Poovai Senguttuvan: Great poet, great grandfather, my great grandfather – actor Udaya’s memorial
The Tamil world knows Poovai Senguttuvan, who passed away a few days ago, as a poet and writer. His passing is a great loss to the world of art, but it is also a great loss to our family personally.
To me, he was not only a great grandfather, but also a friend, guide and teacher. He lived a great life with great fame until the age of 90, with his grandchildren, and even after his death, he left us many messages.
I know Periyappa well as I grew up in Periyappa’s house for many days when I was young. He would ignore everything like his age, experience and knowledge and interact with us as a child and a friend. We are big fans of his sense of humor. Whenever he is at home, the place is always lively.
He is the one who really wanted me to succeed as an actor. It is noteworthy that my acting journey began with the play by his son and my brother Poovai Dayanidhi. My grandfather was very happy with the success of my latest film Acoustic and wished me many more peaks. He had great affection and respect for my father A. L. Alagappan. He was so proud of the success of my brother director A. L. Vijay and the fact that all his grandsons are in the art industry.
He wrote songs such as Thiruparankundram Nee Rithtal Muruga Thiruthani Malai; Naan Uvum Veetu Pillai; Thaayit Eththa Koyilumillai, which are immortal, and Karunai and Nidhi, which are still being sung on DMK stages, but he did not add much to his fame during his lifetime. However, he never worried about it. He lived happily till the end.
When we go out for shoots, the people there will give us all the love and respect if we say that Poovai Senguttuvan is my grandfather. That is the success of Periappa. Although his face is not familiar to many, his name and his writings are so close to everyone.
The tributes and condolences paid at the time of his death are a testament to that. On behalf of our family, I would like to thank all those who shared in this grief and consoled us.
At this time, I would like to mention another important thing. He had a story for me, and I had said that we would definitely do it. Similarly, my grandfather Poovai Senguttuvan has also written an encouraging song for me. That is his last film song. Ennada Manita Innuma Dayakkam Unnaye Nee Aanandhu Puraathu Nadutu I would like to inform you at this time that the song that started with me will be composed by composer Naren Balakumar and will be featured in my next film.
At this time, I would like to make another request to my fellow artists. Let us celebrate and give due recognition to the senior artists who have made outstanding contributions while they are still alive. There are countless artists who have not yet received their due recognition. Let us congratulate and worship them. That is the respect we pay to them. I humbly make this request in memory of my great grandfather Poovai Senguttuvan and pay homage to his fame and virtues.
With love,
Actor Udaya
