A. Maruthakasi

A. Maruthakasi (13 February 1920 – 29 November 1989) was an Indian poet and film lyricist who wrote mainly in the Tamil language. He penned more than 4000 lyrics in more than 250 Tamil films.

Early life Born in Melakudikadu in Tiruchirappalli district on 13 February 1920 to parents Ayyamperumal Udayar and Milagayi Ammal, he had his primary education in the local village school. He had his higher education at Government College, Kumbakonam.

During the earlier decades of Tamil films, songs were written as per old Tamil literature. Maruthakasi is a foremost lyricist who started writing lyrics that could be understood by the common man.

He encouraged young persons who were looking for a career in Tamil films. When Vaali was looking for opportunities in the early sixties, he was given a chance to write a song for the film Nallavan Vazhvan. The recording of the song was being postponed several times for various reasons. The producers thought the 'omen' was not good and asked Maruthakasi to write a song. Maruthakasi read Vaali's lyrics and told the producer that it is an excellent song and told the producer to record Vaali's song. The song was a hit. T. M. Soundararajan went on to become a legend in Tamil film music.

After 1960s most of the producers sought Kannadasan as lyricist for their films. Maruthakasi did not get much opportunities. He tried to produce films but sustained losses so he returned to his village. M. G. Ramachandran called him back to Chennai and made him to write lyrics for all films produced by Devar Films. Maruthakasi wrote lyrics for films produced by K. S. Gopalakrishnan. All songs Shankar–Ganesh

Death He died on 29 November 1989.