T. M. Soundararajan

T. M. Soundararajan
Born March 24, 1923 (1923-03-24) (age 88)
Origin Madurai,
Madras Presidency, British India
Genres playback singing
Occupations singer, actor
Years active 1946–present

Thuguluva Meenatchi Iyengar Soundararajan (Tamil: டி. எம். சௌந்தரராஜன்) (born March 24, 1923), is a playback singer in the Tamil film industry for over five decades. He gave his voice to most of the actors such as M. G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, Gemini Ganesan, S. S. Rajendran, Jaishankar, Rajkumar and Akkineni Nageswara Rao. He is popularly known as TMS. In 2010, he also rendered his voice for the Tamil Semmozhi Meet Anthem which was composed by A. R. Rahman.

Contents

Early life

TMS was born in a Sourashtra community in Madurai and was the second son of Meenatchi Iyengar. He had been training his voice since the age of 7. He first learnt carnatic music from Chinnakonda Sarangapani Bhagavathar, a music teacher from Sourashtra High School, Madurai. Later, he learnt carnatic music from Arayakkudi Rajamani Iyengar for two years and started giving stage concerts at the age of 21. He started singing in stage concerts in the voice of M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar.

He was married at an early age. Currently, he lives in Mandavalipakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Early work

TMS had to really struggle in the beginning to get a breakthrough because he was getting rejected by the music composers and recording technicians because his voice was cracking and showed variation in higher pitches.(Oru Pann-Paattu Sarithiram:Vamanan). Whilst he was working for six months in the house of Sunderlal Natkarni, a director in the Central Studios, hoping to get a chance and the director recommended to S. M. Subbaiah Naidu to give TMS a singing chance. In 1946, S. M. Subbaiah Naidu gave TMS sing five songs in the style of M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar for the film of P. V. Narasimha Bharathi starrer Krishna Vijayam, though the songs were noteworthy from 1946, the film was released only in 1950. The hit song was Raathey Ennai Vittu Odathedi and he was paid Rs 625 for that. In the same year 1950, G. Ramanathan made him to sing Annamitta Veettiley for an unknown actor in the film Manthiri Kumari. In 1951 TMS acted and sang Theeraatha Thuyaralley as a beggar in Devagi again by G. Ramanathan. In 1952, Susarla Dakshinamurthi gave TMS sang two duet songs in Valayapathi which are Kulir Thaamarai Poigaiyai Kanden and Kulungidum Poovilellaam both with K. Jamuna Rani. TMS had the opportunity to sing songs which wrote by Bharathidasan.

Even the songs are well received, there was no further chance for TMS. Then TMS came to the HMV studio where K. V. Mahadevan recorded two devotional songs for which he was paid Rs 80. K. V. Mahadevan requested TMS to go seek chance in the AVM Productions which was looking for new voices. TMS sang two songs for the film Chella Pillai. One was solo Podanum Kulla Podanum and the other is a duet with M.S. Rajeswari, Naadu Nadakkira Nadayiley under R.Sudharsanam Master's composition. The film was released only in 1955.These music composers helped and trained the determined and ambitious TMS, who was able to overcome his voice problems to a good degree with time.

In 1954, Maruthakasi recommended TMS to sing in Aruna Pictures Thooku Thookki. Till then C. S. Jayaraman used to sing playback for Sivaji Ganesan and Sivaji doubted the suitability of the voice but TMS was willing to sing three songs free. TMS and Sivaji Ganesan were introduced to each other and in the short conversation TMS studied the voice of Sivaji Ganesan. TMS sang Sundari Soundari and Eratha Malaithaniley, imitating the voice of Sivaji Ganesan to the closest possible. G. Ramanathan who was the music director for this film was so much pleased and gave TMS the chance to sing all the songs for Sivaji Ganesan. All the songs were instant and great hits and TMS became famous overnight.

In the same year, meanwhile T. R. Ramanna and T. R. Rajakumari started the RR Films. As the film Koondukkili was under production stage, TMS was given a chance to sing only chorus. It should be noted that Koondukkili was the only film where MGR and Sivaji acted together. Tanjai Ramayah Dass was very impressed with the golden voice of TMS, and he requested the story and dialogue writer Vindhan to give a chance to sing a full solo. TMS had sung Konjum Kiliyana Pennai under K. V. Mahadevan's composition. That was the first song by TMS for Sivaji Ganesan.

But as the song was recorded MGR heard it, was so much impressed and intended TMS to be his permanent singer. He was used in MGR’s next movie Malaikkallan where TMS sang Ethanai Kaalamthaan Ematruvaar Intha Naattiley written by Tanjai Ramaiyah Dass and composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu.

During this period, TMS got opportunity to sing various films like Vedan Kannappa, Rishi Sringer and Neela Malai Thirudan.

Right from the beginning TMS was excellent at imitating the voices of most of the heroes he sang for. In the movie, Kumudam, he has sang a song for Nadigavel M.R.Radha imitating his voice. From 1955 onwards Sivaji started to insist on TMS to do playback singer singing for him. Since then, TMS was mainly doing playback with others for MGR and Sivaji till the end of 1977 and 1995 respectively.

He was the 'uncrowned king' in Tamil film industry for playback singing in 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and also in 1980s. He had sung together with other male singers such as Sirkazhi Govindarajan, P. B. Sreenivas, S. C. Krishnan, Chidambaram JayaRaman, Tharapuram Sundarajan, P. Jaychandran, Thiruchi LokhaNathan, J. P. Chandrababu, K. R. Ramasamy, V. N. Sundaram, A. L. Ragavan, K. J. Yesudas S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Malaysia Vasudevan. He also sung duets with many female singers such as P. Susheela, P. Leela, Jikki, L. R. Eswari, S. Janaki, Vani Jairam, M. S. Rajeswari, K. Jamuna Rani, M. L. Vasanthakumari, U. R. Jeevarathinam, N. L. Ganasaraswathi, T. V. Rathinam, Radha Jayalakshmi, Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi, Rao Balasaraswathi Devi, A. P. Komala, K. Rani, B. S. Sasirekha, P.Banumathi and L. Vasantha.

Awards and honours

Trivia

Discography

Song
 Film
 Year
 Music
 Lyrics
 Co-singer
 Actor
 Language
Aanaiyittaal Tamil
Aandavan Padaichan Nitchaya Thamboolam 1961 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan Tamil
Aararivil Orarivu Tamil
Aaru Maname Aaru Antha Andavan Kattalai 1964 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan Tamil
Aatuvithaal Tamil
Aayirathil Oruvan Tamil
Achcham Enbadu Mannadhi Mannan Tamil
Agayapanthalil Ponnoonjal 1973 P. Susheela Tamil
Aimbathilum Aasai Varum Rishimoolam 1979 Ilaiyaraja Kannadasan Tamil
Amaidhikku Perdhan Shanti Rail Payanangalil 1981 Vijaya T. Rajendar Tamil
Amaidhiyaana Andavan Kattalai 1964 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan P. Susheela Tamil
Amaithiyana Nadhiyinile Andavan Kattalai 1964 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan P. Susheela Tamil
Anandham Idhaya Veenai 1972 Shankar Ganesh S. Janaki Tamil
Anbae Vaa Anbe Vaa 1960 M. S. Viswanathan Vaali Tamil
Anbu Nadamadum Avanthan Manithan 1975 M. S. Viswanathan P. Susheela Tamil
Andru Vandathum Ithe Nila Periya Idathu Penn 1963 M. S. Viswanathan Kannadasan P. Susheela Tamil
Annan Ennada Palani Tamil
Antha Naal Nabagam Tamil
Anthamaanai Parungal Azhagu Andaman Kathali 1978 M. S. Viswanathan Kannadasan Tamil
Athanaiperum Enmagan Tamil
Aval Paranthu Ponalay Paar Magaley Paar 1963 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan P. B. Sreenivas Tamil
Avanthaan Manithan Tamil
Avanukkenna Tamil
Ayirathil Oruthiyamma Nee Kai Kodutha Deivam M. S. Viswanathan Kannadasan Tamil
Azhagiya Thamizh Magal Ival Rickshawkaran 1971 M. S. Viswanathan Vaali P. Susheela Tamil
Chella Kiligala Enga Maama Tamil
Chinna Payale Chinna Payale Arasilam Kumari 1961 G. Ramanathan Pattukottai Kalyana Sundaram Tamil
Deivame Deiva Magan Tamil
Devane Tamil
Devane Ennai Gnana Oli 1972 Tamil
Dharumam Thalaikakum Tamil
Eduthavan Dharmangal Sirikkinrana 1972 Tamil
Ellorum Kondaduvom Tamil
Ellorum Nalam Vazha Tamil
En Piranthai Paaga Pirivinai Tamil
Enathan Nadakum Panathottam 1960 Tamil
Endanponnvannamae Naan Vazha Vaipen Tamil
Engae Aval Kumari Kottam Tamil
Engalukkum Kaalam Varum Pasa Malar 1961 M. S. Viswanathan Kannadasan P. Susheela Tamil
Enge Tamil
Enge Nimmathi Pudhiya Paravai 1964 M. S. Viswanathan Kannadasan Tamil
Enna Paravai Tamil
Ennada Tamil
Ennadirakkamma Pattikada Tamil
Ennai Kudiyirundha Koil Tamil
Ennai Yarendru Paalum Pazhamum 1960 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan P. Susheela Tamil
Ethanai Periya Aasai Mugam Tamil
Ezhuthatha Then Sinthuthe Vaanam 1975 Tamil
IdayamIrukkindrathe Palani Tamil
Ilai Sonthangal Vaazhga 1975 P. Susheela Tamil
Ilamai Natya Salai Kalyanamam Kalyanam 1974 S. Janaki Tamil
Inda Punnaghai Yenna Deivathai 1964 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Vaali P. Susheela Tamil
Ingu Onna Oru Thai Makkal Tamil
Iniyavale Sivagamiyin Selvan 1974 P. Susheela Tamil
Ippadithan Iruka Vendum Vivasayee Tamil
Irandu Manam Venum Vasantha Maaligai 1973 K. V. Mahadevan Kannadasan Tamil
Iravinil Aattam Navarathiri Tamil
Ithayam Irukkintathae Pazhani Tamil
Ithuvum Vendumada Tamil
Kaadu Kuduthu Ketain Kaval Karan 1967 Tamil
Kadaloram Rickshawkaran 1971 Tamil
Kadavul Erkindran Kanuk Anandha Jothi Tamil
Kadavul Irukkintana Tamil
Kadavul Manithanga Vaanambadi 1963 K. V. Mahadevan Kannadasan Tamil
Kadavul Seitha Nadodi Tamil
Kadavul Yen Kallanaar Tamil
Kadhal Rajiyam Mannavan Vanthaanadi 1975 P. Susheela Tamil
Kagithathil Kappal Anbu Karangal 1965 Tamil
Kallillaa Manikam Tamil
Kan Pona Panam Padaithavan 1965 Tamil
Kane Nambade Ninaithadai Mudipavan Tamil
Kannai Nambaadhe Ninaithathai Mudippavan 1975 M. S. Viswanathan Tamil
Kannan Vanthan Ramu 1966 M. S. Viswanathan Kannadasan Seerkazhi Govindarajan Tamil
Kannena Kannena Kalanguthu Periya Idathu Penn 1963 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan Tamil
Kanpona Pokilay Tamil
Kashmir Beautiful Idhaya Veenai 1972 Shankar Ganesh Tamil
Kathal Sarithirathai Dr Siva 1975 P. Susheela Tamil
Kattodu Kuzhalaada Aada Periya Idathu Penn 1963 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan P. Susheela & L. R. Eswari Tamil
Kavalaigalkidakkattum Panda Paasam 1962 Tamil
Kaveri Karai Irukku Thayai Katha Thanayan M. S. Viswanathan P. Susheela Tamil
Kealimagane Uthaman 1976 Tamil
Kellamma Chinna Kanni Thai Tamil
Kettathum Tamil
Koduthathellam Koduthar Padagotti 1964 M. S. Viswanathan Vaali Tamil
Kudumba Thalaivan Tamil
Kungumam Tamil
Kurukku Valiyil Mahadevi 1957 Tamil
Maadi Veetu Ezhai Tamil
Maanikka Theril Thedivantha Maapillai 1970 P. Susheela Tamil
Maanum Oodi Ovaralam Navarathanam Tamil
Madhavi Pon Mayilal Iru Malargal 1967 M. S. Viswanathan Vaali Tamil
Malar Koduthen Tamil
Malargalai Pol Thangai Urangukira Pasa Malar 1961 M. S. Viswanathan Kannadasan Tamil
Malargalai Pol Yhangai Tamil
Malarnthu Malaratha Pasa Malar 1961 M. S. Viswanathan Kannadasan P. Susheela Tamil
Maname Tamil
Manidhan Ninaippadhundu Avanthan Manithan 1975 M. S. Viswanathan Tamil
Mannikka Vendukiren Iru Malargal 1967 M. S. Viswanathan Vaali P. Susheela Tamil
Manusan Tamil
Mayakkam Enathu Kungumam 1973 Tamil
Mella Nada Mella Nada Maeni Yennagum Pudhiya Paravai 1964 M. S. Viswanathan Kannadasan Tamil
Mezhuguvarthy Tamil
Muthai Tharu Patti Arunagirinathar T. R. Papa Tamil
Muthu Kulika Vaarigala Anubavi Raja Anubavi 1967 M. S. Viswanathan L. R. Eswari Tamil
Naal Oru Medai Tamil
Naalai Namathe Naalai Namathe 1975 M. S. Viswanathan S. P. Balasubramaniam Tamil
Naan Malarodu Thaniyaga Iru Vallavargal 1966 Vedha Kannadasan P. Susheela Tamil
Naan Ondru Appa Tata 1972 Tamil
Naan Oru Kozhandai Nee Oru Padagotti 1964 M. S. Viswanathan Vaali Tamil
Naan Paadum Paadal Naan Yaen Piranthaen 1972 Shankar Ganesh Vaali Tamil
Naan Paarthathiley Aval Oruthiyaithaan Anbe Vaa 1966 M. S. Viswanathan Vaali P. Susheela Tamil
Naan Pesa Paalum Pazhamum 1960 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan P. Susheela Tamil
Naan Yaar Theriyuma Tamil
Naan Yaen Piranthae Tamil
Nadakkumebaar Tamil
Nall Vazhthu Nan Tamil
Nallavan Enakku Naane Nallavan Padithal Mattum Poduma 1962 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 P. B. Sreenivas Tamil
Nallavarkellam Thiyagam 1978 Tamil
Namnaad Tamil
Nantri Tamil
Nee Ennenna NetruInru Naalai 1974 P. Susheela Tamil
Neerodum Vaigaiyile Paar Magaley Paar 1963 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan P. Susheela Tamil
Neethi Tamil
Neeyum Nanumakanna Gouravam 1970 M. S. Viswanathan Kannadasan Tamil
Neramithu Neramithu Rishimoolam 1979 Ilaiyaraja Kannadasan P. Susheela Tamil
Nethu Paricha Roja Praptham 1971 M. S. Viswanathan Tamil
Nethuparitha Piraptham Tamil
Netru Indru Naalai Tamil
Nilavai Paarthu Vaanam Sonnathu Savale Samali 1971 M. S. Viswanathan Kannadasan Tamil
Nilavu Oru Ulagam Suttrum Valiban 1973 M. S. Viswanathan Vaali Tamil
Nilavu Oru Pennaagi Ulagam Suttrum Valiban 1973 M. S. Viswanathan Kannadasan Tamil
Ninaithu Vantha Semmal Tamil
Ninathathai Nadathy Nam Naadu Tamil
O Manida Tamil
Olimayamana Pachchai Vilakku 1964 Tamil
Oodum Megangalay Tamil
Oonjalukku Avanthan Manithan 1975 M. S. Viswanathan Tamil
Ore Paadal Engiruntho Vanthaan Tamil
Oru Kodil Kanchi Thalaivan Tamil
Oru Pennai Parthu Deivathai 1964 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 L. R. Eswari Tamil
Oru Thaai Panakkara Kudumbam 1964 Tamil
Oru Tharam Sumathi En Sundari 1971 M. S. Viswanathan P. Susheela Tamil
Oru Valum Illai Idhaya Veenai 1972 Tamil
Oruvan Manathu Tamil
Paal Irukum.. Pazham Irukum.. Pasi Irukathu.. Pava Mannippu 1961 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan P. Susheela Tamil
Paar Appa Pazhani Appa Pattanamam Periya Idathu Penn 1963 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan Tamil
Paar Magale Paar Tamil
Paarappa Periya Idathu Penn 1963 Tamil
Paatukku Paateduthu Padagotti 1964 M. S. Viswanathan Vaali P. Susheela Tamil
Paatum Naane Bhavamum Naane Thiruvilaiyadal 1965 K. V. Mahadevan Kannadasan Tamil
Pachaikili Muthucharam Ulagam Suttrum Valiban 1973 M. S. Viswanathan Vaali P. Susheela Tamil
Padaithane Nitchaya Thamboolam 1961 Tamil
Padithalmattumpothuma Tamil
Pallakku Vaanga Ponen Panakkara Kudumbam 1964 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan Tamil
Palooti Valartha Tamil
Panathottam Kurangu Varum Thotam Tamil
Parththal Murugan Mugam Avasara Kalyanam 1972 P. Susheela Tamil
Pattikada Pattanama Maattukaara Velan 1970 L. R. Eswari Tamil
Pavazha Kodiyile Muthukkal Poothal Panam Padaithavan 1965 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan L. R. Eswari Tamil
Periya Edathu Penn Tamil
Pesuvathu Kiliya Panathottam 1960 M. S. Viswanathan P. Susheela Tamil
Petralthaan Pillaiyaa Tamil
Petredutha Ullam Kanna Nalama 1972 Tamil
Pirantha Naal Tamil
Pithavum Tamil
Pon Ezhil Poothathu Pudhu Vanil Kalangarai Vilakam 1965 M. S. Viswanathan Panchu Arunachalam P. Susheela Tamil
Pon Onru Kandan Pennangu Illai Padithal Mattum Poduma 1962 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 P. B. Sreenivas Tamil
Ponal Pogattum Poda Paalum Pazhamum 1960 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan Tamil
Ponnai Virumbum Aalayamani 1962 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan Tamil
Poomazhai Thoovi Ninaithathai Mudippavan 1975 M. S. Viswanathan Tamil
Poyum Poyum Thayai Katha Thanayan Tamil
Puthiketta Ponnu Anbai Thedi 1974 P. Susheela Tamil
Puthiya Boomi Tamil
Puttham Yesu Gandhi Piranthathu Tamil
Raamanin Engal Thaai 1973 P. Susheela Tamil
Rajavin Parvai Raniyin Pakkam Anbe Vaa 1966 M. S. Viswanathan Vaali P. Susheela Tamil
Ramanethanairamanadi Tamil
Rangadorai Tamil
Rickshawkaran Tamil
Satti Suttadada Aalayamani 1962 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan Tamil
Senthamizh Paadum Vaira Nenjam 1975 P. Susheela Tamil
Silar Siripaar Paavamanippu Tamil
Sirippil Undaagum Engiruntho Vanthaal 1970 P. Susheela Tamil
Sivappu Kal Ellorum Nallavargale 1975 P. Susheela Tamil
Sollathe Tamil
Sollathey Yaarum Sorkkam 1970 Tamil
Sontham Yeppothum Praptham 1971 M. S. Viswanathan P. Susheela Tamil
Sothanai Mel Sothanai Thanga Pathakkam 1960 M. S. Viswanathan Tamil
Sugam ugam Patha Poojai 1974 Tamil
Sumai Thaangi Tamil
Summa Kedandha Nilathai Nadodi Mannan 1958 Tamil
Thaane Thaane Ninaithathai Mudippavan 1975 M. S. Viswanathan Tamil
Thai Illamal Tamil
Thai Mel Anai Naan Anai Ittal Tamil
Thalaattu Paadi Praptham 1971 M. S. Viswanathan Tamil
Thalaivan Tamil
Thambi Tamil
Thambikku Oru Paattu Naan Yaen Piranthaen 1972 Shankar Ganesh Tamil
Tharaimel Pirakka Vaithan Padagotti 1964 M. S. Viswanathan Vaali Tamil
Thedinen Vanthathu Idhaya Veenai 1972 Shankar Ganesh S. Janaki Tamil
Theivam Iruppathu Tamil
Thirade Pappa Thirudaade Tamil
Thiruniraichelvi Idhaya Veenai 1972 Shankar Ganesh Tamil
Thnneerai Neruppu Sorkkam Narakam 1977 Tamil
Thungade Thambi Nadodi Mannan 1958 S. M. Subbaiah Naidu Pattukottai Kalyana Sundaram Tamil
Thyagam Tamil
Thyagathin Suthathiram Madurai Meeta Spandian Tamil
Ulagam Piranthathu Enakkaga Paasam 1964 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan Tamil
Ulaikum Kaigale Thani Piravi Tamil
Ullathai Solven Tamil
Un Kannil Neer Vazhinthaal Vietnam Veedu Tamil
Unathu Vizhiyil Naan Yaen Piranthaen 1972 Shankar Ganesh Pulamaipithan P. Susheela Tamil
Unnai Engirundovandhal Tamil
Unnai Paarthu Intha Ulagam Adimaipen 1969 K. V. Mahadevan Vaali Tamil
Unnai Solli Kutram Tamil
Uyarnthamanithan Tamil
Vannakili Sonna Muzhi Deivathai 1964 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Vaali P. Susheela Tamil
Vazhdu Parkka Vendum Shanthi 1965 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 P. B. Sreenivas Tamil
Yaarada Manithan Tamil
Yaarathu Yarathu Thangama En Kadamai 1964 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 P. Susheela Tamil
Yaarukkaga Tamil
Yaarukku Ethile Paruvam Oru Paadam 1975 Tamil
Yarai Enge Vaipad Endru Tamil
Ye Marathhe Adimaipen Tamil
Yen Piranthai Magane Baagapirivinai 1959 Tamil
Yenathan Nadakum Nadakatumae Panathottam 1960 M. S. Viswanathan
& T. K. Ramamoorthy		 Kannadasan Tamil
Yethayum Thanguven Thangaikaha Tamil

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References