Vidya Sankaranarayanan (https://www.facebook.com/vidya.sankaranarayanan) is an extraordinarily talented Bharatanatyam dancer who trained under the legendary Thanjavur Kittappa Pillai (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K._P._Kittappa_Pillai). She is, in the rich tradition of T Balasaraswathy, a gifted vocalist as well. 

She also happens to be my cousin so this is a family production of S Chidambaram's classic "Kanda naal mudhalaai" in Raga Madhuvanti. 

It's a trip hop version featuring violin, cello, keyboard and programming by me. The chords used are primarily variations of Gm, D and A 

Lyrics Translation

My love overflows my dear since seeing you, holding a spear (vEl) in your hand (kai), oh compassionate son of Shiva.

The people will come and sing (paaDum) songs (paNNisai) for you, Kandan (a name for Murugan) my child (baalan), to bring you happiness (sugam).

My heart has not forgotten (marakavillai) your blue (neela) peacock (mayil). I have not forgotten this love (nEsam) mixed with affection (paasam). Oh this sharp-eyed festive (kOla) prince (kumar) has been in the temple (kOvil) of my mind (mana). Showing a small smile (kurunagai), he placed (sooti) a fragrant flower (narumalar) of love within us. 

(source: http://www.karnatik.com/c1437.shtml)


Kanda Naal Mudhalaai

I take the ridiculous and the sublime, add cellos, violins, guitars and random internet collaborators to make music of sorts

Kanda Naal Mudhalaai

Krish Ashok