L. R. Eswari
Encyclopedia
L. R. Eswari is a Veteran playback singer of the Tamil movie
industry. She also sang in other languages like Telugu
, Kannada
, Malayalam
, Tulu
, and English
.
, Ilayaraja and Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan
. Her unique voice was considered to be suited for peppy numbers in the movies, be it a dance tune, folk song or a devotional track. Her song "Vaarayo Thozhi" from Paasa Malar was a popular choice for wedding music.
She has also recorded many devotional albums in praise of the Goddess Amman which were hugely popular among the Tamil community and were played in many temples. Her "Chellatha" and "Karpoora Nayagi" numbers has won her a lot of fame among devotees.
She has won the Kalaimamani Award and other states awards times.
She sang romantic songs filmed on heroines as well as cabarets filmed on dance-artistes and also folk songs. If she was the queen of the jazz variety music having the right verve and attitude to sing them (eg. varavendum oru pozhudhu, vandhaal ennodu, idhu verulagam), she was equally at ease with native folk numbers having the perfect vigour and vibrance to sing them (eg. vaadai kaatramma, kattodu kuzhalaada), brilliant in dance numbers owing to the rhythm and swing in her voice (eg.aadavaralaam, kangalukenna, ammaan magan enge avan, adada enna azhagu, pattathu raani), sounded natural and effortless in the most soft and whispery numbers sung with exemplery control and feel (eg.ammamma keladi thozhi, kadhodu thaan, pattu chiragu konda) and brought a rare warmth to all her romantic numbers (eg.avan kaathalithaan, kannirendum minna minna, angam puthuvidham, maranthey pochu). Her style was most unique, and she remains the most unimitable singer to this day in the indian music industry. Her voice has a very haunting quality to it, as well as a deep pathos, and for this reason she was used in many songs just for a couple seconds of humming, but even those couple seconds made those songs immemorable in her name – Ettil ezhudhi vaiththen, kallellaam maanikka, pavazha kodiyile, nenjathai alli konjam, engeyo paarthamugam to name but a few. While quite adept and more than adequate in the usual happy, sad and peppy songs, she was the singer of choice for the unusual songs that expressed frustaration, bitterness, sarcasm etc. (eg maappillai ragasiyam sollava, ennadi ulagam, ellorum paarkka en ullaasa vazhkkai, enakku vantha indha) in which songs she excelled herself.
Perhaps she and P.Susheela were the most popular female-duet-duo ever, they complimented each other perfectly in terms of voice and style, and sang very many popular duets in their times – unadhu malar, chiththira poovizhi, ninaithaal sirippu, thoodhu sella etc.. They seemed to share a perfect chemistry and out-did each other line after line, apparently providing each other inspiration all along the song. She sang immemorable duets with all the leading male singers also – T. M. Soundararajan, A.L.Raghavan, P.B.Srinivas, S.P. Balasubramaniam, K.J.Yesudas, Chandra Babu.
She brought a very rare life and spirit to each song she sang and will remain one of the most unique singers of our country. In some ways she was perhaps ahead of her times.
Tamil cinema
Tamil cinema is the film industry based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, dedicated to the production of films in the Tamil language. It is based in Chennai's Kodambakkam district, where several South Indian film production companies are headquartered...
industry. She also sang in other languages like Telugu
Telugu language
Telugu is a Central Dravidian language primarily spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, where it is an official language. It is also spoken in the neighbouring states of Chattisgarh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu...
, Kannada
Kannada language
Kannada or , is a language spoken in India predominantly in the state of Karnataka. Kannada, whose native speakers are called Kannadigas and number roughly 50 million, is one of the 30 most spoken languages in the world...
, Malayalam
Malayalam language
Malayalam , is one of the four major Dravidian languages of southern India. It is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India with official language status in the state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry. It is spoken by 35.9 million people...
, Tulu
Tulu language
The Tulu language |?]]]) is a Dravidian language spoken by 1.95 million native speakers mainly in the southwest part of Indian state Karnataka known as Tulu Nadu. In India, 1.72 million people speak it as their mother tongue , increased by 10 percent over the 1991 census...
, and English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
.
Early Life
She was born in Chennai into a Roman Catholic family to Anthony Devraj and Regina Mary Nirmala. Her ancestors were from Paramagudi near Madurai. Her full name is Lourde-Mary Rajeshwari. Since there was already another established singer with the name of M.S.Rajeshwari her name was abbreivated into L.R.Eshwari. She did not have any formal training in singing. Her mother was a chorus singer in films. Eshwari used to accompany her mother to the studios and soon began singing in the chorus herself, but quickly got a break to lend her voice as lead-singer. Her first break came from Sri K.V.Mahadevan in 1958 in the movie 'Periya Idaththu Sammandham', her first solo song recorded in this movie was 'ivarey thaan avarey'. But major recognition came from the song 'vaarai en thozhi vaaraayo' from the movie 'paasa malar' (1961) sung under the baton of Viswanathan-Ramamurthy, which composers explored and exploited her vocal abilities to the maximum extent possible over the next 20 years.Career
She sang under the direction of famous composers like M.S.Viswanathan, K. V. MahadevanK. V. Mahadevan
Krishnankoil Venkatachalam Mahadevan was a South Indian music composer.-Career:K.V.Mahadevan was born in Tamil Iyer family in 1918 in Krishnancoil, Kanyakumari district. A contemporary of M. S. Viswanathan, T. K. Ramamoorthy, KVM has scored music for over 600 films, spanning four decades, after...
, Ilayaraja and Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan
Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan
Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan was an Indian classical music violinist.-Early life:He was born to Sri Ramaswamy Sastri and Smt. Meenakshi at Kunnakudi, a temple town of Lord Murugan in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.His father was a scholar in Sanskrit and Tamil, and a composer and exponent of...
. Her unique voice was considered to be suited for peppy numbers in the movies, be it a dance tune, folk song or a devotional track. Her song "Vaarayo Thozhi" from Paasa Malar was a popular choice for wedding music.
She has also recorded many devotional albums in praise of the Goddess Amman which were hugely popular among the Tamil community and were played in many temples. Her "Chellatha" and "Karpoora Nayagi" numbers has won her a lot of fame among devotees.
She has won the Kalaimamani Award and other states awards times.
She sang romantic songs filmed on heroines as well as cabarets filmed on dance-artistes and also folk songs. If she was the queen of the jazz variety music having the right verve and attitude to sing them (eg. varavendum oru pozhudhu, vandhaal ennodu, idhu verulagam), she was equally at ease with native folk numbers having the perfect vigour and vibrance to sing them (eg. vaadai kaatramma, kattodu kuzhalaada), brilliant in dance numbers owing to the rhythm and swing in her voice (eg.aadavaralaam, kangalukenna, ammaan magan enge avan, adada enna azhagu, pattathu raani), sounded natural and effortless in the most soft and whispery numbers sung with exemplery control and feel (eg.ammamma keladi thozhi, kadhodu thaan, pattu chiragu konda) and brought a rare warmth to all her romantic numbers (eg.avan kaathalithaan, kannirendum minna minna, angam puthuvidham, maranthey pochu). Her style was most unique, and she remains the most unimitable singer to this day in the indian music industry. Her voice has a very haunting quality to it, as well as a deep pathos, and for this reason she was used in many songs just for a couple seconds of humming, but even those couple seconds made those songs immemorable in her name – Ettil ezhudhi vaiththen, kallellaam maanikka, pavazha kodiyile, nenjathai alli konjam, engeyo paarthamugam to name but a few. While quite adept and more than adequate in the usual happy, sad and peppy songs, she was the singer of choice for the unusual songs that expressed frustaration, bitterness, sarcasm etc. (eg maappillai ragasiyam sollava, ennadi ulagam, ellorum paarkka en ullaasa vazhkkai, enakku vantha indha) in which songs she excelled herself.
Perhaps she and P.Susheela were the most popular female-duet-duo ever, they complimented each other perfectly in terms of voice and style, and sang very many popular duets in their times – unadhu malar, chiththira poovizhi, ninaithaal sirippu, thoodhu sella etc.. They seemed to share a perfect chemistry and out-did each other line after line, apparently providing each other inspiration all along the song. She sang immemorable duets with all the leading male singers also – T. M. Soundararajan, A.L.Raghavan, P.B.Srinivas, S.P. Balasubramaniam, K.J.Yesudas, Chandra Babu.
Recognition
Many of the Well-known film, Karaoke,stage,reality show singers and celebrities have undoubtedly accepted that her unique voice, modulation, clarity, high pitch, rhythm, expression,style, feel of the song, can ever be replicated or reproduced or imitated by anyone. Her Voice and songs stands across generations over and remains as fresh as new in the millions of South Indian fans all over the world.She brought a very rare life and spirit to each song she sang and will remain one of the most unique singers of our country. In some ways she was perhaps ahead of her times.
Re-entry
After a long break, she made her re-entry through a rocky peppy Tamil Song "Kalasala Kalasala " from Movie Osthi 2011. Within few days of this song release, it has became a super hit and reached music box office top ratings.Tamil songs
| Song | Tamil movie Tamil cinema Tamil cinema is the film industry based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, dedicated to the production of films in the Tamil language. It is based in Chennai's Kodambakkam district, where several South Indian film production companies are headquartered... |
|---|---|
| Muthukulikka Vareegala | Anubavi Raja Anubavi |
| Mappillai Ragasiyam | Arangketram |
| Adi Ennadi Ulagam | Aval Oru Thodar Kathai |
| Enna Solla Enna Solla | Babu Babu Babu may refer to:Place:* Babu District, in Hezhou, Guangxi, ChinaTitle* Babu , South Asian term of respect People*Babu , list of people with this name* Babù, Anderson Rodney de Oliveira, Brazilian footballer... |
| Kangalum Kavadi | Enga Vittu Pillai |
| Puthi Sigamani | Iruvar Ullam |
| Chithirai Poovizhi | Ithayathil Nee |
| Yenna Poruthamadi | Kanavan |
| Aadavaralaam Aada Varalaam | Karuppu Panam |
| Malarendra Mugam Indru | Kathalikka Nerammillai |
| Enthan Nenjam Yaarai | Kathalithal Pothuma |
| Kathal Penney | Kathalithal Pothuma |
| Maapillai Vanthan | Kaveriyin Kanavan |
| Avala Ivala | Mannathi Mannan |
| Aval Oru Kathanayagi | Moondru Mudichu Moondru Mudichu Moondru Mudichu is a Tamil film that was directed by K. Balachander. The movie stars Kamal Hassan, Rajnikanth and Sridevi. It is hailed as the movie that made Rajnikanth a big "villain" star. The movie revolves around 3 people - a college going girl and 2 men who fall in love with her... |
| Singapore Machan | Naam Moovar |
| Pirantha Idam Thedi | Naan Aanaiyittal |
| Dhukkaththilum | Nalla Idathu Sammantham |
| Oh Lakshmi | Neela Vanam |
| Nee Ninaithal | Nilave Nee Satchi |
| Naam Oruvarai Oruvar | Oruvar |
| En Vaalibam Ennum Mahligaiyil | Paalkudam |
| Vaarayo Thozhi | Paasa Malar Pasamalar Pasamalar is a 1961 film starring Sivaji Ganesan and Gemini Ganesan. The film was cast in 1961 and directed by A. Bhimsingh. This film is considered to be one of the greatest Tamil movies ever made. Stellar performances from Sivaji Ganesan and Savitri make this movie a pleasure to watch... |
| Sonnathellam Nadanthiduma | Padha Kaanikkai |
| Ithazhai Virithathu Roja | Pattanathil Bootham |
| Kaalgal Nindrathu | Poojaikku Vantha Malar |
| Ithu Margazhi Matham | Praptham |
| Sala Sala Kathottam | Praptham |
| Raja Veetu Pennanalum | Raja Veetu Pillai |
| Manamagale Marumagale | Saradha |
| Lilli Lali Jimmy | Selvam |
| Vennila Mugam | Selvamagal |
| Pennai Parthum | Shanthi Nilayam |
| Pushpa Raagam | Thani Kudithanam |
| Naanoru Kaathal | Thavapputhalvan |
| Kottai Mathir Mele | Thirudan |
| Ivalavuthan Ulagam | Ulagam Ivalavuthan |
| Ada Sarithan Podi | Uyira Maanama |
| Savale Samali | Uyira Maanama |
| Enge Enge En Manathu | Vaaliba Virunthu |
| Ammamma Kannathil Kannam | Vallavan Oruvan Vallavan Oruvan -Plot:On an investigation regarding arson crimes, a C.I.D officer is shot dead. C.I.D Shankar is brought into investigation on the death of his colleague. He quickly unravels the mystery behind his colleague's death and the mastermind behind the incendiarism crimes... |
| Palinginal Oru Mahligai | Vallavan Oruvan Vallavan Oruvan -Plot:On an investigation regarding arson crimes, a C.I.D officer is shot dead. C.I.D Shankar is brought into investigation on the death of his colleague. He quickly unravels the mystery behind his colleague's death and the mastermind behind the incendiarism crimes... |
| Kathodhuthan Naan | Velli Vizha Velli Vizha Velli Vizha is a 1972 Tamil film starring Gemini Ganesan in the lead role of a protagonist.... |
| Allipanthal Kaalgal | Vennira Aadai Vennira Aadai Vennira Aadai is a 1965 Tamil-language Indian film directed by Sridar with music by M.S.Viswanathan. It starred Sreekanth, Jayalalitha, Nirmala and Moorthy.... |
| Nee Emppathenna | Vennira Aadai Vennira Aadai Vennira Aadai is a 1965 Tamil-language Indian film directed by Sridar with music by M.S.Viswanathan. It starred Sreekanth, Jayalalitha, Nirmala and Moorthy.... |
| Kalasala | Osthi Osthi Osthe is an upcoming Tamil action film directed by S. Dharani, starring Silambarasan. A remake of the 2010 blockbuster Hindi film Dabangg, directed by Abhinav Singh Kashyap and written by Dileep Shukla, it will feature Githan Ramesh, Richa Gangopadhyay, Sonu Sood, reprising his role from the... |
Telugu songs
| Year | Telugu film | Song |
|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Pandava Vanavasam Pandava Vanavasam Pandava Vanavasam is a mythological Telugu film directed by Kamalakara Kameshwara Rao and written by Samudrala Raghavacharya.-Cast:*Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao ... Bheemudu*S. V. Ranga Rao ... Duryodhanudu*Kanta Rao ... Lord Krishna... |
Mogali Rekula Sigadaana |
| 1967 | Ummadi Kutumbam Ummadi Kutumbam Ummadi Kutumbam is a 1967 Telugu Drama film directed by D. Yoganand.-Cast:* Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao* Kaikala Satyanarayana* Krishna Kumari* M. Prabhakar Reddy* Savitri* Vanisree* Relangi Venkata Ramaiah... |
Jigi Jigi Jigelumannadi Chinnadi |
| 1968 | Bandipotu Dongalu Bandipotu Dongalu Bandipotu Dongalu is a 1968 Telugu Drama film written and directed by K. S. Prakash Rao. The film is starring S. V. Ranga Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Kongara Jaggayya in key roles. It is also a Musical film with some Melodious songs rendered by Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao... |
Gandara Ganda Shoggadivanta |
| 1970 | Kathanayika Molla Kathanayika Molla Kathanayika Molla is a 1970 Telugu film produced and directed by famous comedian B. Padmanabham. The film base on the life of Telugu poetess Molla. Vanisree played the title role. Jagame Ramamayam and Manishini Brahmayya Mattito Chesenaya are memorable songs in this film. It has got the Nandi... |
Naane Cheluve Kannadiki |
| 1970 | Lakshmi Kataksham Lakshmi Kataksham Lakshmi Kataksham or Laxmi Kataksham is a 1970 Telugu Musical film directed by B. Vittalacharya and starring N. T. Rama Rao and K. R. Vijaya.... |
Andala Bommanu Nenu Chelikada |
| 1971 | Prem Nagar | Le Le Le Naa Raaja |
| 1972 | Tata Manavadu Tata Manavadu Tata Manavadu or Thatha Manavadu is a 1972 Telugu film directed by Dasari Narayana Rao . This is the first film as a hero to comedian Raja Babu paired with Guinness record holding director and actress Vijaya Nirmala. The film won Nandi Award for Best Feature Film... |
Nookalammani Nene Nee Peekani Nokkettane |
| 1973 | Devudu Chesina Manushulu Devudu Chesina Manushulu Devudu Chesina Manushulu is a 1973 blockbuster Telugu drama directed by V. Ramachandra Rao and produced by Ghattamaneni Krishna under the banner of Padmalaya Studios. It was remade as Takkar in Hindi in 1980.-Cast:... |
Masaka Masaka Cheekatilo |
| 1973 | Jeevana Tarangalu Jeevana Tarangalu Jeevana Tarangalu is a 1973 Telugu Drama film directed by Tatineni Rama Rao. It is based on the novel by Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani. It is remade into Hindi language in 1978 entitled Dil Aur Deewaar.-Cast:* Shobhan Babu ... Vijay... |
Nandamaya Garuda Nandamaya |
| 1974 | Nippulanti Manishi Nippulanti Manishi Nippulanti Manishi is a 1974 Telugu Drama film directed by S. D. Lal and produced by Y. V. Rao. It is remake of 1973 Hindi film Zanjeer starring Amitabh Bachan.... |
Welcome Swagatam Chesta Ninne Paravasam |
| 1976 | Anthuleni Katha Anthuleni Katha Anthuleni Katha is a 1976 Telugu film directed by K. Balachander. The film is a remake of the 1974 Tamil film Aval Oru Thodar Kathai. This is Jayaprada's first starring role and is considered to be one of her best films. This was also Rajnikanth's first major role. Kamal Hassan played an extended... |
Are Emiti Lokam |
| 1978 | Maro Charithra Maro Charithra Maro Charithra is a 1978 Telugu-language Indian feature film directed by K. Balachander, starring Kamal Haasan, Saritha, Madhavi and Sarath Babu. The film still remains as one of the biggest blockbusters... |
Bhale Bhale Magadinoi Bangaru Naasaamivoi |
| 1978 | Pranam Khareedu Pranam Khareedu Pranam Khareedu is a 1978 Telugu film. It starred Jayasudha, Rao Gopal Rao, Chandra Mohan, Chiranjeevi, Reshma Roy, and Madhavi in a guest appearance. The film released on 22 September 1978. The film based on a play written by C. S. Rao... |
Bandameeda Undi Gundodi Debba |
| 1979 | Andamaina Anubhavam | Ananda Thandavame Adenuga Aa Shivudu |