One of the greatest and important writers in Tamil language, Kaviarasu Kannadasan is widely known for his philosophical lyrics in Tamil films. He has contributed over 5000 lyrics besides 6000 poems and 232 books, including novels, epics, plays, essays, his most popular being the 10-part religious essay on Hinduism, captioned 'Arthamulla Indhumatham'. In 1969, his lyrics in Kuzhanthaikkaga won him the prestigious National Award while he became the proud recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award for his novel Cheraman Kadali in 1980. Kannadasan succumbed to death on 17 October 1981 in Chicago, United States, where he had gone from India to attend a Tamil conference.
Some of Kannadasan's best works came in for music director M.S. Viswanathan, popularly known as 'Mellisai Mannar'. The legends share their birthdays (June 24) as well as a good rapport. MSV's voice chokes when ever he talks about his good friend Kannadasan. More than the music, the anecdotes that MSV shared about some of the compositions sung made it a fiesta for ardent fans of the inimitable Kannadasan-MSV duo. MSV is last seen making a special appearance in Shiva's Thillu Mullu.
These legends have truly made the star shine in Tamil literature and cinema.
