Thenisai Chellappa

Tamil folk music exponent Chinnapillai Thavasi Kannu Chellappa, better known as `Thenisai' Chellappa, is no ordinary singer but is well known for releasing the mood of Tamil village culture in his voice. He is well known as a staunch supporter of pro-LTTE activities supporting ‘Eelam’ issues and through his voice, he is one who has always lifted his emotions that to the level of freedom songs. This folk singer is known for composing songs and music about concerns and issues of marginalized people.

"Thenisai" Chellappa is remembered for the song ‘Innum Ethanai Kaalam’ from the movie ’49-O’ which was composed by K and lyrics was penned by Yugabharathi. Also, he has released many private albums such as Eelam Song ‘Paddini Kidanthu’. It is said that the singer had done more than 60 'kutcheris' to spread awareness for the song ‘Innum Ethanai Kaalam’ and even felt that this song will be appreciated by Tamilians across the globe.

This singer often tours various locations across the globe such as Europe, London to propagate Tamil folk songs that bleed the state of Tamil Nadu. ‘Ethanai Kaalam Varai’ song is from the film 49-O starring Goundamani.

The singer was grateful to film director P. Arokiyadoss and producer Dr. L. Sivabalan. Since the music composer K was born in Nagapattinam, he felt Thenisai Chellappa would be the right person to give right vocal for ‘Innum Ethanai Kaalam’ which had a village background and captured the melody of villager’s mood throughout the songs. The lyrics of the song was as beautiful as the composition. This singer's goal is to retain the Tamil culture which the people of Tamil Nadu aims for as it represents the intention of a culture.