S. M. Subbaiah Naidu Biography 
S. M. Subbaiah Naidu was a South Indian composer, conductor, and orchestrator, one of the earliest names among music directors. He was active in the film industry since early 1940’s to late 1970’s. He has given numerous memorable songs to top Tamil playback singer, T. M. Soundararajan. He was the first music composer in Tamil film industry who had introduced playback singing. It happened in the year 1947 and the movie was Rajakumari, the first movie of M.G.R as lead actor. The song was "Kasinimel Nangal" sung by Thiruchi Loganathan. As a lyricist, Kannadasan entered the film world through the song "Kalangathiru Manamey Un Kanavellan Nanavagum Oru Dinamey" for Kanniyin Kathali. The song was composed by Naidu and sung by K. V. Janaki. Noted music director M. S. Viswanathan was his assistant at Jupiter Pictures.
S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, shortly known as SMS was fondly called "Sangeethaiya" in the south Indian film industry. He was not at all interested in western tunes and rhythms and hence over the decades, he never changed his style of composition according to time. His compositions were purely Indian tunes based. Apart from being a versatile composer, he was also a prolific conductor and orchestrator. He is considered as O. P. Nayyar of South India. His tunes were very catchy and chartbuster hits in those days. ‘Singaara Velane Deva’ – one of the most memorable songs sung by Janaki was composed by SMS. He innovated the concept of voice with Nadaswaram and this particular song is its best instance.
Apart from playback singers, he has also got opportunity to work with singing actors of 1940’s and early 1950’s. Thirudaathe papa from Thirudadhe, Ethanai selvangal vandhaalume from Thaayin Madiyil, Kannil Vanthu Minnal Pol from Nadodi Mannan, Nee Engey En Ninaivugalangey from Mannippu and Annaiyai pol oru deivamillai from Annaiyin Aanai recollects some golden memories of those gone days.
Published: N/A
Updated: January 23, 2014
