CHENNAI: City-based lyricist-poet-columnist Na Muthukumar, who has written songs for more than 1000 films, passed away on Sunday morning due to jaundice. He was 41.
The last few films he worked in were Theri, Ko2, including the award winning Kakka Muttai, in all he has written over a 1000 songs.
Some of his literature works include Silk City (novel), Newton-in Moondram Vidhi, Ennai Sandhikka Kanavil Varathe (collection of poems).
In a interview he gave after receiving his second national award, Muthukumar said that he pens his poem withing 20-30 minutes and therefore is able to churn out so many in a short while.
Born in Kannikapuram in Kancheepuram, Muthukumar's mother passed away when he was just a toddler and he is said to have had only the company of books growing up. In 2006, he got married to Jeevalakshmi and they had parented two children, nine-years-old son Aadhavan and nine-months old daughter Yogalakshmi.
BJP Tamilnadu president Tamilisai Soundararajan payed homage to Na Muthukumar and spoke about the influence his songs had on her. She said,"During my public speeches, I have often quoted his poems. His works occupy a prominent place in my reading shelf".
Meanwhile, social media is abuzz of condolence messages. Actor Siddharth tweeted, "I cannot believe Na Muthukumar is no more. Too young to die. God give his family strength. What a loss! Sad sad day (sic)."
Actor-music director GV Prakash wrote, "Can't believe this! Na Muthukumar is no more... He's written more than 200 songs in my films. A huge loss! May god give strength to his family (sic)."
Chimayi tweeted, "It is a terrible, terrible loss to the industry. Too soon. Na Muthukumar (sic)."
Noted songs penned by Na Muthukumar
Ballelakka, Shivaji: Though this was not one of his more philosophical songs, it got worldwide attention with several international choirs performing the mix.
Adada adada, Santhosh Subramaniam: Composed by Devi Sri Prasad, this song saw actor Siddharth turn singer. Though most songs in the movie were a hit, this light number stole the show.
Aval Appadi Ondrum, Angadi Theru: A refreshing break from the songs that worshiped the divine beauty of the leading ladies, this flute and sarod ballad captured the tone of the film perfectly.
Suttum Vizhi, Gajini: The clever use of metaphors by the lyricist and the classical touch helped the melody get rave reviews.
En Kadhal Solla, Paiya: The honest, uncomplicated lyrics in the slightly complicated urban love story made for a song that continued to play in your head even after the end credits rolled across the screen.
Kadhal Valarthen, Manmadhan: The sad, soulful lyrics struck a chord especially with youngsters unlucky in love and was a constant on playlists for several weeks after its release.
Kanmoodi Thirakkumbodhu, Sachin: The dreamy track put the album on top of the charts where it stayed for quite some time.
Mazhai Varum Arikuri, Veppam: The lilting track with its fresh lyrics lifted the otherwise nondescript album to a different level.
Gangster,Billa 2: The song opened to tremendous response from fans even in the teaser. Menacing yet catchy, the song was perfect as the gangster's death knell.
Oru paadhi kadhavu, Thaandavam: The words capture the chemistry between the lead pair over time. Here again, the play of metaphors packed a punch in the poetic ballad.
Taxi Taxi, Sakkarakatti: With the song becoming a massive hit even before the film's release, the makers reportedly had to reshoot the song with a larger budget and it went on to become the only part of the movie that was worth remembering.