Happy Birthday Vijay: From Aiyayo Alamelu to Jolly O Gymkhana, tracing the journey of Thalapathy - the singer
Among the current stars, Vijay might just be second to Kamal Haasan in the number of songs sung by a lead actor
Jolly O Gymkhana, in Vijay's voice and Anirudh's music released a few months back, is still making waves. We look back at the actor's singing pursuits, from Rasigan to Beast.
Bombay City Sukkha Rotti (Rasigan) Vijay's singing debut in 1994 in Deva's music. A very basic kuthu number, made tolerable by the freshness in the actor's voice
Aiyaiyoo Alamelu (Deva) In yet another dapankuthu number for Deva, Vijay showed his comfort in hitting those high notes.
Doddabetta Roattu Mela (Vishnu) The year is 1995. Vijay sings along with his mother, Shoba. The actor's improvement as a singer in a year is quite evident.
Bombay Party Shilpa Shetty (Coimbatore Maapillai) Vijay's 1st song that is not composed by Deva, He seems to have understood his limitations as a singer & plays to his positives in Vidyasagar's music
Chicken Kari (Selva) This song, composed by Sirpi, sees Vijay experimenting with his range. But, the genre still remains the same.
Oormilaa Oormilaa (Once More) Vijay finally breaks free from the 'kuthu' shackles to deliver his first romantic duet. His second song with his mother, Shobha. Quite a fun outing.
O baby baby (Kadhalukku Mariyadhai) Vijay, along with Bhavatharini, totally aces this brilliant techno-melody composed by THE Ilaiyaraaja. Vijay had arrived... as a singer.
Nilave Nilave (Nilaave Vaa) This melody in Vidyasagar's music is proof of the distance Vijay has travelled as a singer from his Rasigan days. The song also has breathtaking bits by Anuradha Sriram.
Ennoda Laila (Badri) Vijay's signature nonchalance rubs off brilliantly in this delightful track from Badri. The singer in Vijay was growing in leaps and bounds.
Ullathai Killadhae (Thamizhan) A funky duet with Priyanka Chopra as the co-singer. The D Imman number showcased the versatility of Vijay
Coca Cola Brown Colour da (Bagavathi) A cheery track, made popular by Vijay's effortless vocals. By now, Vijay seemed to have cracked the makings of a professional vocalist.
Vaadi Vaadi CD (Sachein) As Vijay rightly puts it, 'Idhu Paatu'. A real riot that rocked the radio stations non-stop. Folk had never been so much fun.
Google Google (Thupaakki) Vijay, the singer, returns after a self-imposed exile of seven years, and how! This unpretentious, fun track, with humour, alongside Andrea, is a party song, done right.
Vanganna Vanakkanganna (Thalaivaa) A call-back to his early singing days, this track is vintage vijay. The actor makes even the quintessential Tasmac number his own with his voice- antics.
Kandaangi (Jilla) A call-back to his early singing days, this track is vintage vijay. The actor makes even the quintessential Tasmac number his own with his voice- antics.
Selfie Pulla (Kathithi) A lively and boisterous track that solely depends on Vijay's trademark vocals for its pop-culture effect. And, the actor hits it out of the park.
Yaendi Yaendi (Puli) One of the very few respites in an otherwise forgettable movie, this romantic duet, also featuring Shruti Haasan, is uncontested proof of Vijay's mettle as a singer.
Chella Kutti (Theri) A playful, exuberant track that relies on the strengths of its lead singers: Vijay and Neeti Mohan.
Papa Papa (Bairavaa) A fast-paced dance number that has Vijay having a field day in his comfort zone.
Verithanam (Bigil) - A track that was almost 15 years in the making. The first time Vijay sings for AR Rahman. How good is this song? The social media trends answer that question!
The easy charm in Vijay's voice is utilised to the maximum in this number by Anirudh that reminds us of the catchy lyrics from his very first song - Kolaveri. Instant earworm, this.
Karuthu paadalgal with a twist has become the staple of VIjay now, and it was best embodied in the recent Jolly o Gymkhana number from Beast. It is vibrant, it is peppy, and is preachy but fun!
