Thamarai (born 10 November 1975) is a noted Tamil poet and lyricist. She is a prominent figure in the
Tamil
Tamil may refer to:
* Tamils, an ethnic group native to India and some other parts of Asia
**Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamil people native to Sri Lanka also called ilankai tamils
**Tamil Malaysians, Tamil people native to Malaysia
* Tamil language, nativ ...
literary world. She made her debut in the Tamil film industry through the 1998 film
Iniyavale
''Iniyavale'' is a 1998 Tamil-language drama film directed by Seeman. The film stars Prabhu, Gautami, Suvalakshmi and Keerthi Reddy. The film, produced by M. Vedha, had musical score by Deva and was released on 15 May 1998 to mixed reviews. Th ...
, which was directed by
Seeman and music composed by
Deva
Deva may refer to:
Entertainment
* ''Deva'' (1989 film), a 1989 Kannada film
* ''Deva'' (1995 film), a 1995 Tamil film
* ''Deva'' (2002 film), a 2002 Bengali film
* Deva (2007 Telugu film)
* ''Deva'' (2017 film), a 2017 Marathi film
* Deva ...
.
Life and career
Thamarai was born in
Coimbatore
Coimbatore, also spelt as Koyamputhur (), sometimes shortened as Kovai (), is one of the major metropolitan cities in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the banks of the Noyyal River and surrounded by the Western Ghats. Coimbato ...
,
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu (; , TN) is a States and union territories of India, state in southern India. It is the List of states and union territories of India by area, tenth largest Indian state by area and the List of states and union territories of India ...
on 10 November 1975. She graduated from Government College of Technology, Coimbatore, in production engineering and worked for six years in
Coimbatore
Coimbatore, also spelt as Koyamputhur (), sometimes shortened as Kovai (), is one of the major metropolitan cities in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the banks of the Noyyal River and surrounded by the Western Ghats. Coimbato ...
. With her passion for poetry, she decided to move to
Chennai
Chennai (, ), formerly known as Madras ( the official name until 1996), is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost Indian state. The largest city of the state in area and population, Chennai is located on the Coromandel Coast of th ...
, where she worked as a
freelance journalist
''Freelance'' (sometimes spelled ''free-lance'' or ''free lance''), ''freelancer'', or ''freelance worker'', are terms commonly used for a person who is self-employed and not necessarily committed to a particular employer long-term. Freelance w ...
in an organization named Bhagya and wrote essays, stories and poems.
Through her literary works, she became popular and got noticed. Director
Seeman assigned her as lyricist for the song "Thendral Enthan" for his Tamil film
Iniyavale
''Iniyavale'' is a 1998 Tamil-language drama film directed by Seeman. The film stars Prabhu, Gautami, Suvalakshmi and Keerthi Reddy. The film, produced by M. Vedha, had musical score by Deva and was released on 15 May 1998 to mixed reviews. Th ...
. Subsequently, she wrote lyrics for films such as ''
Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen
''Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen'' () is a 1998 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film written and directed by Vikraman. It stars Karthik and Roja, with Ajith Kumar in a guest appearance. Ramesh Khanna, Moulee, Sathyapriya, Fathima Babu, and M ...
'' ("Malligai Poove") and ''
Thenali
''Thenali'' is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language comedy film co-written and directed by K. S. Ravikumar. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Jayaram, Devayani and Jyothika, with Delhi Ganesh, Charle, Ramesh Khanna and Madhan Bob in supporting roles. It ...
'' ("Injirango Injirango"). Her work together with music director
Harris Jayaraj
Harris Jayaraj (born 8 January 1975) is an Indian composer from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He composes soundtracks predominantly for Tamil films, while also having composed for a few films in Telugu and two films in Hindi.
He has been honoured with K ...
in ''
Minnale
''Minnale'' () is a 2001 Indian Tamil-language romance film directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon. The story was written by Menon and Vipul D. Shah, starring Madhavan, Abbas, Reema Sen (in her Tamil debut), Vivek and Nagesh. The film tells the ...
'' marked the turning point in her cine industry career, primarily noted for her song "Vaseegara" in the movie.
After ''Minnale'', the trio, composed of director
Gautham Vasudev Menon
Gautham Vasudev Menon (born 25 February 1973) is an Indian film director, screenwriter, producer and actor who predominantly works in Tamil cinema, Tamil film industry. He has also directed Telugu cinema, Telugu and Hindi cinema, Hindi films th ...
and music director
Harris Jayaraj
Harris Jayaraj (born 8 January 1975) is an Indian composer from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He composes soundtracks predominantly for Tamil films, while also having composed for a few films in Telugu and two films in Hindi.
He has been honoured with K ...
, teamed up several times again (''
Kaakha Kaakha
''Kaakha Kaakha'' (), titled ''The Police'' in the UK, is a 2003 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film written and directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon. It stars Suriya and Jyothika, with Jeevan playing the antagonist. The film featured mus ...
'', ''
Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu
''Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu'' () is a 2006 Indian Tamil-language neo-noir action thriller film written and directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Jyothika, and Kamalinee Mukherjee in prominent roles, while Prakash Raj, D ...
'', ''
Pachaikili Muthucharam
''Pachaikili Muthucharam'' () is a 2007 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon. It is based on the 2005 British-American thriller film '' Derailed''. The film stars Sarathkumar and Jyothika, while Andrea J ...
'' and ''
Vaaranam Aayiram
''Vaaranam Aayiram'' () is a 2008 Indian Tamil-language action drama film written and directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon and produced by Venu Ravichandran of Aascar Films. The film stars Suriya in dual lead roles as father and son, with Sameera ...
'') and were a very successful collaboration in the film field, until the break-up between Menon and Jayaraj happened. Since then, she is teaming up with
A. R. Rahman
Allah Rakha Rahman (; born A. S. Dileep Kumar; 6 January 1967) is an Indian music composer, record producer, singer and songwriter, popular for his works in Indian cinema; predominantly in Tamil and Hindi films, with occasional forays in int ...
, who replaced Jayaraj.
Gautham Vasudev Menon
Gautham Vasudev Menon (born 25 February 1973) is an Indian film director, screenwriter, producer and actor who predominantly works in Tamil cinema, Tamil film industry. He has also directed Telugu cinema, Telugu and Hindi cinema, Hindi films th ...
,
Harris Jayaraj
Harris Jayaraj (born 8 January 1975) is an Indian composer from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He composes soundtracks predominantly for Tamil films, while also having composed for a few films in Telugu and two films in Hindi.
He has been honoured with K ...
and Thamarai trio teamed up again in July 2014 for
Ajith Kumar
Ajith Kumar (born 1 May 1971) is an Indian actor who works predominantly in Tamil films. To date, he has starred in over 60 films. His awards include four Vijay Awards, three Cinema Express Awards, three Filmfare Awards South and three Tamil N ...
starrer ''
Yennai Arindhaal...'' The film's album was released on 1 January 2015, and it was well received by critics. She wrote" Neeraambal Poovae" from the movie
Nannbenda
''Nannbenda'' () is a 2015 Indian Tamil language, Tamil-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Jagadish and produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin starring Udhayanidhi Stalin, Nayanthara and Santhanam (actor), Santhanam. The music was co ...
, where she again works for
Harris Jayaraj
Harris Jayaraj (born 8 January 1975) is an Indian composer from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He composes soundtracks predominantly for Tamil films, while also having composed for a few films in Telugu and two films in Hindi.
He has been honoured with K ...
. The song is sung by
Arjun Menon.
Personal life
Thamarai is married to
Thozhar Thiyagu. They have a son. Thamarai is a
vegan
Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal product—particularly in diet—and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. An individual who follows the diet or philosophy is known as a vegan. Di ...
and an advocate of
animal rights
Animal rights is the philosophy according to which many or all sentient animals have moral worth that is independent of their utility for humans, and that their most basic interests—such as avoiding suffering—should be afforded the sa ...
and
veganism
Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal product—particularly in diet—and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. An individual who follows the diet or philosophy is known as a vegan. ...
.
Filmography
Awards
;
Filmfare Awards South
Filmfare Awards South is the South Indian segment of the annual Filmfare Awards, presented by the Filmfare magazine of The Times Group to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in the Indian film industry encompassing ...
*
Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist
The Filmfare Lyricist Award is given by the ''Filmfare'' magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films.
The awards were first given in 1954; however, the Award for the best lyricist was first given in 1959.
List of winners
1 ...
–
Vaaranam Aayiram
''Vaaranam Aayiram'' () is a 2008 Indian Tamil-language action drama film written and directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon and produced by Venu Ravichandran of Aascar Films. The film stars Suriya in dual lead roles as father and son, with Sameera ...
(2008)
*
Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist
The Filmfare Lyricist Award is given by the ''Filmfare'' magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films.
The awards were first given in 1954; however, the Award for the best lyricist was first given in 1959.
List of winners
1 ...
–
Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa
''Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa'' () is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film written and directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, starring Silambarasan and Trisha. Jointly produced Elred Kumar, Jayaraman, VTV Ganesh and P. Madan under the ban ...
(2010)
*
Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist
The Filmfare Lyricist Award is given by the ''Filmfare'' magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films.
The awards were first given in 1954; however, the Award for the best lyricist was first given in 1959.
List of winners
1 ...
–
Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada
''Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada'' () is a 2016 Indian Tamil-language romantic action thriller film written and directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon. The film stars Silambarasan and Manjima Mohan, while Baba Sehgal plays the role of a corrupt cop. T ...
(2016)
;
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards were given for excellence in Tamil cinema in India. They were given annually to honour the best talents and provide encouragement and incentive to the South Indian film industry by the Government of Tamil Nadu. The aw ...
*
Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Lyricist
The Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Lyricist is given by the state government as part of its annual Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for Tamil (Kollywood) films.
The list
Here is a list of the award winners and the films for which they won.
...
-
Thenali
''Thenali'' is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language comedy film co-written and directed by K. S. Ravikumar. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Jayaram, Devayani and Jyothika, with Delhi Ganesh, Charle, Ramesh Khanna and Madhan Bob in supporting roles. It ...
(2000)
*
Tamil Nadu State Film Honorary Award
The Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Honorary Award given by the ''Tamil Nadu State Government'' as part of its annual Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for Tamil cinema personalities who contributed in developing the Tamil cinema in India.
Arignar A ...
- Paavender Bharathidasan Award in 2006
;
Vijay Awards
The Vijay Awards are presented by the Tamil television channel STAR Vijay to honour excellence in Tamil cinema. It has been given annually since 2006, with the latest—the 10th edition—of the award-giving ceremony having been held in ...
*
Vijay Award for Best Lyricist
The Vijay for Best Lyricist is given by STAR Vijay as part of its annual Vijay Awards ceremony for Tamil (Kollywood) films.
The list
Here is a list of the award winners and the films for which they won.
Nominations
*2007 Na. Muthukumar - " ...
–
Vaaranam Aayiram
''Vaaranam Aayiram'' () is a 2008 Indian Tamil-language action drama film written and directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon and produced by Venu Ravichandran of Aascar Films. The film stars Suriya in dual lead roles as father and son, with Sameera ...
(2008)
*
Vijay Award for Best Lyricist
The Vijay for Best Lyricist is given by STAR Vijay as part of its annual Vijay Awards ceremony for Tamil (Kollywood) films.
The list
Here is a list of the award winners and the films for which they won.
Nominations
*2007 Na. Muthukumar - " ...
–
Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal
''Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal'' () is a 2012 Indian Tamil-language romantic thriller film directed by Elred Kumar starring Atharvaa and Amala Paul, while Jayaprakash, Anupama Kumar, Santhanam, Yashika and Nassar played supporting roles. The m ...
(2012)
; Other awards and recognition
*
ITFA Best Lyricist Award –
Kaaka Kaaka
''Kaakha Kaakha'' (), titled ''The Police'' in the UK, is a 2003 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film written and directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon. It stars Suriya and Jyothika, with Jeevan playing the antagonist. The film featured musi ...
(2003)
* Meera Isaiaruvi Tamil Music Award for Best Lyricist –
Vaaranam Aayiram
''Vaaranam Aayiram'' () is a 2008 Indian Tamil-language action drama film written and directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon and produced by Venu Ravichandran of Aascar Films. The film stars Suriya in dual lead roles as father and son, with Sameera ...
(2008)
*Anandha Vikatan awards - Best lyricist for Thalli pogathey
*
Zee Cine Awards
The Zee Cine Award (ZCA) is an Indian awards ceremony for the Hindi film industry. They were instituted in November 1997 to award "Excellence in cinema - the democratic way".
They were first held in Mumbai until 2004, when the ZCA went internat ...
- Best Lyricist for Kaanana Kanney -
Viswasam
''Viswasam'' () is a 2019 Indian Tamil-language action drama film written and directed by Siva. The film stars Ajith Kumar, Nayanthara, Jagapathi Babu. Produced by Sathya Jyothi Films, the film was officially announced on 20 November 2017 an ...
(2020)
; Nominations
*
Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist
The Filmfare Lyricist Award is given by the ''Filmfare'' magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films.
The awards were first given in 1954; however, the Award for the best lyricist was first given in 1959.
List of winners
1 ...
–
Kaaka Kaaka
''Kaakha Kaakha'' (), titled ''The Police'' in the UK, is a 2003 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film written and directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon. It stars Suriya and Jyothika, with Jeevan playing the antagonist. The film featured musi ...
(2003)
*
Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist
The Filmfare Lyricist Award is given by the ''Filmfare'' magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films.
The awards were first given in 1954; however, the Award for the best lyricist was first given in 1959.
List of winners
1 ...
–
Ghajini (2005)
*
Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist
The Filmfare Lyricist Award is given by the ''Filmfare'' magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films.
The awards were first given in 1954; however, the Award for the best lyricist was first given in 1959.
List of winners
1 ...
–
Subramaniapuram
''Subramaniapuram'' is a 2008 Indian Tamil-language period action film produced, written, and directed by Sasikumar. The low-budget film received critical acclaim for its original script, expert direction, screenplay, editing, fresh music, accu ...
(2008)
*
Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist
The Filmfare Lyricist Award is given by the ''Filmfare'' magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films.
The awards were first given in 1954; however, the Award for the best lyricist was first given in 1959.
List of winners
1 ...
–
Pasanga
''Pasanga'' () is an Indian Tamil-language children's film directed by Pandiraj. It stars debutant child actors like Kishore DS, Sree Raam and Pandian, along with newcomer Vimal and Vega Tamotia in supporting roles. The film is produced by S ...
(2009)
*
Vijay Award for Best Lyricist
The Vijay for Best Lyricist is given by STAR Vijay as part of its annual Vijay Awards ceremony for Tamil (Kollywood) films.
The list
Here is a list of the award winners and the films for which they won.
Nominations
*2007 Na. Muthukumar - " ...
–
Pasanga
''Pasanga'' () is an Indian Tamil-language children's film directed by Pandiraj. It stars debutant child actors like Kishore DS, Sree Raam and Pandian, along with newcomer Vimal and Vega Tamotia in supporting roles. The film is produced by S ...
(2009)
*
Vijay Award for Best Lyricist
The Vijay for Best Lyricist is given by STAR Vijay as part of its annual Vijay Awards ceremony for Tamil (Kollywood) films.
The list
Here is a list of the award winners and the films for which they won.
Nominations
*2007 Na. Muthukumar - " ...
–
Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa
''Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa'' () is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film written and directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, starring Silambarasan and Trisha. Jointly produced Elred Kumar, Jayaraman, VTV Ganesh and P. Madan under the ban ...
(2010)
*
Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist
The Filmfare Lyricist Award is given by the ''Filmfare'' magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films.
The awards were first given in 1954; however, the Award for the best lyricist was first given in 1959.
List of winners
1 ...
–
7aum Arivu
''7aum Arivu'' (; ) is a 2011 Indian Tamil-language science fiction martial arts film written and directed by A. R. Murugadoss, featuring Suriya, Johnny Trí Nguyễn and Shruti Haasan. In the film, a medical student enlists the help of a cir ...
(2011)
*
Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist
The Filmfare Lyricist Award is given by the ''Filmfare'' magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films.
The awards were first given in 1954; however, the Award for the best lyricist was first given in 1959.
List of winners
1 ...
–
Yennai Arindhaal
''Yennai Arindhaal'' () is a 2015 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film co-written and directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, and produced by A. M. Rathnam. The film stars Ajith Kumar,
Trisha Krishnan, Anushka Shetty and Arun Vijay and re ...
(2015)
*
SIIMA for Best Lyricist –
Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada
''Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada'' () is a 2016 Indian Tamil-language romantic action thriller film written and directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon. The film stars Silambarasan and Manjima Mohan, while Baba Sehgal plays the role of a corrupt cop. T ...
(2017)
*
SIIMA for Best Lyricist –
Viswasam
''Viswasam'' () is a 2019 Indian Tamil-language action drama film written and directed by Siva. The film stars Ajith Kumar, Nayanthara, Jagapathi Babu. Produced by Sathya Jyothi Films, the film was officially announced on 20 November 2017 an ...
*
SIIMA for Best Lyricist –
Maara
''Maara'' is a 2021 Indian Tamil-language adventure romantic drama film directed by Dhilip Kumar in his directorial debut, and produced by Prateek Chakravorty and Shruti Nallappa of Pramod Films. An adaptation of the 2015 Malayalam blockbus ...
See also
*
List of vegans
Veganism involves following a vegan diet, which is a diet that includes no animal products of any kind. It can extend to ethical veganism which avoids or boycotts all products and activities whose production or undertaking is perceived to ...
References
External links
Kavignar Thamarai's short Tamil poemsThamarai's songsat Hummaa.com
Thamarai – Kavi Samurai at PixMonk.com
{{DEFAULTSORT:Thamarai
Living people
Filmfare Awards South winners
Tamil film poets
Tamil-language lyricists
Indian women poets
Indian lyricists
21st-century Indian poets
People from Coimbatore
Poets from Tamil Nadu
21st-century Indian women writers
21st-century Indian writers
1975 births
Veganism activists