Vaali (poet)
Vaali was an Indian poet and lyricist whose works were in Tamil, had a five-decade long association with the Tamil film industry, wrote over 15,000 songs. He acted in a number of films, including Sathya, Hey Ram, Paarthale Paravasam and Poikkal Kudhirai. He was honoured by the Government of India with the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour.
Biography
Vaali was born as T. S. Rangarajan on 29 October 1931 to Srinivasan Iyengar and Poonammal Iyengar. His native place is Thirupparaithurai, Tiruchirappalli district. He went to Madras in the 1950 seeking an opportunity in Tamil film industry. In the 1960s and 1970s, he received patronage from actor M. G. Ramachandran and became a successful lyricist, in competition with poet Kannadasan, which he had chronicled in his autobiography Naanum Indha Nootrandum. Vaali has also authored other books such as Avathara Purushan, Pandavar Bhoomi, Ramanuja Kaviyam, Krishna Vijayam, Thamizh Kadavul, Kalaignar Kaviyam, Krishna Bhakthan and Vaaliba vaali. His song "Amma Endru Azhaikatha Uyir Illaiye" is carved in the stone in a temple in Trichy. He wrote songs for M. G. Ramachandran in 63 films and also for Sivaji Ganesan in 70 films.He has written more than 15000 songs in Tamil films.He died on 18 July 2013 in Chennai following respiratory illness, at the age of 82. He is survived by his only son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. His wife predeceased him in 2009.
Awards
;Civilian honours- Padmashri in 2007
Vaali is a five-time winner of the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Lyricist
- 1970 – Engal Thangamm
- 1979 – Ivargal Vidhyasamanavargal
- 1989 – Varusham Padhinaaru and Apoorva Sagodharargal
- 1990 – Keladi Kanmani
- 2008 – Dasavathaaram
'''Books'''
- Amma-1976
- Avathara Purushan-1995
- Naanum Indha Nootrandum
- Pandavar Bhoomi
- Ramanuja Kaviyam
- Krishna Vijayam
- Thamizh Kadavul
- Kalaignar Kaviyam
- Krishna Bhakthan
- Vaaliba vaali
- Poikkal kuthiraikal
- Nija Govintham
- Azagiya Singers
- Pennin Perundhakka Yavula
- Bhagavad Geethai
Filmography
As Lyricist
2010s
- 2014 – Ninaivil Nindraval
- 2014 – Kaaviya Thalaivan
- 2014 – Thirudan Police
- 2014 – Yaan
- 2014 – Ramanujan
- 2014 – Naan Than Bala
- 2014 – Kochadaiyaan
- 2014 – Pannaiyarum Padminiyum
- 2013 – Endrendrum Punnagai
- 2013 – Biriyani
- 2013 – Maryan
- 2013 – Thillu Mullu
- 2013 – Ethir Neechal
- 2013 – Udhayam NH4
- 2013 – Alex Pandian
- 2013 – Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya
- 2012 – Podaa Podi
- 2012 – Mirattal
- 2012 – Thadaiyara Thakka
- 2012 – Aadhalal Kadhal Seiveer
- 2011 – Osthi
- 2011 – Vedi
- 2011 – Mankatha
- 2011 – Sattapadi Kutram
- 2011 – Aadu Puli
- 2011 – Uyarthiru 420
- 2011 – Maveeran
- 2011 – Kanden
- 2011 – Engeyum Kaadhal
- 2011 – Ponnar Shankar
- 2010 – Baana Kaathadi
- 2010 – Sura
- 2010 – Agarathi
- 2010 – Theeratha Vilayattu Pillai
- 2010 – Leelai
- 2010 – Thillalangadi
- 2010 – Valiban Sutrum Ulagam
- 2010 – Thottuppaar
- 2010 – Goa
- 2010 – Guru Sishyan
- 2010 – Viruthagiri
- 2010 – Kadhalukku Maranamillai
- 2010 – Nanda Nanditha
- 2010 – Maanja Velu
- 2010 – Pen Singam
- 2010 – Chikku Bukku
2000s
- 2009 – Jagan Mohini
- 2009 – Vaalmiki
- 2009 – Aadhavan
- 2009 – Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puravum
- 2009 – Naan Kadavul
- 2009 – Mathiya Chennai
- 2009 – Naadodigal
- 2009 – Malai Malai
- 2009 – Arundhathi
- 2009 – Panchamirtham
- 2008 – Silambattam
- 2008 – Singakutty
- 2008 – Bommalattam
- 2008 – Kuselan
- 2008 – Dhanam
- 2008 – Sakkarakatti
- 2008 – Saroja
- 2008 – Dasavatharam
- 2008 – Jayam Kondaan
- 2008 – Saroja
- 2007 – Azhagiya Thamizh Magan
- 2007 – Unnale Unnale
- 2007 – Thottal Poo Malarum
- 2007 – Billa
- 2007 – En Uyirinum Melana
- 2007 – Aalwar
- 2007 – Chennai 600028
- 2007 – Sivaji
- 2007 – Inimey Nangathan
- 2006 – Vallavan
- 2006 – Sillunu Oru Kaadhal
- 2006 – Kalvanin Kadhali
- 2005 – Chidambarathil Oru Appasamy
- 2005 – Anbe Aaruyire
- 2005 – Oru Naal Oru Kanavu
- 2005 – Mumbai Xpress
- 2005 – Chandramukhi
- 2005 – Ghajini
- 2005 – Mannin Maindhan
- 2004 – New
- 2004 – Kuththu
- 2004 – Manmadhan
- 2003 – Boys
- 2003 – Simhadri
- 2003 – Lesa Lesa
- 2003 – Pudhiya Geethai
- 2002 – Baba
- 2002 – Mounam Pesiyadhe
- 2002 – Kadhal Virus
- 2002 – Shree
- 2002 – Punnagai Desam
- 2002 – Thenkasi Pattanam
- 2002 – Bhagavathi
- 2002 – Youth
- 2001 – Narasimma
- 2001 – Dhosth
- 2001 – Chocolate
- 2001 – Looty
- 2001 – Dheena
- 2001 – Parthale Paravasam
- 2001 – Minnale
- 2001 – Middle Class Madhavan
- 2000 – Pennin Manathai Thottu
- 2000 – Simmasanam
- 2000 – Priyamaanavale
- 2000 – Hey Ram
- 2000 – Vanna Thamizh Pattu
1990s
- 1999 – Manam Virumbuthe Unnai
- 1999 – Mannavaru Sinnavaru
- 1999 – Kadhalar Dhinam
- 1998 – Marumalarchi
- 1998 – Kadhala Kadhala
- 1998 – Ninaithen Vandhai
- 1997 – Bharathi Kannamma
- 1997 – Vaimaye Vellum
- 1997 – Thambi Durai
- 1996 - Mr. Romeo
- 1996 – Tata Birla
- 1996 – Kalloori Vaasal
- 1996 – Poovarasan
- 1996 – Maanbumigu Maanavan
- 1996 – Poove Unakkaga
- 1996 – Kadhal Desam
- 1996 – Nethaji
- 1996 – Vaanmathi
- 1996 – Indian
- 1996 – Selva
- 1995 - Thirumoorthy
- 1995 – Rajavin Parvaiyile
- 1995 – Mr. Madras
- 1995 – Aasai
- 1995 – Oru Oorla Oru Rajakumari
- 1995 – Aanazhagan
- 1995 – Muthu Kaalai
- 1995 – Periya Kudumbam
- 1995 – Deva
- 1995 – Thotta Chinungi
- 1995 – Chinna Vathiyar
- 1995 – Kattumarakaran
- 1995 – Raasaiyya
- 1995 – Sathi Leelavathi
- 1995 – Kolangal
- 1995 – Chandralekha
- 1995 – Ragasiya Police
- 1994 – Veera
- 1994 – Mahanadi
- 1994 – Kanmani
- 1994 – Raasa Magan
- 1994 – Senthamizh Selvan
- 1994 – Kadhalan
- 1994 – Mogamul
- 1994 – Rasigan
- 1994 – Watchman Vadivel
- 1994 – Veetla Visheshanga
- 1994 – Adharmam
- 1994 – En Aasai Machan
- 1994 – Indhu
- 1994 – Seeman
- 1994 – Priyanka
- 1993 – Manichitrathazhu
- 1993 – Ulle Veliye
- 1993 – Walter Vetrivel
- 1993 – Valli
- 1993 – Chinna Jameen
- 1993 – Karpagam Vanthachu
- 1993 – Kathirukka Neramillai
- 1993 – Kalaignan
- 1993 – Maharasan
- 1993 – Chinna Mapillai
- 1993 – Yejaman
- 1993 – Uzhaippali
- 1993 – Chinna Kannamma
- 1993 – Dharmaseelan
- 1993 – I Love India
- 1993 – Marupadiyum
- 1992 – Thevar Magan
- 1992 – Naangal
- 1992 – Suriyan
- 1992 – Singaravelan
- 1992 – Oorpanchayathu
- 1992 – Nadodi Pattukkaran
- 1992 – Chinna Marumagal
- 1992 – Deiva Vaakku
- 1992 – Senthamizh Paattu
- 1992 – Unna Nenachen Pattu Padichen
- 1992 – Mannan
- 1992 – Meera
- 1992 – Chembaruthi
- 1991 – Guna
- 1991 – Thalapathi
- 1991 – Maanagara Kaaval
- 1991 – Kizhakku Karai
- 1991 – Thalattu Ketkuthamma
- 1991 – Nee Pathi Naan Pathi
- 1991 – Gopura Vasalile
- 1991 – Chinna Thambi
- 1991 – Ayul Kaithi
- 1991 – Idhayam
- 1991 – Eeramana Rojave
- 1991 – Bramma
- 1991 – Rudhra
- 1991 – Thaipoosam
- 1991 – Gnana Paravai
- 1990 - Keladi Kanmani
- 1990 – Kizhakku Vasal
- 1990 – Sandhana Kaatru
- 1990 – Raja Kaiya Vacha
- 1990 – Anjali
- 1990 – Ethir Kaatru
- 1990 – My Dear Marthandan
- 1990 – Sirayil Pootha Sinna Malar
- 1990 – Unnai Solli Kutramillai
- 1990 – Velai Kidaichuduchu
- 1990 – Nadigan
- 1990 – Puthu Paatu
- 1990 – Vaazhkai Chakkaram
- 1990 – Puriyaadha Pudhir
1980s
- 1989 – Ponmana Selvan
- 1989 – Vetri Vizha
- 1989 – Siva
- 1989 – Apoorva Sagodharargal
- 1989 – Varusham 16
- 1989 – Dharmam Vellum
- 1989 – Thangamaana Purushan
- 1989 – Ennai Peththa Rasaa
- 1989 – Rajanadai
- 1989 – Aararo Aariraro
- 1989 – Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal
- 1988 – Sahadevan Mahadevan
- 1988 – Manamagale Vaa
- 1988 – Thambi Thanga Kambi
- 1988 – En Thamizh En Makkal
- 1988 – Dharmathin Thalaivan
- 1988 – Solla Thudikkuthu Manasu
- 1988 – Kaliyugam
- 1988 – Sathya
- 1988 – Idhu Namma Aalu
- 1988 – Poruthadhu Podhum
- 1988 – Guru Sishyan
- 1987 – Veerapandiyan
- 1987 – Anjadha Singam
- 1987 – Sirai Paravai
- 1987 – Kavalan Avan Kovalan
- 1987 – Oorkavalan
- 1987 – Kudumbam Oru Koyil
- 1987 – Poomazhai Pozhiyudhu
- 1987 – Paadu Nilave
- 1987 – Enga Chinna Rasa
- 1987 – Mupperum Deviyar
- 1987 – Manathil Uruthi Vendum
- 1986 – Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu
- 1986 – Marumagal
- 1986 – Samsaram Adhu Minsaram
- 1986 – Uyire Unakkaga
- 1986 – Lakshmi Vandhachu
- 1986 – Dharmapathini
- 1986 – Dharma Devathai
- 1986 – Vasantha Raagam
- 1986 – Nambinar Keduvadhillai
- 1986 – Anandha Kanneer
- 1986 – Mouna Ragam
- 1986 – Saadhanai
- 1986 – Oru Iniya Udhayam
- 1986 – Annai En Dheivam
- 1986 – Viduthalai
- 1986 – Enakku Naaney Needhibathi
- 1986 – Naan Adimai Illai
- 1985 – Naam Iruvar
- 1985 – Udaya Geetham
- 1985 – Uyarndha Ullam
- 1985 – Nalla Thambi
- 1985 – Padikkadha Pannaiyar
- 1985 – Bandham
- 1985 – Naan Sigappu Manithan
- 1985 – Kettimelam
- 1985 – Raja Rishi
- 1985 – Needhiyin Nizhal
- 1985 – Kanni Rasi
- 1985 – Padikkadavan
- 1985 – Mangamma Sabadham
- 1985 – Manakanakku
- 1984 – Kudumbam
- 1984 – Idhu Enga Boomi
- 1984 – Naalai Unathu Naal
- 1984 – Nalla Naal
- 1984 – Nallavanuku Nallavan
- 1984 – Kuzhandhai Yesu
- 1984 – Anbulla Rajinikanth
- 1984 – Madras Vathiyar
- 1984 – Simma Soppanam
- 1984 – Vidhi
- 1984 – Iru Medhaigal
- 1984 – Osai
- 1984 – Vaidehi Kathirunthal
- 1984 – Sathiyam Neeye
- 1984 – Veettukku Oru Kannagi
- 1984 – Vellai Pura Ondru
- 1984 – Kai Kodukkum Kai
- 1984 – Theerppu En Kaiyil
- 1984 – Dhavani Kanavugal
- 1984 – Madurai Sooran
- 1984 – Vamsa Vilakku
- 1984 – Anbe Odi Vaa
- 1983 – Miruthanga Chakravarthi
- 1983 – Thoongadhey Thambi Thoongadhey
- 1983 – Sumangali
- 1983 – Thai Veedu
- 1983 – Paayum Puli
- 1983 – Kozhi Koovuthu
- 1983 – Saranalayam
- 1983 – Neethibathi
- 1983 – Soorakottai Singakutti
- 1983 – Sandhippu
- 1983 – Thanga Magan
- 1983 – Sivappu Sooriyan
- 1983 – Adutha Varisu
- 1983 – Vellai Roja
- 1982 – Ranga
- 1982 – Gopurangal Saivathillai
- 1982 – Enkeyo Ketta Kural
- 1982 – Nenjangal
- 1982 – Paritchaikku Neramaachu
- 1982 – Kanne Radha
- 1982 – Thunai
- 1982 – Sakalakala Vallavan
- 1982 – Thaai Mookaambikai
- 1982 – Vaa Kanna Vaa
- 1982 – Pattanathu Rajakkal
- 1982 – Vazhvey Maayam
- 1982 – Thanikattu Raja
- 1982 – Thooral Ninnu Pochu
- 1982 – Moondru Mugam
- 1981- Mouna Geethangal
- 1981- Kudumbam Oru Kadambam
- 1981- Aaniver
- 1981- Agni Satchi
- 1981- Manal Kayiru
- 1980- Kannil Theriyum Kathaikal"
- 1980- Nizhalgal
- 1980- Othaiyadi Pathaiyile
- 1980- Natchathiram''
1950s–1970s
- 1979 – Allaudinaum Arputha Vilakkum
- 1979 – Kadavul Amaitha Medai
- 1979 – Dharma Yuddam
- 1979 – Anbe Sangeetha
- 1979 – Naan Vazhavaippen
- 1979 – Annai Oru Alayam
- 1978 - Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu
- 1978 – Sadhurangam
- 1978 – Justice Gopinath
- 1978 – Achani
- 1978 – Sigappu Rojakkal
- 1978 – Pilot Premnath
- 1978 – Vanakkatukuriya Kathaliye
- 1978 – Mangudi Minor
- 1977 – Indru Pol Endrum Vaazhga
- 1977 – Navarathinam
- 1977 – Meenava Nanban
- 1977 – Aarupushpangal
- 1976 – Bhadrakali
- 1976 – Naalai Namadhe
- 1976 – Needhikku Thalaivanangu
- 1976 – Oorukku Uzhaippavan
- 1975 – Ninaithadhai Mudippavan
- 1975 – Idhayakkani
- 1975 – Anbe Aaruyire
- 1974 – Netru Indru Naalai
- 1974 – Urimaikural
- 1974 – Sirithu Vazha Vendum
- 1974 – Dheerga Sumangali
- 1973 – Bharatha Vilas
- 1973 – Ulagam Sutrum Valiban
- 1973 – Suryakanthi
- 1973 – Sollathaan Ninaikkiren
- 1972 – Annamitta Kai
- 1972 – Naan Yen Pirandhen
- 1972 – Idhaya Veenai
- 1972 – Velli Vizha
- 1972 – Raman Thediya Seethai
- 1971 – Neerum Neruppum
- 1971 – Rickshawkaran
- 1971 – Oru Thaai Makkal
- 1971 – Kumari Kottam
- 1971 – Annai Velankanni
- 1970 – Engal Thangam
- 1970 – Maattukara Velan
- 1970 – En Annan
- 1970 – Ethiroli
- 1970 – Maanavan
- 1970 – Thedi Vandha Mappillai
- 1970 – Thalaivan
- 1969 – Iru Kodugal
- 1969 – Adimaippenn
- 1969 – Subadhinam
- 1969 – Nil Gavani Kadhali
- 1969 – Nam Naadu
- 1968 - Kannan En Kadhalan
- 1968 – Kudiyirundha Koyil
- 1968 – Chakkaram
- 1968 – Galatta Kalyanam
- 1968 – Ethir Neechal
- 1968 - Kanavan
- 1968 - Thear Thiruvizha
- 1968 – Oli Vilakku
- 1968 - Ragasiya Police 115
- 1968 – Uyarntha Manithan
- 1967 – Iru Malargal
- 1967 – Nenjirukkum Varai
- 1967 – Kaavalkaaran
- 1967 – Arasa Kattalai
- 1967 – Adhey Kangal
- 1967 – Selva Magal
- 1967 – Aval
- 1967 – Pesum Deivam
- 1966 – Petralthan Pillaiya
- 1966 – Naan Aanaiyittal
- 1966 – Thaali Bhagyam
- 1966 – Major Chandrakanth
- 1966 – Chandhrodhayam
- 1966 – Anbe Vaa
- 1966 – Nadodi
- 1966 – Motor Sundaram Pillai
- 1965 – Panam Padaithavan
- 1965 – Thazhampoo
- 1965 – Anbu Karangal
- 1965 – Kalangarai Vilakkam
- 1965 – Aayirathil Oruvan
- 1965 – Aasai Mugam
- 1965 – Enga Veetu Pillai
- 1965 – Vennira Aadai
- 1964 – Padagotti
- 1964 – Dheiva Thaai
- 1964 – Thaayin Madiyil
- 1963 – Karpagam
- 1963 – Edhaiyum Thaangum Idhayam
- 1963 – Idayathil Nee
- 1961 – Nallavan Vazhvan
- 1961 – Chandrakanth
- 1958 – Azhagarmalai Kalvan
As Actor
- 2002 – Kadhal Virus
- 2001 – Paarthale Paravasam
- 2000 – Hey Ram
- 1988 – Sathya
- 1983 – Poikkal Kudhirai
- Kaialavu Manasu
As Director
- Vadaimaalai
As Writer
- 1974 - Kaliyuga Kannan
- 1979 – Kadavul Amaitha Medai - Screenplay, Dialogues
- 1987 - Ore Oru Gramathile
- 1988 - En Thamizh En Makkal
Television
- 1997 Kaialavau Manasu
- 2003 Vikaramadhithan
- 2003 Imsai Arasigal
- 2008 Thangamana Purushan
- 2012 Amudha Oru Aacharyakuri