Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday paid tributes to poet-lyricist ‘Kaviarasu’ Kannadasan on his birth anniversary, saying he left an indelible mark on Tamil literature and film music.

Through his work, Kannadasan conveyed the emotions of human life, philosophical thoughts, and social awareness in simple Tamil, occupying an everlasting place in the hearts of the people, the CM said.

“My profound respects and salutations to Kaviarasu Kannadasan… his works shine as a literary treasure that transcends eras and guides generations. As long as the Tamil language remains, the fame and literary works of Kannadasan will last forever,” Vijay said in a post on ‘X’.

Kannadasan (June 24, 1927-October 17, 1981) is celebrated as Kaviarasu-King of Poets.

During his illustrious writing career spanning over four decades, he penned over 5,000 film songs and 4,000 poems, and authored about 232 books.

Born as Muthiah Sathappan Chettiar, Kannadasan made his name writing for the screen – verses crafted to fit scenes, moods, and moments. Yet his film songs always transcended their original brief, becoming something far larger than the situations that inspired them.

He was the first recipient of the National Film Award for Best Lyrics in 1969 for the film ‘Kuzhanthaikkaga’ and was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1980 for his novel ‘Cheraman Kadali’.

His ‘Arthamulla Indhu Matham’ is considered an enduring religious classic.