Karthik Neta (Center) with Mani Ratnam and AR Rahman. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
‘Vinveli Nayaga’ is a moment song in Tamil Nadu. This is for Kamal Haasan and Silambarson starrer soon released from AR Rahman’s album thug LifeDirected by Mani Ratnam. The song has some beautiful poem by the Karthik leader, which is woven into its electrification rhythm. Kavi-Learist has also written lines for the song ‘Anju Wana Puva’ from the film. An elected Karthik says that he is happy that his effort to bring good poetry in the songs of the film is being well received.
Karthik Netha can be credited for the title ‘Vinveli Nayaga’ for Kamal Haasan. Just a few months ago, the actor made news by requesting that he was not referred to as ‘Ulganayagan’ which was given to him by his fans. However, now he has a new title that moves the planets.
The spark for the word came from Rahman. “He originally gave the title of The Track ‘Space Hero’, saying that he came with a suitable Tamil word that was fit in the tune and needs of the song,” says Karthik.
Karthik Netha can be credited for the title ‘Vinveli Nayaga’ for Kamal Haasan. , Photo Credit: Velkani Raj B
Working with Mani Ratnam and Rahman, Karthik says, “Sitting in front of the owner to learn” was like. Between 2023 and the end of 2024, four months when the songs were alive, Karthik recalls, was full of moments of learning and surprise. He remembers that when he first heard the track ‘Anju Vanna Puv’ in Rahman’s voice, the words started flowing without feeling themselves. “I wrote everything at one time,” he explains, saying that once he listened to the track, it remained in his mind, and later he edited his lines to go with the tune.
Karthik says, “Mani sir will explain the situation to me, and I will write the song and send it. He will edit it and forward it to Rahman sir.”
Karthik finds the process of writing a song for a pre-rich melody that is creatively enriched. He said, “There is a certain rhythm in my mind that fit when my words are fit to write,” he explains, saying that this rhythm inspires him to stick to his normal voice. “But when a tune comes from outside, I will reach a rhythm that is completely new. It triggers the mind to come with something new.”
This exchange between composer and lyricist is like an intimate interaction between lovers. “We give words and structure to the feelings and feelings of the composer, the soul of the composer to every tune,” he says. In ‘Anju Vana Puva’, the briefness for the lyricist of Mani Ratnam was to present a sense of maternal love with a longing for his child. “I thought about my mother when I wrote it,” remember Karthik, “I reflect on how it will happen if he sings for me. My son’s thoughts also shine.” He says that another song that he remembered while writing ‘Anju …’ was the gem of Kannadasana, ‘Kalamidhu Kalamidhu Kannurung Magle’.
Karthik has many films in line up, and the most excited about a film, directed and composed for Darbuka Shiva. “I have written five songs for the film, and the album is close to my heart,” he says. On the Kavita’s front, he is working on his eighth collection, which is to be launched at the Chennai Book Fair in January next year. While Karthik’s poetry examines the subjects of philosophy and self -reliance, his recent verses talk about lust from a philosophical point of view. “I have tried to explain how powerful desire is,” they say.
Published – May 30, 2025 12:37 pm IST
