Trivias from history never cease to amaze you. During the last season of controversy in TN over EVR followers breaking idols of Hindu Gods in the past, I chanced upon, in a piece of writing, the name Shanmugam. 1/n
He apparently was a strong follower of EVR and had participated in Pillaiyaar idol breaking events that the DK had organised then.
This is his pic with EVR sourced from an old DD programme. 2/n
This is his pic with EVR sourced from an old DD programme. 2/n
Shanmugam was also a scholar, had doctorate in Tamil & was a prof. Shanmugam had a huge family. He fathered 15 to 16 children (the number is not clear from various accounts.) But he was a true family man & many of his sons & daughters continue till date his passion for Tamil. 3/n
Shanmugam, during his middle age, suffered a serious physical ailment. One account had it that he was almost close to 'death'. It was here that he gave up his atheist beliefs and became a believer in God. 4/n
Now, you can choose to interpret what happened afterwards as per your convictions. Divine help or just coincidence? Shanmugam thought it was the former.
His health, which had looked precarious, suddenly improved and Shanmugam was back to his best. 5/n
His health, which had looked precarious, suddenly improved and Shanmugam was back to his best. 5/n
He felt that he was saved by Lord Muruga. And he began to write religious songs right, left and centre. Some of the songs that carried his lyrics remain spectacular & popula even today. They include "Nee Allal Deivam Illai, Muruga", "Thirupathi Malai Vaazhum Venkatesa." 6/n
Madurai Arasaalum Meenakshi was another of his chartbusting song.
Of course, he is now well known by his full name Ulundurpettai Shanmugam. He has also written many songs for Tamil films. His popular ones are from Raja Raja Sozhan, Agathiyar, Thirumalai Thenkumari 7/n
Of course, he is now well known by his full name Ulundurpettai Shanmugam. He has also written many songs for Tamil films. His popular ones are from Raja Raja Sozhan, Agathiyar, Thirumalai Thenkumari 7/n
Many of his songs were sung by Seerkazhi Govindarajan who, as it happened, was his 'sagalai' (co-brother). He also wrote Murugan Suprabatham, and translated into Tamil Venkatesa Suprabatham (well known in the voice of Bombay Sisters), Bhaja Govindam and Hanuman Chalisa. 8/n
One of his sons is the director & cameraman Saravanan (he married actress Sangeetha.) Another son is Shankar of Shankar's 'Saadagaparavaigal.'
Shanmugam passed away in 2003. 9/n
Shanmugam passed away in 2003. 9/n
As it happens, the man who once broke Pillaiyaar idols with EVR would end up being remembered for the song without which no Pillaiyaar festival is complete in these parts. Yes, he was the one who wrote the immortal song: Vinayakane Vinai Theerpavane. 10/10
