | Tamil | Inbam Kolludhe | K. V. Mahadevan | |
| 1953 | Naalvar | Tamil | Vaana Veedhiyil Parandhiduvom | K. V. Mahadevan | Thiruchi Loganathan |
| 1953 | Naam | Tamil | | C. S. Jayaraman | |
| 1953 | Prapancham | Telugu | | M. S. Gnanamani & T. Poornananda | A. M. Rajah |
| 1953 | Prapancham | Telugu | Kalaye Navakalaye | M. S. Gnanamani & T. Poornananda | |
| 1953 | Ulagam | Tamil | Un Kaadhalaal En Anbellaam | M. S. Gnanamani | A. M. Rajah |
| 1953 | Ulagam | Tamil | En Jeevanile | M. S. Gnanamani | |
| 1953 | Vazha Pirandhaval | Tamil | Indhiya Naadu Nam Indhiya Naadu | S. Rajeswara Rao & G. Ramanathan | |
| 1954 | Ammaiyappan | Tamil | Kaadhal Thuraiye Pudhumai Kanave | T. R. Pappa | |
| 1954 | Ammaiyappan | Tamil | Chinna Pudhu Malare | T. R. Pappa | |
| 1954 | Ammaiyappan | Tamil | Sidhaindhadhe.... Manamogana Jeevan | T. R. Pappa | S. Varalakshmi |
| 1954 | Ammaiyappan | Tamil | Poojaikku.... Pillaiyaare Thulli | T. R. Pappa | |
| 1954 | Ammaiyappan | Tamil | Neelakadal Paaru Paappaa | T. R. Pappa | |
| 1954 | Ammaiyappan | Tamil | Kaadhal Thuraiye Pudhumai Kanave | T. R. Pappa | |
| 1954 | Bedara Kannappa | Kannada | Daari Kaadu Naa Balu Nonde | R. Sudarsanam | |
| 1954 | Kanavu | Tamil | Kannaana Thaai Naadae | G. Ramanathan & V. Dakshinamoorthy | |
| 1954 | Kanavu | Tamil | Eliyorku Suga Vaazhvu Edhu | G. Ramanathan & V. Dakshinamoorthy | |
| 1954 | Kanavu | Tamil | Engume Thai Pongal | G. Ramanathan & V. Dakshinamoorthy | |
| 1954 | Kudumbam | Tamil | Pandigai Dhinamithadah | Pendyala Nageswara Rao | |
| 1954 | Menarikam | Telugu | | Pendyala Nageswara Rao | |
| 1954 | Pudhu Yugam | Tamil | Kalaiye Puviyaarai Kavarum | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1954 | Ratha Kanneer | Tamil | Kadhavai Saathadi | C. S. Jayaraman | |
| 1954 | Ratha Kanneer | Tamil | Aalaiyin Sangge Nee Oothaayo | C. S. Jayaraman | |
| 1954 | Ratha Paasam | Tamil | Nilaiyaana Inbam Manavaalan Anbe | M. K. Athmanathan & A. V. Natarajan | |
| 1954 | Kalahasti Mahatyam | Telugu | Choochi Choochi | R. Sudarsanam | |
| 1954 | Kalahasti Mahatyam | Telugu | Chaalu Chaalu Naa Mohana | R. Sudarsanam | |
| 1954 | Thookku Thookki | Tamil | Vaaranam Aayiram Soozha Valam Seidhu | G. Ramanathan | P. Leela |
| 1954 | Thuli Visham | Tamil | Nandraaga Vaazha Vendum | K. N. Dandayudhapani Pillai | |
| 1954 | Vaira Malai | Tamil | Vanjamidho Vaanchaiyidho | Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy | Thiruchi Loganathan |
| 1954 | Vaira Malai | Tamil | Koovaamal Koovum Kogilam | Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy | Thiruchi Loganathan |
| 1954 | Vaira Malai | Tamil | Unnai Ennum Podhe | Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy | |
| 1954 | Vaira Malai | Tamil | Senthamarai Kannane | Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy | |
| 1955 | Adarsha Sathi | Telugu | Parameshane Shiraverida | R. Sudarsanam & R. Govardhanam | |
| 1955 | Kalvanin Kadhali | Tamil | Tamil Thirunaadu Thannai Petra | G. Govindarajulu Naidu | N. L. Ganasaraswathi |
| 1955 | Kaveri | Tamil | Manjal Veyyil Maalaiyile | G. Ramanathan | C. S. Jayaraman |
| 1955 | Kaveri | Tamil | Manadhinile Naan Konda | Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy | |
| 1955 | Koteeswaran | Tamil | Ennudalum Ullak Kaadhalum Unakke | S. V. Venkatraman | |
| 1955 | Maheswari | Tamil | Andha NaaLum Endha Naalo | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1955 | Ulagam Palavitham | Tamil | Adimaiyendre Ennathe Penne | N. S. Balakrishnan | |
| 1955 | Valliyin Selvan | Tamil | Kannin Maniye Vaa | Parur S. Anantharaman | |
| 1955 | Valliyin Selvan | Tamil | Vilaiyaadum Dheivamadi | Parur S. Anantharaman | T. V. Rathnam |
| 1955 | Vijaya Gauri | Telugu | Andala Sandadilo | G. Ramanathan | A. M. Rajah |
| 1954 | Vedan Kannappa | Tamil | Thedi Thedi Naan Manam Nondhen | R. Sudarsanam | |
| 1956 | Amara Deepam | Tamil | Enge Maraindhanayo | T. Chalapathi Rao & G. Ramanathan | |
| 1956 | Chori Chori | Hindi | Theem Theem | Shankar–Jaikishan | |
| 1956 | Kaalam Maari Pochu | Tamil | Ennamadhellaam Neeye Niraindhu | Master Venu | |
| 1956 | Kannin Manigal | Tamil | Nalla Veenai Idhe Mannile | S. V. Venkatraman | |
| 1956 | Kannin Manigal | Tamil | Velli Nilavinile | S. V. Venkatraman | |
| 1956 | Kannin Manigal | Tamil | Aaraaro Aasai Kanmaniye | S. V. Venkatraman | |
| 1956 | Kannin Manigal | Tamil | Anbin Dheepamidhe | S. V. Venkatraman | |
| 1956 | Koodappirappu | Malayalam | Alarsharaparithaapam | K. Raghavan | |
| 1956 | Koodappirappu | Malayalam | Manivarnane Innu Njan | K. Raghavan | |
| 1956 | Kula Dheivam | Tamil | Thaaye Yasodha Undhan | R. Sudarsanam | |
| 1956 | Madurai Veeran | Tamil | Aadal Kaaneero | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1956 | Madurai Veeran | Tamil | Senthamizhaa Ezhundhu | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1956 | Naga Devathai | Tamil | | Ghantasala | |
| 1956 | Nagula Chavithi | Telugu | Marubal Kavadhe Meera | Ghantasala | |
| 1956 | Ondre Kulam | Tamil | Anda Pagiranda Akilandeswari | S. V. Venkatraman & M. V. Ranga Rao | |
| 1956 | Ondre Kulam | Tamil | Thiruvarul Purivaai Jaganmaathaa | S. V. Venkatraman & M. V. Ranga Rao | |
| 1956 | Sahasra Veerudu | Telugu | Aatal Kanalero Maa Aatal Kanalero | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1956 | Sahasra Veerudu | Telugu | Andhamula Rashi Neevoyi | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1956 | Punniyavathi | Tamil | Kani Voorum Amudhaana Idhayam | V. Dakshinamoorthy | |
| 1956 | Raja Rani | Tamil | Vaanga Vaanga ... Indriravu Miga Nandriravu | T. R. Pappa | S. V. Ponnusamy |
| 1956 | Raja Rani | Tamil | Manippuraa Pudhu Manippuraa | T. R. Pappa | |
| 1956 | Raja Rani | Tamil | Inba Nan Naalidhe | T. R. Pappa | |
| 1956 | Thaaikkuppin Thaaram | Tamil | Naadu Sezhithida NaaLum Uzhaithida | K. V. Mahadevan | |
| 1957 | Bhale Ammayilu | Telugu | Gopaala Jaagela Raa | S. Rajeswara Rao & S. Hanumantha Rao | P. Leela |
| 1957 | Bhale Ammayilu | Telugu | Theem Thaam Thirana (Thillana) | S. Rajeswara Rao & S. Hanumantha Rao | T. V. Rathnam |
| 1957 | Chakravarthi Thirumagal | Tamil | Enthan Ullam Kollai Kolla | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1957 | Iru Sagodharigal | Tamil | Thaaye Un Seyalallavo | S. Rajeswara Rao | P. Leela |
| 1957 | Iru Sagodharigal | Tamil | Theem Thaam Thirana (Thillana) | S. Rajeswara Rao | T. V. Rathnam |
| 1957 | Karpukkarasi | Tamil | Kaniyo Paago Karkando | G. Ramanathan | P. B. Sreenivas |
| 1957 | Karpukkarasi | Tamil | Vizhiyodu Vilaiyaadum | G. Ramanathan | P. Leela |
| 1957 | Manamagan Thevai | Tamil | Vanthaal Varattum Podi | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1957 | Maya Bajaar | Tamil | Chellamudan Devarkalum Nallaasi | Ghantasala & S. Rajeswara Rao | |
| 1957 | Mayabazar | Kannada | Srisuraru Thamadhalu | Ghantasala & S. Rajeswara Rao | |
| 1957 | Mayabazar | Telugu | Srikarulu Devathalu | Ghantasala & S. Rajeswara Rao | |
| 1957 | Nala Damayanthi | Telugu | Jaali Chpppavadelara | B. Gopalam | |
| 1957 | Rajaputhri Rahasyamu | Telugu | Sreeramu Meedhane Perasha | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1957 | Rani Lalithangi | Tamil | Kannaale Mannaadhi Mannarum | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1957 | Sati Anasuya | Telugu | Maa Roopa Nava Shobana | Ghantasala | |
| 1957 | Soubhagyavathi | Tamil | Matha Maragadha Shyaamaa | Pendyala Nageswara Rao | |
| 1957 | Soubhagyavathi | Telugu | Matha Maragadha Shyaamaa | Pendyala Nageswara Rao | |
| 1957 | Thalavanchani Veerudu | Telugu | Raa Raa Raa | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1957 | Vanangamudi | Tamil | Siramathil.... Vaa Vaa Vaa | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1957 | Varudu Kavali | Telugu | Nandasuthudu Andam Chandam | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1958 | Baktha Ravana | Tamil | Dheva Mahadheva | R. Sudarsanam & R. Govardhanam | |
| 1958 | Bhookailas | Telugu | Dheva Mahadheva | R. Sudarsanam & R. Govardhanam | |
| 1958 | Bhookailas | Telugu | Munneeta Pavalinchu | R. Sudarsanam & R. Govardhanam | |
| 1958 | Bhookailas | Kannada | Dheva Mahadheva | R. Sudarsanam & R. Govardhanam | |
| 1958 | Bhookailas | Kannada | Ksheeraabdhi Varadhaama Naga Sayana | R. Sudarsanam & R. Govardhanam | |
| 1958 | Kanniyin Sabatham | Tamil | Attatthil Sirandhadhu Pitthalaattam | T. G. Lingappa | Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi |
| 1958 | Kanniyin Sabatham | Tamil | Solla Theriyaamal | T. G. Lingappa | |
| 1958 | Mangalya Bhagyam | Tamil | Nenjathile Achcham Illaadhavar | G. Ramanathan | P. Leela |
| 1958 | Mangalya Bhagyam | Tamil | Anusooya Kadhaakaalatchebam | G. Ramanathan | Seerkazhi Govindarajan, A. P. Komala, K. Jamuna Rani & A. G. Rathnamala |
| 1958 | Mangalya Bhagyam | Tamil | Annaiye Paraasakthi | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1958 | Sati Anasuya | Tamil | Maa Roopa Nava Shobana | Ghantasala | |
| 1958 | Uthama Illalu | Telugu | Veyinola Koniyaru Rasakalpame | G. Ramanathan & M. S. Raju | P. Leela |
| 1959 | Chathurangamm | Malayalam | Kaatte Va Kadale | G. Devarajan | |
| 1959 | Chathurangamm | Malayalam | Odakkuzhalum | G. Devarajan | |
| 1959 | Chathurangamm | Malayalam | Kaatte Va Kadale Va | G. Devarajan | K. S. George |
| 1959 | Jayabheri | Telugu | Neeventa Nerajaa Navauraa | Pendyala Nageswara Rao | |
| 1959 | Kalaivaanan | Tamil | Kaadhal Silai Aadudhe | Pendyala Nageswara Rao | |
| 1959 | Kalyanikku Kalyanam | Tamil | Aanandham Indru Aarambam | G. Ramanathan | P. Leela |
| 1959 | Kaveriyin Kanavan | Tamil | Vannatamizh Sornakili | K. V. Mahadevan | |
| 1959 | Krishna Leelalu | Telugu | Thaalalenuraa Thaginadaanaraa | S. Dakshinamurthi | |
| 1959 | Mamiyar Mechina Marumagal | Tamil | Pathu Viral Modhiram | R. Sudarsanam | |
| 1959 | Mamiyar Mechina Marumagal | Tamil | Ranga Ranga Ranga | R. Sudarsanam | Seerkazhi Govindarajan |
| 1959 | Mamiyar Mechina Marumagal | Tamil | Maithunare Maithunare | R. Sudarsanam | A. P. Komala |
| 1959 | Mamiyar Mechina Marumagal | Tamil | Kanna Vaa Vaa | R. Sudarsanam | |
| 1959 | Mamiyar Mechina Marumagal | Tamil | Inge Irupadhaa | R. Sudarsanam | |
| 1959 | Mamiyar Mechina Marumagal | Tamil | Ilavu Kaaththa Kili Pol | R. Sudarsanam | |
| 1959 | Manimekalai | Tamil | PazhangkAla Thamizharin Vaazhkai Murai | G. Ramanathan | N. L. Ganasaraswathi |
| 1959 | Minnal Veeran | Tamil | Manamirunthaal | Vedha | P. Leela |
| 1959 | Orey Vazhi | Tamil | Kalvi Kalvi Endru Paadu | R. Govardhanam | P. Leela |
| 1959 | Pennkulathin Ponvilakku | Tamil | Kadavul Padaikkavillai | Master Venu | P. Leela |
| 1959 | President Panchatcharam | Tamil | Oli Padaitha Kanninaayi | G. Ramanathan | Radha Jayalakshmi |
| 1959 | Thanga Padhumai | Tamil | Varugiraal Unnai Thedi | Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy | Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi |
| 1959 | Vachina Kodalu Nachindi | Telugu | Pahimam Jayajaya | S. Dakshinamurthi | |
| 1959 | Vachina Kodalu Nachindi | Telugu | Pahimam Saranantimamma | S. Dakshinamurthi | Ghantasala & Jikki |
| 1960 | Mannadhi Mannan | Tamil | Kalaiyodu Kalandhadhu Unmai | Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy | |
| 1960 | Mannadhi Mannan | Tamil | Aadadha Manamum Undo | Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy | T. M. Soundararajan |
| 1960 | Meenda Sorgam | Tamil | Aadum Arul Jothi | T. Chalapathi Rao | Seerkazhi Govindarajan |
| 1960 | Parthiban Kanavu | Tamil | Andhi Mayanguthadi | Vedha | |
| 1960 | Parthiban Kanavu | Tamil | Vadiveru Thirisoolam Thondrum | Vedha | |
| 1960 | Parthiban Kanavu | Tamil | Munnam Avanudaya Naamam Kettaal | Vedha | |
| 1960 | Petra Manam | Tamil | Sindhanai Seiyadaa | S. Rajeswara Rao | Sivaji Ganesan (dialogues) |
| 1960 | Raja Bakthi | Tamil | Karka Kasadara Katraapin | G. Govindarajulu Naidu | |
| 1960 | Raja Desingu | Tamil | Paakkadal Alai Mele | G. Ramanathan | |
| 1960 | Seetha | Malayalam | Kanne Nukaru Swargasukham | V. Dakshinamoorthy | |
| 1960 | Thilakam | Tamil | Kaathirundha Kannukku | R. Sudarsanam | |
| 1960 | Thilakam | Tamil | Manasukkulle Maraichu Vaikka | R. Sudarsanam | Seerkazhi Govindarajan |
| 1960 | Thilakam | Tamil | Ezhaikkum Vaazhvukkum | R. Sudarsanam | Seerkazhi Govindarajan & T. S. Bagavathi |
| 1961 | Desinguraju Katha | Telugu | Pala Kadali Meedha | Pamarthi | |
| 1961 | Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Mahatmyam | Telugu | Virahini Ninu Kore | R. Sudarsanam | Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi |
| 1961 | Kongunattu Thangam | Tamil | Irundhum Illaadhavare | K. V. Mahadevan | |
| 1961 | Krishna Kuchela | Malayalam | Varnippathengine | K. Raghavan | P. Leela |
| 1961 | Malliyam Mangalam | Tamil | Avarindri Naanillai Kanne | T. A. Kalyanam | |
| 1961 | Sthree Hrudayam | Telugu | Neeve Jagajyothi | Nityanand | Seerkazhi Govindarajan |
| 1961 | Ummini Thanka | Malayalam | Geethopadesham | V. Dakshinamoorthy | V. Dakshinamoorthy & P. Leela |
| 1962 | Ekaika Veerudu | Telugu | Nanukora Thagadidi Vinumaa | S. P. Kodandapani | |
| 1962 | Ekaika Veerudu | Telugu | Hrdayamulu Pulakinnchavo | S. P. Kodandapani | Seerkazhi Govindarajan |
| 1962 | Vikramaadhithan | Tamil | Adhisayam Ivanadhu | S. Rajeswara Rao | |
| 1963 | Susheela | Malayalam | Thaalolam Thankam Thaalolam | V. Dakshinamoorthy | |
| 1964 | Veeranganai | Tamil | Angamellam Sornthu Vaada | Vedha | P. Leela & K. J. Yesudas |
| 1965 | Maganey Kel | Tamil | Kalai Manggai Uruvam Kandu | Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy | Seerkazhi Govindarajan |
| 1965 | Pinchuhridhayam | Malayalam | Gaanavum Layavum Neeyalle | V. Dakshinamoorthy | P. Leela |
| 1965 | Shakunthala | Malayalam | Kaamavardhiniyaam | K. Raghavan | P. Leela |
| 1965 | Shakunthala | Malayalam | Kaalil Chilanka | K. Raghavan | K. J. Yesudas |
| 1965 | Shakunthala | Malayalam | Guru Brahma | K. Raghavan | |
| 1966 | Rangula Ratnam | Telugu | Chepa Rupamuna | S. Rajeswara Rao & B. Gopalam | A. P. Komala |
| 1967 | Sri Purandara Dasaru | Kannada | Aadidano Ranga | C. N. Pandurangan | |