An MGR film song that played often on Chief Minister Stalin’s car stereo

Walking down memory lane, DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has revealed he had one favourite MGR film song that he would repeatedly play on his car’s cassette stereo while travelling. The song, which praises the Dravidian legacy, is from the MGR-starrer Mannathi Mannan. In the programme #VibeWithMKS, Mr. Stalin was also asked to choose his favourite composer from among ‘Isaignani’ Ilaiyaraaja and the ‘Mozart of Madras’ A.R. Rahman.

“There used to be this TDK cassette. I would record my favourite old songs and listen to them. I like listening to old songs from MGR films. I really like the song Achcham Enbadhu Madamaiyada! Anjamai Dravidar Udamaiyada! from Mannathi Mannan. I enjoy listening to it. Nee Illatha Ulagathile Nimmathi Illai is another song, from Deivathin Deivam, that I like,” recalled Mr. Stalin. He was responding to drummer Steven Samuel, who asked the Chief Minister about his favourite song while travelling by car.

In Episode 2 of the #VibeWithMKS programme, Mr. Stalin spent time with lyricists and musicians, listened to their performances, and answered their questions.

Playback singer Charulatha Mani wanted to know Mr. Stalin’s favourite songs among the lyrics penned by late leader and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Kagitha Odam Kadalalai Mele from the film Marakka Mudiyuma and Ara Amara Konjam Yosichi Paaru from the Vijayakant-starrer Makkal Aanaiyittal were his picks.

“I had performed a guest role for a song in that film [Makkal Aanaiyittal]. In the film, Vijayakant will contest for the MLA post, and I was campaigning for him, seeking votes through that song. The lyrics were penned by Thalaivar [late leader Karunanidhi], and they were meaningful,” Mr. Stalin recalled. When singer Bjorn Surrao asked him about his favourite kavidhai, Mr. Stalin did not hesitate to recite the long poem beginning with “Ulankavar Oviyame! Urchaga Kaviyame!”, which hailed the Tamil language.

Ashapmai Dellang, a native of Arunachal Pradesh who is currently pursuing an M.A. in Carnatic Music in Tamil Nadu, pointedly asked whose songs Mr. Stalin liked more—those of Ilaiyaraaja or A.R. Rahman. “I like both. Before them, I like M.S. Viswanathan. Now there are quite a few youngsters. We have Anirudh and a couple of others. I like all their songs,” Mr. Stalin said.

Favourite lyrics

Singer Priyanka NK asked Mr. Stalin about his favourite lyrics. “I love the song Engal Dravida Ponnade! Kalai Vaazhum Thennade! Please don’t mistake me, but these days the music often overwhelms the lyrics, making it difficult to hear them clearly,” Mr. Stalin said. When asked for his favourite Ilaiyaraaja composition, his answer came promptly: Thenpandi Thamizhe from Paasa Paravaigal.

When lyricist Madhan Karky asked Mr. Stalin about his recent drive in a vintage car, he recalled how his love for cars developed during his school days and recounted being taught how to drive by a car driver at Cubbon Park in Bengaluru. “I like old cars. I used to buy old cars from Coimbatore, use them for about six months, and then sell them. I would go back and buy another car,” he said. Recalling his days as a young DMK youth wing functionary, Mr. Stalin spoke about his frequent travels across Tamil Nadu by car.

Singer-rapper Iykki Berry, a native of Tiruvarur district, asked Mr. Stalin about his favourite childhood song. “Paravaigal palavitham, ovvondrum oru vitham. Paadalgal palavitham, ovvondrum oru vitham,” he replied.

Varun Thadalil asked Mr. Stalin his favourite singer and straight came the answer: “T.M. Soundararajan. He sang for actors such as Sivaji Ganesan, MGR, and Gemini Ganesan, and made it sound as if they were singing the song themselves. He is one of my favourites.

”Artist Johnny Beats, singer Dev Major, playback singer Gana Muthu, singer Vijay Narain, musician Karthick Iyer, parai artiste Sound Mani, musician Tenma, rappers Nash and Ajmal Khan, singer Anthony Daasan, among others, also interacted with the Chief Minister.

‘Soul of T.N.’

In a social media post, Mr. Stalin said: “The soul of Tamil Nadu speaks through its music. It inspires, it preserves, it evolves. I spent time with some of our talented musicians to understand their craft, their energy, and their world. They are not just creating music; they are keeping our heritage alive and shaping its future. These were conversations that celebrate culture, honour passion, and recognise true artistry.”

Published – January 16, 2026 10:51 pm IST