Music Lyricist: Na. Muthukumar, also known as Nagarajan Muthukumar, was born on July 12, 1975, in the quaint village of Kannikapuram in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu. Growing up, the young Muthukumar was deeply fascinated by the richness of classical Tamil literature and poetry. His early exposure to the works of legendary poets like Bharathiyar and Bharathidasan instilled in him a love for the Tamil language and literature, thus enabling him to form his way with words.
His oftentimes human-centric lyrics focusing on the intricacies of life resonated deeply with his initial audiences, helping Muthukumar to develop a lyrical style that was both evocative and authentic. His early works were published in various Tamil literary magazines, earning him recognition as a promising young poet. His poetry often delved into themes of love, loss, and the human experience, reflecting his deep understanding of life’s complexities.
After completing his preliminary education, Muthukumar graduated in physics from Kancheepuram Pachaippa College and then went on to pursue his master’s degree in Tamil from Chennai Pachaippa College. Finally of working age, Muthukumar decided to pursue a career as a film director in the nascent years of Kollywood (the Tamil film industry) and joined as an assistant director to the legendary Kollywood filmmaker Balu Mahendra, aka Balanathan Benjamin Mahendran.
Under the maestro Balu Mahendran’s guidance, Muthukumar shaped his craft, refining his abilities to write lyrics that enabled vivid visual storytelling and eventually developing a deeper understanding of cinema and storytelling. His career’s first project was the 1998 film “Veera Nadai,” directed by popular Tamil director Seeman.
Although the film did not achieve commercial success, it highlighted Muthukumar’s lyrical capabilities to capture the nuances of human emotion and feelings for Tamil filmmakers and music composers alike. After nearly four years of working under Balu Mahendra, Muthukumar finally parted ways with his beloved mentor and set forth to find his way in the then-sprawling world of Kollywood.
His later solo projects like “Thanga Meengal” (2013) and “Saivam” (2014) received massive attention in front of Tamil audiences, perfectly showcasing Muthukumar’s abilities to capture profound sentiments in his words. His well-versed Tamil lyrics, rich in emotional depth and simplicity, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, establishing him as a household name in the world of Tamil cinema and music.
Throughout his career, spanning nearly two decades, Muthukumar collaborated with various composers and singers, exploring several genres and styles in a bid to reach a broader audience. His thought-provoking words and lyrics, often addressing social issues, cultural heritage, and human emotions, became a forerunning trend in Tamil cinematography in later years.
Some of Muthukumar’s most memorable and impactful works, showcasing his versatility and ability to capture the essence of various emotions through his lyrics, are as follows:
“Uyirin Uyire” – ‘Bombay’ (1995), “Kannathil Muthamittal” – ‘Kannathil Muthamittal’ (2002), “Uyirin Uyire” – ‘Kaakha Kaakha’ (2003), “Aarariraro” – ‘Raam’ (2005), “Suttum Vizhi” – ‘Ghajini’ (2005), “Munbe Vaa” – ‘Silunu Oru Kaadhal’ (2006), “Unakkul Naane” – ‘Pachaikili Muthucharam’ (2007), “Sahana Saral” – ‘Sivaji’ (2007), “Nenjukkul Peidhidum” – ‘Vaaranam Aayiram’ (2008), “Yethi Yethi” – ‘Vaaranam Aayiram’ (2008), “Oru Maalai” – ‘Ghajini’ (2005), “Anbe Aaruyire” – ‘Dhaam Dhoom” (2008), “Vizhiyil Vizhundhaval” – ‘Ayan’ (2009), “Paakkal Pookkum” – ‘Madharasapattinam’ (2010), “Oru Devathai” – ‘Vaagai Sooda Vaa’ (2011), “Mun Andhi” – ‘7aum Arivu’ (2011), “Yennamo Yedho” – ‘Ko’ (2011), “Yaaro Yaaro” – ‘Udhayam NH4’ 92013), “Aanandha Yazlai Meetukiral” – ‘Thanga Meengal’ (2013), “Kanave Kanave” – ‘David’ (2013), “Maattram Ondrudhan Maaradhadhu” – ‘Kochadaiyaan’ (2014), “Azhage Azhage” – ‘Saivam’ (2014), “Kadhal Cricket” – ‘Thani Oruvan’ (2015), “Enna Solla” – ‘Thangamagan’ (2015) and “Kannathil Muthamittal” – ‘Kannathil Muthamittal’ (2002).
Nagarajan Muthukumar also received several awards and acclamations throughout his career, including the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Lyricist for ‘Ghajini’ (2005), the Vijay Award for Best Lyricist for ‘Sivaji: The Boss (2007), the National Film Award for Best Lyrics for “Ananda Yaazhai” (Thangameengal, 2013), and many others.
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In 2016, after suffering from jaundice for a long time, Nagaraj Muthukumar died on August 14 due to a cardiac arrest. He was 41 at the time. His death came as a shock to fans and colleagues alike. However, his legacy endures through the timeless songs and lyrics he penned, which continue to resonate with listeners of all ages.
As Tamil cinema continues to evolve, the works of Nagarajan Muthukumar will remain a benchmark of lyrical excellence, inspiring future generations of poets and lyricists to follow in his illustrious footsteps. In remembering Nagarajan Muthukumar, we celebrate a man who, through his words, touched the hearts and souls of countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of Tamil Nadu and beyond.
