Meeting National Award winning lyricist Na Muthukumar

'I can write a song in just 20 to 30 minutes and have done so plenty of times.'

Noted lyricist Na Muthukuma talks about winning his second consecutive National Award win.

Na Muthukumar is one of the most sought-after lyricists in Tamil cinema. He has won his second consecutive National Award this year.

Last year, he won the award for the Aanandha Yaazhai number from Thanga Meengal. This year it was for Azhagey Azhagey from the film Saivam, directed by Vijay (Madrasapattinam).

The song also won the young singer Uthara Unnikrishnan the award for Best Female Playback Singer.

Muthukumar has written dialogues for films and has published several books of poetry. 

He has penned the lyrics of over 2000 songs - 103 songs from 36 films in the year 2012 alone. 

This prolific writer, who had entered the film industry with dreams of making it big as a director, tells S. Saraswathi/Rediff.com, why his style of songs will live forever.

How does it feel to win two consecutive National Awards?

Azhagey Azhagey is one my favourite songs.  I am very happy it won the National award. 

Uthara sang it brilliantly, with perfect pronunciation. I am so happy that she too has won an award.

I want to continue to write good, meaningful songs.

Was it a very difficult song to write?

The song was to be picturised on a six-year-old in the film. 

Director Vijay was very particular that we use very simple language. 

But though he wanted a child's vocabulary, he did not want me to compromise on the emotion or depth of the song.

It was quite a challenge.

They picturised the song with the child performing some classical dance steps and we had to base it on Carnatic music.

Fortunately, everything worked out well - the lyrics, the wonderful music by GV Prakash and the most beautiful vocals.

The song became very popular after its release. 

You have had a very long association with director Vijay.

Vijay and I have worked together in eight films and over 40 songs. 

We understand each other perfectly.

He knows how to extract the best from me and I understand what he needs. 

We always seem to be on the same wavelength.

How long do you spend on each song?

I can write a song in just 20 to 30 minutes and have done so plenty of times. 

But it all depends on the director.  It is his vision that has to be expressed in the verses.

If he is very particular then it has to be reworked and this takes longer, sometimes even two days to a week. 

Some insist on deeply poetic lyrics, while others prefer musical ones. Some demand the use of unconventional words and phrases; we have to cater to individual taste.

Do you have to adapt to the changing trends in terms of language also?

Today we have all kind of songs, but my basic style of writing does not change. 

I write emotional poetry.  Even the lyrics that entertain or humour the youth are in my own distinctive style.

I don't think my songs have any particular shelf life or cater to any particular generation. 

For example, songs like Ninaikka Therintha Maname Unakku Marakka Theriyatha sound perfect even today. 

These are classics and will remain fresh forever. I prefer to write songs that can be enjoyed for generations.

But I have to admit that with age and experience, the way I express my thoughts has changed.  Today, I want my work to reflect simplicity and beauty. 

Over a period of time your perspective changes, you look at life differently.  I first started writing when I was 24, and I am 40 now. 

What kind of songs do you prefer to write?

What gives me the most satisfaction is philosophical songs.  Unfortunately, these are becoming fewer and fewer in cinema today.  

That is why songs like Azhagu  Azhagu and Veyilodu Vilaiyadi (from the National award-winning film Veyil) are special to me. 

They are relevant to life, people relate to them easily. That is why they became so popular. 

How do you manage such a huge volume of work?

There have been many days when I have worked continuously for 18 hours.

I sleep for five hours at night and take a break for about an hour during the day. 

But these spells are usually followed by a period of total relaxation. 

I try to unwind, relax and spend time with my family and read a lot of books.

I love books. Reading is my greatest passion. 

I feel totally rejuvenated and then it is back to work again.