Alangudi Somu Biography 
Alangudi Somu was a popular lyricist of Tamil cinema, who worked in the classic era of 1960s and 1970s. He was active in film industry till his death in 1997. He wrote several popular Hindu devotional songs for Tamil movies. Andavan Ulagathin Mudhalaali of Thozhilali, Ponmagal Vandhal of Sorgam, Aadaludan Paadalai from Kudiyirundha Koyil etc are some of his popular songs. He spent 35 years in Tamil film industry as a lyricist. He frequently wrote songs for Sivaji Ganesan and MGR movies, and used to impress them with his lines. He was a poet and film producer too.
Alangudi Somu was born on 12 December 1932 in Alangudi, Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu. His hometown ‘Alangudi’ tag got added to his name. He used to write since young, and he was introduced to the Tamil film industry in year 1960 by his friend and poet Puratchidasan. Yanai Paagan was his first work in Tamil cinema, where he penned a single song - Aambalaikku Pombala Avasiyandhaan. Since then he has been regular in Tamil cinema throughout 1960s till early 1970s. After that he got less opportunities from Tamil film industry.
Though he penned different types of songs, his songs praising Hindu gods became extremely popular. Kanda Un Vasalile from Kongunattu Thangam, Avani Ellaam Pukazh Manakkum from Kaanchi Thalaivan, Arulvaaye Nee Arulvaaye etc need special mention. Along with his wife he produced two films in the early 1970s. He owned the banner Velavan Academy. He wrote about 170 songs for 80 films in 35 years. Government of Tamil Nadu honoured him with the title of Kalaimamani in 1974.
Published: May 23, 2019
Updated: May 23, 2019
