10 stages of life and love, in Ilayaraaja songs

Mother Sentiment

Song: Amma endrazhaikkadha

Film: Mannan

Singer: KJ Yesudas

A song for that callow age when you very loftily think the entire purpose of your life is to serve your parents, especially mother.  Even if you are as devoted to your mother as Rajinikanth is this movie, Mannan, thanks to the advancement of modern science, you won't have to physically carry your paralysed mother to assorted temples.

Set in the wonderfully pleasant Raga Kalyani, which Ilayaraaja has employed extensively throughout his career, there isn't a better mother sentiment song tuned for films.

Bachelor Party/Hedonism

Song: Nishamanohari

Film: Pinnilavu

Singer: KJ Yesudas, S Janaki, Krishnachandran

In the olden days, boys become men in dank bachelor pads, hostel rooms, in the company of friends, Old Monk and 'gentlemen's magazines'.  

It was a tossup between the iconic Rajini number aasai nooru vagai' from the film Adutha Varisu which  is an evergreen favourite of DJs in Malaysia's Tamil pubs and this Mohanlal Malayalam number from Pinnilavu.

Nishamanohari trumps for two reasons. One, it's superior lyrical quality. The song penned by legendary Malayalam poet Yusufali Kechery is easier on the ear. Two, the picturisation of the song a truer reflection of bachelor life.

General Maudlin

Song: Pazhaya Sogangal

Film: Eeravizhi Kaviyangal

Singer: Ilayaraaja

Eera Vizhi Kaviyangal (EVK), is a film believed to be released in 1982. There exist a greater number of people who claim to have seen the Himalayan Yeti than this film. However, the film's songs enjoy a cult status among Ilayaraaja fans. There are some who argue the four songs of EVK represent the best use of guitar in the history of film music.

 Pazhaya sogangal is a multipurpose mawkish song. It is the ideal accompaniment not just for jilted lovers, but for anyone desirous of sloshing in the Sargasso Sea of self-pity. It could be the pink slip, failure to raise Series B funding. Cheap liquor on the side, and guitar in hand can enhance the experience.

Wayanad Holiday

Song: Malayala Karaiyoram

Film: Rajadhi Raja

Singer: Mano

Disclaimer:  Malayali beauties in mulakaccha will not come dancing along.

Homesick while onsite in Lemmingsville, Utah

Song: Sorgame Endraalum

Film: Ooru Vittu Ooru Vanthu

Singers: Ilayaraaja, S. Janaki

For those lonely, bleakly frigid times when dollar earnings cannot recompense for the warmth of the Motherland.

Flattering a lady in early-stage-courtship

Song: Mizhiyil

Film: Sandhyakku Virinja Poovu

Singer: KJ Yesudas

You may not have the rakish looks of Mammooty, but flattery, of the variety on display in this evergreen Malayalam song, is known to have the desired effect on the female species.

Useful tip: If you can't strum the guitar, put the damn thing down.

The Brahmastra of love songs
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Song: Nee oru kadhal sangeetham

Film: Nayakan

Singers: Mano, KS Chitra

If this timeless classic from Mani Ratnam's Nayakan set loosely in the Raga Hamir Kalyani doesn't seal the matter, nothing will.

Newly-wed wife flattery

Song: Vandhaal Mahalakshmiye

Film: Uyarntha Ullam

Singer: SP Balasubrahmanyam

Praising the new wife as Mahalakshmi and complimenting on the potentially auspicious effect of her entry into your life will help to prolong the honeymoon spirit.

Useful tip: Don't try to imitate the SPB laughter

Babysitting

Song: Alli Ilam Poovo

Film: Mangalam Nerunnu

When the kid has to be put to bed while the wife is perusing the delights of Masterchef Australia

Reclaiming marriage mojo in middle age

Song: Jeeva Hoovagide

Film: Nee Nanna Gellalaare

Singers: Dr Rajkumar, S Janaki

Get inspired by Dr Rajkumar and Manjula. The only Rajkumar film for which Ilayaraaja has composed music. One of the most complex Carnatic classical based songs that Rajkumar, the singer pulls off effortlessly.