M. L. Vasanthakumari

Madras Lalithangi Vasanthakumari (3 July 192831 October 1990), known as M. L. Vasanthakumari and commonly referred to as MLV, was an Indian Carnatic musician and a playback singer in films across several South Asian languages.

Vasanthakumari and her contemporaries, D. K. Pattammal and M. S. Subbulakshmi, are often referred to as the female trinity of Carnatic music. A disciple of G. N. Balasubramaniam, she was the youngest of the established musicians of that era and the youngest female to receive the Sangita Kalanidhi award. In 1967, the government of India honoured her with the Padma Bhushan, the country's third-highest civilian award.

Vasanthakumari's notable career as a playback singer for films popularized lesser-known ragas, and her Ragam Thanam Pallavis were regarded as cerebral. Additionally, she popularized the compositions of the Haridasas. Her disciples include her daughter Srividya, Sudha Raghunathan, Charumathi Ramachandran, and A. Kanyakumari.

Early life Vasanthakumari was born into a musical family. Her father, Kuthanur Ayya Swamy Iyer, and her mother, Lalithangi, were both musicians. When Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das died in 1925, Lalithangi composed a song as a tribute to his patriotism.

Vasanthakumari was educated in a convent school in Madras where she initially planned to pursue a career in medicine. However, her path took a turn when Carnatic musician G. N. Balasubramaniam, popularly known as GNB, became her guru. In Vasanthakumari's own words:

"My parents had rendered yeoman service to Carnatic music. They were instrumental in popularizing the compositions of Purandara Dasa in South India. Although they were not keen on my pursuing a career in music and instead provided me with a general education, the musical atmosphere at home gave me ample opportunity to practice vocal music. When G. N. Balasubramaniam heard me sing, he convinced my parents to allow him to tutor me. It is he who is responsible for the position I hold in the music world today."

Performing and recording career At the age of 12, M. L. Vasanthakumari debuted in 1940, accompanying her mother, Lalithangi in a recital. In 1942, she gave her first solo performance in Bengaluru and recorded her first 78-rpm disc. By 1950, she was regularly performing on stage.

Musical style Vasanthakumari's style was influenced by her mentor G. N. Balasubramaniam. Musicologist Indira Menon noted that Vasanthakumari adopted Balasubramaniam’s approach of introducing a raga with a quick sketch across two octaves, followed by a more detailed elaboration. Menon also observed that she used vocal ornamentation (brigas) selectively and exercised restraint in her performance.

Purandaradasa tradition Vasanthakumari's mother Lalithangi performed a repertoire of Purandaradasa kritis, many of which she taught to her daughter. Vasanthakumari later included these compositions in her performances, contributing to the wider dissemination of Purandara Dasa's Devaranamas. Her role has been compared to T. Brinda's role in popularizing Kshetrayya Padams and M. S. Subbalakshmi’s efforts with Annamacharya kritis.

Sindhu Bhairavi Vasanthakumari helped popularize Narayana Teertha's Kalyana Gopalam and Purandaradasa's Venkatachala Nilayam in Sindhubhairavi raga. Hindustani maestro Bade Ghulam Ali Khan praised her for her music. Sudha Raghunathan, also a prominent Carnatic singer, once said, "MLV Amma told me that it was Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Saab who taught her the nuances of Sindhu Bhairavi in the Hindustani style."

Vasanthakumari also sang Ayya Saami in the 1951 film, Or Iravu. This song was based on the song Gore Gore O Banke Chhore from the film 1950 Samaadhi, which was in turn based on the Latin American song Chico Chico from Puerto Rico, featured in the film Cuban Pete. In the 1952 film Thai Ullam, she sang Konjum Purave, which was based on the Hindi song Thandi Havayen. Vasanthakumari would continue to sing in films until 1970.

Accompanists Mridangam maestro Palghat Mani Iyer made an exception to his decision to not accompany a female performer and later accompanied Vasanthakumari for concerts. Other accompanists include Mannargudi Easwaran, Srimushnam V. Raja Rao, Seerkazhi J. Skandaprasad, Thiruvarur Bakthavathsalam, R. Ramesh, Karaikudi Krishnamurthy, G. Harishankar (Kanjira), Dwaram Mangathayaru (Violin), Kanyakumari (Violin).

Family Vasanthakumari married Kalaimamani Vikatam R. Krishnamurthy in 1951. They had a son, Krishnamurthy Sankararaman, and a daughter, Srividya. Her daughter, Srividya, would later be an actress in Tamil and Malayalam films.

Disciples Saraswathi Srinivasan (b. 1936) was the first disciple of Vasanthakumari. After her marriage, the duo performed in concerts together.

Awards

Death In 1990 Vasanthakumari died of cancer at the age of 62. thumb Collaborations with music composers Vasanthakumari worked with C. R. Subbaraman, S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, G. Ramanathan, S. Dakshinamurthi, K. V. Mahadevan, Vedha, V. Nagayya, Pendyala Nageshwara Rao, T. Chalapathi Rao, Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, S. Rajeswara Rao, R. Sudarsanam, R. Govardhanam, T. R. Pappa, S. V. Venkatraman, Kunnakudi Venkatrama Iyer, G. Aswathama, T. A. Kalyanam, M. S. Gnanamani, C. N. Pandurangan, C. S. Jayaraman, G. Govindarajulu Naidu, T. G. Lingappa, K. G. Moorthy, Ghantasala, Master Venu, G. Aswathama, V. Dakshinamoorthy, G. Devarajan, K. Raghavan and Shankar–Jaikishan.

Collaborations with playback singers Vasanthakumari sang duets mostly with Thiruchi Loganathan, Seerkazhi Govindarajan and A. M. Rajah. Others are M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, V. N. Sundaram, T. R. Mahalingam, T. A. Mothi, C. R. Subburaman, C. S. Jayaraman, Ghantasala, G. K. Venkatesh, T. M. Soundararajan, P. B. Sreenivas, K. S. George, V. Dakshinamoorthy, and K. J. Yesudas.

She also sang duets with female singers, most notably with P. Leela and N. L. Ganasaraswathi. Others are A. P. Komala, T. S. Bagavathi, Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi, Jikki, T. V. Rathnam, Radha Jayalakshmi, P. A. Periyanayaki, P. Bhanumathi, K. Jamuna Rani and A. G. Rathnamala.

Year Film Language Song Music Co-singer1948 Krishna Bakthi Tamil Raadhaa Samedhaa Krishnaa S. V. Venkatraman and Kunnakudi Venkatrama Iyer Endha Vedugo O Raagavaa 1948 Raja Mukthi Tamil Kulakkodi Thazhaikka C. R. Subburaman Aaraaro Nee Aaraaro Ingum Angum Engum Inbame M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar Enna Aanandham M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar Sandhoshamaai Anbar Varuvaaradi P. Bhanumathi1949 Kanniyin Kaadhali Tamil Puvi Raajaa S. M. Subbaiah Naidu and C. R. Subburaman Thiruchi Loganathan Kalaivaaniye Nee Kaaranam Theriyammal 1949 Mayavathi Tamil Maane En Prema Raani G. Ramanathan T. R. Mahalingam Vaaraai En Inba Vaazhve Aahaa Thanimai Tharum Inbam Alli Malaraayirundhen Varuvano Madhivadhanan Jeyame En Vaazhvile 1949 Nallathambi Tamil Gaanalolan Madhanagopaalan S. M. Subbaiah Naidu and C. R. Subburaman 1949 Nam Naadu Tamil Mosam Pogadhe Nee G. Govindarajulu Naidu and Purushotham Enthan Mana Ullaasam Enadhu Ennam Veene Vedhanai Ilaa Logam Maname Enna Pedhamai 1949 Pavalakodi Tamil Kandeepan Maithunaa C. R. Subburaman Naane Vendinen Ini Nammodellaam Unathu Pugazh Paaduven 1949 Vazhkai Tamil Gopaalanodu Naan Aaduvene R. Sudarsanam 1950 Beedala Patlu Telugu Yauvaname Aahaa Yauvaname S. M. Subbaiah Naidu Sarasaku Raade Aane 1950 Ezhai Padum Padu Tamil Yauvaname Aahaa Yauvaname S. M. Subbaiah Naidu Kannan Mana Nilaiye Vaanamudhe Ondraai Thiruchi Loganathan and P. A. Periyanayaki 1950 Manthiri Kumari Tamil Isai Kalaiye Inidhaana G. Ramanathan Kaadhal Baliyaagi Manam Pola Vaazhvu Peruvome Jikki Aahaahaahaa Vaazhvile Ennum Pozhuthil Inbam 1950 Parijatham Tamil Niyaayam Alladi Bhaamaa S. V. Venkatraman and C. R. Subburaman Piraana Naathanae Anbinil Yaavume.... Thulasi Jegan Maathaa Pugazhnthu Pugazhnthu Uraikka Vantharul Endruraippai 1950 Prasanna Malayalam Kalaanikethe Keralamaathe M. S. Gnanamani Gaanamohana Hare Jaathivairam Neethirahitham Thakarukayo Sakalamen 1950 Vijayakumari Tamil Geethaanandham Perinbam C. R. Subburaman P. Leela1951 Manamagal Tamil Chinnanciru Kiliye Kannammaa C. R. Subburaman V. N. Sundaram Ellaam Inbamayam P. Leela Aayirathu Tholaayirathu P. Leela Paaviyinum Padu Paavi V. N. Sundaram Iru Kaadhalar Magizhndhe C. R. Subburaman 1951 Mayamalai Tamil P. Adinarayana Rao 1951 Navvite Navaratnalu Telugu Marubal Kavadhe Meera Aswathama Gudimetla and G. Ramanathan Uyyaala Loogena O Manasam Telirekhalu Virise Thurupudisa Saanthiye Ledhaa Naaku Sri Rajarajesvari Sritajanavandita 1951 Or Iravu Tamil Ayyaa Saami Avoji Saami R. Sudarsanam Boologam Thanai Kaana Varuveer T. S. Bagavathi1951 Pelli Kooturu Telugu Veera Jaajula Valape C. R. Subburaman C. R. Subburaman Anta Premamayam P. Leela 1950 Ki 60 Ki Ento Teda A. P. Komala Paapula Loka Dupaapi C. R. Subburaman C. R. Subburaman1951 Rajambal Tamil Vaazhvu Uyara Vendum M. S. Gnanamani Ahaa Haa Manaiviyaaven Theeraadha Thunbam Thaanaa 1951 Saudamini Tamil Anbe En Sivame Aandarulvaaye S. V. Venkatraman Maara Sundara Maadhu Ivale 1951 Soudamini Telugu Elukkona Ra S. V. Venkatraman 1951 Tilottama Telugu P. Adinarayana Rao 1952 Andhaman Kaidhi Tamil Kaani Nilam Vendum Paraasakthi G. Govindarajulu Naidu C. S. Jayaraman 1952 En Thangai Tamil Dheena Dhayaabari Thaaye C. N. Pandurangan 1952 Kanchana Tamil Maye Thvam Yaahi S. M. Subbaiah Naidu Shivakameshwari Chintaye 1952 Kanchana Tamil Maye Thvam Yaahi S. M. Subbaiah Naidu Shivakameshwari Chintaye 1952 Kanjana Malayalam Maye Thvam Yaahi S. M. Subbaiah Naidu Shivakameshwari Chintaye 1952 Moondru Pillaigal Tamil Antha Raama Sowndharyam P. S. Anantharaman and M. D. Parthasarathy A. P. Komala 1952 Mr. Sampat Hindi Manchi Dinamu Nede B. S. Kalla and Emani Sankara Sastry 1952 Mugguru Kodukkulu Telugu Aaraaghu Ra Muni K. G. Moorthy N. L. Ganasaraswathi1952 Panam Tamil Ezhai Nin Kovilai Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy G. K. Venkatesh Kudumbatthin Vilakku 1952 Parasakthi Tamil Vaazhga Vaazhgave Vaazhgave R. Sudarsanam 1952 Penn Manam Tamil Kanavilum Maraven Kunnakudi Venkatarama Iyer Vazhvile Vaazhvile Madhavapeddi Satyam Sugamedhu Vaazhvile Madhavapeddi Satyam 1952 Puratchi Veeran Tamil Kaaranam Theriyaamal Shankar–Jaikishan 1952 Shyamala Tamil Ambaa Aadhi Sakthi Jegadhaambaa G. Ramanathan, T. V. Raju and S. B. Dinakar Rao 1952 Thai Ullam Tamil Konjum Puraave G. Ramanathan Vellai Thamarai Poovil Kovil Muzhuthum Kanden Kathayai Kelada 1952 Velaikari Magal Tamil Anbe Endhan Aaruyire Azhaadhe C. R. Subburaman and S. Dakshinamurthi Mudinthathe En Vazhvu Pagalellam Velai Seithe K. Devanarayanan1953 Aasai Magan Tamil Kalaigal Migundha Engal V. Dakshinamoorthy P. Leela Neeye Arul Velavane 1953 Aashadeepam Malayalam Janani Jayikka Neenal V. Dakshinamoorthy P. Leela Sharanam Mayilvaahanaa 1953 Ammalakkalu Telugu Nee Kosam C. R. Subburaman Pithapuram Nageswara Rao1953 Anbu Tamil Adavare Naattile T. R. Pappa A. M. Rajah Isaippaadi 1953 En Veedu Tamil Konjum Mozhi Maindharkale V. Nagayya and A. Rama Rao T. A. Mothi 1953 Gumastha Tamil Aiyavin Penndattikku G. Ramanathan, V. Nagayya, and C. N. Pandurangan K. R. Chellamuthu Dance Baby Dance 1953 Inspector Tamil Varuvaai Mana Mohanaa G. Ramanathan V. N. Sundaram Madhana Singaara Neelaa Moodiyirundha En Vizhiyinul 1953 Inspector Telugu Marupayena Mohana G. Ramanathan Mara Sukumara Moodapa Dhinana Muddulaveena 1953 Jatagam Tamil Velan Varuvaanodi R. Govardhanam 1953 Kangal Tamil Inba Veenaiyai Meettudhu S. V. Venkatraman Kann Kanda Deivame Annai Karamena Nammai Varungkaala Thalaivan Neeye 1953 Kodarikam Telugu Illalu Illalu C. N. Pandurangan Mahaa Ganapathi Gajaananaa 1953 Mamiyar Tamil Penn Ivale Miga C. N. Pandurangan Mahaa Ganapathi Gajaananaa 1953 Manam Pola Mangalyam Tamil Solai Naduve Odi A. Rama Rao 1953 Manidhanum Mirugamum Tamil Inbakuyil Kuralinimai G. Govindarajulu Naidu A. M. Rajah Imayamalai Chaaralile 1953 Manithan Tamil Kuyile Unakku G. Ramanathan 1953 Marumagal Tamil Nianikkira Maaadhiri Ellaam C. R. Subburaman T. R. Ramachandran1953 Naa Illu Telugu Adigadigo Gagana Seema V. Nagayya and A. Rama Rao T. A. Mothi Raara Maa Intidaka 1953 Naalvar Tamil Irul Soozhum Vaanil K. V. Mahadevan Inbam Kolludhe Vaana Veedhiyil Parandhiduvom Thiruchi Loganathan 1953 Naam Tamil C. S. Jayaraman 1953 Prapancham Telugu M. S. Gnanamani and T. Poornananda A. M. Rajah Kalaye Navakalaye 1953 Ulagam Tamil Un Kaadhalaal En Anbellaam M. S. Gnanamani A. M. Rajah En Jeevanile 1953 Vazha Pirandhaval Tamil Indhiya Naadu Nam Indhiya Naadu S. Rajeswara Rao and G. Ramanathan 1954 Ammaiyappan Tamil Kaadhal Thuraiye Pudhumai Kanave T. R. Pappa Chinna Pudhu Malare Sidhaindhadhe.... Manamogana Jeevan S. Varalakshmi Poojaikku.... Pillaiyaare Thulli Neelakadal Paaru Paappaa Kaadhal Thuraiye Pudhumai Kanave 1954 Bedara Kannappa Kannada Daari Kaadu Naa Balu Nonde R. Sudarsanam 1954 Kanavu Tamil Kannaana Thaai Naadae G. Ramanathan and V. Dakshinamoorthy Eliyorku Suga Vaazhvu Edhu Engume Thai Pongal 1954 Kudumbam Tamil Pandigai Dhinamithadah Pendyala Nageswara Rao 1954 Menarikam Telugu Pendyala Nageswara Rao 1954 Pudhu Yugam Tamil Kalaiye Puviyaarai Kavarum G. Ramanathan 1954 Ratha Kanneer Tamil Kadhavai Saathadi C. S. Jayaraman Aalaiyin Sangge Nee Oothaayo 1954 Ratha Paasam Tamil Nilaiyaana Inbam Manavaalan Anbe M. K. Athmanathan and A. V. Natarajan 1954 Kalahasti Mahatyam Telugu Choochi Choochi R. Sudarsanam Chaalu Chaalu Naa Mohana 1954 Thookku Thookki Tamil Vaaranam Aayiram Soozha Valam Seidhu G. Ramanathan P. Leela 1954 Thuli Visham Tamil Nandraaga Vaazha Vendum K. N. Dandayudhapani Pillai 1954 Vaira Malai Tamil Vanjamidho Vaanchaiyidho Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy Thiruchi Loganathan Koovaamal Koovum Kogilam Thiruchi Loganathan Unnai Ennum Podhe Senthamarai Kannane 1955 Adarsha Sathi Telugu Parameshane Shiraverida R. Sudarsanam and R. Govardhanam 1955 Kalvanin Kadhali Tamil Tamil Thirunaadu Thannai Petra G. Govindarajulu Naidu N. L. Ganasaraswathi 1955 Kaveri Tamil Manjal Veyyil Maalaiyile G. Ramanathan C. S. Jayaraman 1955 Kaveri Tamil Manadhinile Naan Konda Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy 1955 Koteeswaran Tamil Ennudalum Ullak Kaadhalum Unakke S. V. Venkatraman 1955 Maheswari Tamil Andha NaaLum Endha Naalo G. Ramanathan 1955 Ulagam Palavitham Tamil Adimaiyendre Ennathe Penne N. S. Balakrishnan 1955 Valliyin Selvan Tamil Kannin Maniye Vaa Parur S. Anantharaman Vilaiyaadum Dheivamadi T. V. Rathnam 1955 Vijaya Gauri Telugu Andala Sandadilo G. Ramanathan A. M. Rajah 1954 Vedan Kannappa Tamil Thedi Thedi Naan Manam Nondhen R. Sudarsanam 1956 Amara Deepam Tamil Enge Maraindhanayo T. Chalapathi Rao and G. Ramanathan 1956 Chori Chori Hindi Theem Theem Shankar–Jaikishan 1956 Kaalam Maari Pochu Tamil Ennamadhellaam Neeye Niraindhu Master Venu 1956 Kannin Manigal Tamil Nalla Veenai Idhe Mannile S. V. Venkatraman Velli Nilavinile Aaraaro Aasai Kanmaniye Anbin Dheepamidhe 1956 Koodappirappu Malayalam Alarsharaparithaapam K. Raghavan Manivarnane Innu Njan 1956 Kula Dheivam Tamil Thaaye Yasodha Undhan R. Sudarsanam 1956 Madurai Veeran Tamil Aadal Kaaneero G. Ramanathan Senthamizhaa Ezhundhu 1956 Naga Devathai Tamil Ghantasala 1956 Nagula Chavithi Telugu Marubal Kavadhe Meera Ghantasala 1956 Ondre Kulam Tamil Anda Pagiranda Akilandeswari S. V. Venkatraman and M. V. Ranga Rao Thiruvarul Purivaai Jaganmaathaa 1956 Sahasra Veerudu Telugu Aatal Kanalero Maa Aatal Kanalero G. Ramanathan Andhamula Rashi Neevoyi 1956 Punniyavathi Tamil Kani Voorum Amudhaana Idhayam V. Dakshinamoorthy 1956 Raja Rani Tamil Vaanga Vaanga ... Indriravu Miga Nandriravu T. R. Pappa S. V. Ponnusamy Manippuraa Pudhu Manippuraa Inba Nan Naalidhe 1956 Thaaikkuppin Thaaram Tamil Naadu Sezhithida NaaLum Uzhaithida K. V. Mahadevan 1957 Bhale Ammayilu Telugu Gopaala Jaagela Raa S. Rajeswara Rao and S. Hanumantha Rao P. Leela Theem Thaam Thirana (Thillana) T. V. Rathnam 1957 Chakravarthi Thirumagal Tamil Enthan Ullam Kollai Kolla G. Ramanathan 1957 Iru Sagodharigal Tamil Thaaye Un Seyalallavo S. Rajeswara Rao P. Leela Theem Thaam Thirana (Thillana) T. V. Rathnam 1957 Karpukkarasi Tamil Kaniyo Paago Karkando G. Ramanathan P. B. Sreenivas Vizhiyodu Vilaiyaadum P. Leela 1957 Manamagan Thevai Tamil Vanthaal Varattum Podi G. Ramanathan 1957 Maya Bajaar Tamil Chellamudan Devarkalum Nallaasi Ghantasala and S. Rajeswara Rao 1957 Mayabazar Kannada Srisuraru Thamadhalu Ghantasala and S. Rajeswara Rao 1957 Mayabazar Telugu Srikarulu Devathalu Ghantasala and S. Rajeswara Rao 1957 Nala Damayanthi Telugu Jaali Chpppavadelara B. Gopalam 1957 Rajaputhri Rahasyamu Telugu Sreeramu Meedhane Perasha G. Ramanathan 1957 Rani Lalithangi Tamil Kannaale Mannaadhi Mannarum G. Ramanathan 1957 Sati Anasuya Telugu Maa Roopa Nava Shobana Ghantasala 1957 Soubhagyavathi Tamil Matha Maragadha Shyaamaa Pendyala Nageswara Rao 1957 Soubhagyavathi Telugu Matha Maragadha Shyaamaa Pendyala Nageswara Rao 1957 Thalavanchani Veerudu Telugu Raa Raa Raa G. Ramanathan 1957 Vanangamudi Tamil Siramathil.... Vaa Vaa Vaa G. Ramanathan 1957 Varudu Kavali Telugu Nandasuthudu Andam Chandam G. Ramanathan 1958 Baktha Ravana Tamil Dheva Mahadheva R. Sudarsanam and R. Govardhanam 1958 Bhookailas Telugu Dheva Mahadheva R. Sudarsanam and R. Govardhanam Munneeta Pavalinchu 1958 Bhookailas Kannada Dheva Mahadheva R. Sudarsanam and R. Govardhanam Ksheeraabdhi Varadhaama Naga Sayana 1958 Kanniyin Sabatham Tamil Attatthil Sirandhadhu Pitthalaattam T. G. Lingappa Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi Solla Theriyaamal 1958 Mangalya Bhagyam Tamil Nenjathile Achcham Illaadhavar G. Ramanathan P. Leela Anusooya Kadhaakaalatchebam Seerkazhi Govindarajan, A. P. Komala, K. Jamuna Rani and A. G. Rathnamala Annaiye Paraasakthi 1958 Sati Anasuya Tamil Maa Roopa Nava Shobana Ghantasala 1958 Uthama Illalu Telugu Veyinola Koniyaru Rasakalpame G. Ramanathan and M. S. Raju P. Leela1959 Chathurangamm Malayalam Kaatte Va Kadale G. Devarajan Odakkuzhalum Kaatte Va Kadale Va K. S. George 1959 Jayabheri Telugu Neeventa Nerajaa Navauraa Pendyala Nageswara Rao 1959 Kalaivaanan Tamil Kaadhal Silai Aadudhe Pendyala Nageswara Rao 1959 Kalyanikku Kalyanam Tamil Aanandham Indru Aarambam G. Ramanathan P. Leela 1959 Kaveriyin Kanavan Tamil Vannatamizh Sornakili K. V. Mahadevan 1959 Krishna Leelalu Telugu Thaalalenuraa Thaginadaanaraa S. Dakshinamurthi 1959 Mamiyar Mechina Marumagal Tamil Pathu Viral Modhiram R. Sudarsanam Ranga Ranga Ranga Seerkazhi Govindarajan Maithunare Maithunare A. P. Komala Kanna Vaa Vaa Inge Irupadhaa Ilavu Kaaththa Kili Pol 1959 Manimekalai Tamil PazhangkAla Thamizharin Vaazhkai Murai G. Ramanathan N. L. Ganasaraswathi 1959 Minnal Veeran Tamil Manamirunthaal Vedha P. Leela 1959 Orey Vazhi Tamil Kalvi Kalvi Endru Paadu R. Govardhanam P. Leela 1959 Pennkulathin Ponvilakku Tamil Kadavul Padaikkavillai Master Venu P. Leela 1959 President Panchatcharam Tamil Oli Padaitha Kanninaayi G. Ramanathan Radha Jayalakshmi 1959 Thanga Padhumai Tamil Varugiraal Unnai Thedi Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi1959 Vachina Kodalu Nachindi Telugu Pahimam Jayajaya S. Dakshinamurthi Pahimam Saranantimamma Ghantasala and Jikki1960 Mannathi Mannan Tamil Kalaiyodu Kalandhadhu Unmai Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy Aadadha Manamum Undo T. M. Soundararajan 1960 Meenda Sorgam Tamil Aadum Arul Jothi T. Chalapathi Rao Seerkazhi Govindarajan1960 Parthiban Kanavu Tamil Andhi Mayanguthadi Vedha Vadiveru Thirisoolam Thondrum Munnam Avanudaya Naamam Kettaal 1960 Petra Manam Tamil Sindhanai Seiyadaa S. Rajeswara Rao Sivaji Ganesan (dialogues) 1960 Raja Bakthi Tamil Karka Kasadara Katraapin G. Govindarajulu Naidu 1960 Raja Desingu Tamil Paakkadal Alai Mele G. Ramanathan 1960 Seetha Malayalam Kanne Nukaru Swargasukham V. Dakshinamoorthy 1960 Thilakam Tamil Kaathirundha Kannukku R. Sudarsanam Manasukkulle Maraichu Vaikka Seerkazhi Govindarajan Ezhaikkum Vaazhvukkum Seerkazhi Govindarajan and T. S. Bagavathi 1961 Desinguraju Katha Telugu Pala Kadali Meedha Pamarthi 1961 Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Mahatmyam Telugu Virahini Ninu Kore R. Sudarsanam Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi 1961 Kongunattu Thangam Tamil Irundhum Illaadhavare K. V. Mahadevan 1961 Krishna Kuchela Malayalam Varnippathengine K. Raghavan P. Leela 1961 Malliyam Mangalam Tamil Avarindri Naanillai Kanne T. A. Kalyanam 1961 Sthree Hrudayam Telugu Neeve Jagajyothi Nityanand Seerkazhi Govindarajan 1961 Ummini Thanka Malayalam Geethopadesham V. Dakshinamoorthy V. Dakshinamoorthy and P. Leela1962 Ekaika Veerudu Telugu Nanukora Thagadidi Vinumaa S. P. Kodandapani Hrdayamulu Pulakinnchavo Seerkazhi Govindarajan 1962 Vikramaadhithan Tamil Adhisayam Ivanadhu S. Rajeswara Rao 1963 Susheela Malayalam Thaalolam Thankam Thaalolam V. Dakshinamoorthy 1964 Veeranganai Tamil Angamellam Sornthu Vaada Vedha P. Leela and K. J. Yesudas 1965 Maganey Kel Tamil Kalai Manggai Uruvam Kandu Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy Seerkazhi Govindarajan 1965 Pinchuhridhayam Malayalam Gaanavum Layavum Neeyalle V. Dakshinamoorthy P. Leela1965 Shakunthala Malayalam Kaamavardhiniyaam K. Raghavan P. Leela Kaalil Chilanka K. J. Yesudas Guru Brahma 1966 Rangula Ratnam Telugu Chepa Rupamuna S. Rajeswara Rao and B. Gopalam A. P. Komala 1967 Sri Purandara Dasaru Kannada Aadidano Ranga C. N. Pandurangan