Uma Devi is a Tamil poet, writer, lyricist and professor who works predominantly in the Tamil film industry. She is one of the leading lyricists of Tamil cinema at present. She belongs to the list of Indian female lyricists who broke the stereotype of women writing only love songs. She wrote several chartbuster songs belonging to the movies, Kabali, 96, Nerkonda Paarvai, Raatchasan, Kaala, Blue Star, Thangalaan, Meiyazhagan, Takkar, DNA, Aramm, NGK, Madraskaaran, Vallan, Garudan, etc.
Dr. Uma Devi – Popular Tamil Female Lyricist of the New Generation
Early Life & Academic Background
Tamil lyricist Uma Devi was born on 3 September 1983 in Athipakkam village of Vandavasi, Tiruvannamalai district. She completed her studies in her native village and later became an assistant professor and research scholar at Ethiraj College for Women in Chennai. She researched topics like Dalit identity, feminism, Buddhism and social justice. She holds a PhD from the International Institute of Tamil Studies.
Her parents are koothu kalaignargal (folk artists), and her brother is a poet. Young Uma grew up in a very creative environment, deeply interested in literature and public issues, and she started writing at a young age. Her interest in politics and literature deeply influenced her writings later.
She used the pen name Munaivar for her poetic writings
Initially, Uma Devi wrote poems and essays on Dalit identity, women’s issues, and politics. She was recognized in literary circles by her pen name, Munaivar. The word translates to ‘Professor/Doctor’ in Tamil. Through her poetry and essays, Uma Devi became the voice of marginalized communities. She gained her respect as a poet before she forayed into Tamil cinema.
The Cinematic Journey: Breaking Stereotypes
Uma Devi’s entry into Tamil cinema was catalyzed by director Pa. Ranjith, best known for making films dealing with social issues. They were friends long before Pa. Ranjith joined the films. He was a painter back then.
She made her debut with the director’s landmark film Madras (2014). Her song “Naan Nee“, composed by Santhosh Narayanan and sung by Shakthisree Gopalan and Dhee, became a massive chartbuster and established her career in Kollywood. She tasted success with her first attempt, and also received multiple honours in the category, Best Upcoming Lyricist – 2014.
Since then, she has held a significant place among lyricists, representing the female gender. Most of her hit songs are aggressive political anthems, mass hero tracks, and philosophical numbers, unlike soft romantic tracks written by female lyricists. She discussed breaking such stereotypes on multiple platforms, multiple times.
Her collaborations with the top composers of the present times
She frequently collaborated with composers Santhosh Narayanan, Govind Vasantha, and G.V. Prakash Kumar, and delivered many chartbuster hits. She penned songs for a couple of Rajinikanth movies, which boosted her career a lot. “Maya Nadhi” and “Veera Thurandhara” in Kabali, and the poignant “Kannamma” in Kaala were well-received.
“Thoranam Aayiram” for the 2017 Nayanthara film, Aramm, which captured the socio-political pain of rural India, earned her the Vijay Awards. In 2018, she penned memorable songs – “Thaabangale”, “Irivinguy Theevai”, and “Vasantha Kaalangal”, for the romantic film, ’96, composed by Govind Vasantha.
In 2024, she collaborated with Govind Vasantha and wrote beautiful songs for the feel-good film, Meiyazhagan. Two of the songs earned her recognition, too. “Yaaro Ivan Yaaro” (sung by Kamal Haasan) earned her the maiden Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Tamil, and the second song – “Poraen Naa Poraen”, received SIIMA Awards.
She penned the tracks, “Minikki Minikki” and “Aruvadai” for Vikram starrer Thangalaan (2024). She has been congratulated in the film circle for the freshness in lyrics and her command over the Tamil language. She regards Pa. Ranjith as her mentor and has worked with him on multiple projects.
Uma Devi’s top Tamil songs
Dr. Uma Devi, as a lyricist, has written around 80 to 90 songs across more than 55 films since her debut in 2014, and has completed a decade in the industry.
Her popular songs include – Madras (her debut “Naan Nee”), Kaala (“Kannamma”), NGK (“Anbe Peranbe”), Nerkonda Paarvai (“Vaanil Irul”), Kabali (“Maya Nadhi”, “Veera Thurandhara”), Thangalaan (“Minikki Minikki”, “Aruvadai”), Meiyazhagan (“Yaaro Ivan Yaaro”), Garudan (“Kannil Kodi”, “Iruthiyai Nee”), 3 Songs for 96 (including the iconic “Thaabangale”), Aramm (“Thoranam Aayiram”), Ponmagal Vandhal, and Natchathiram Nagargiradhu.
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