Indian American filmmaker and poet Sumathy Ram has released "Viswaragam," a historic tribute album honoring legendary Tamil composer M. S. Viswanathan. The album, released on January 14, 2026, transforms 22 original Tamil poems into music through a groundbreaking collaboration that marks the first time Viswanathan worked with a female lyricist.
Key Facts
• The album "Viswaragam" features 22 original Tamil poems transformed into music, with an initial release of 4 tracks totaling 14 minutes 44 seconds on January 14, 2026
• This marks a historic moment in Tamil music history as the first time legendary composer M.S. Viswanathan collaborated with a female lyricist, helping open doors for women in the industry
• The album features renowned artists including Hariharan, Shankar Mahadevan, Unnikrishnan, S.P. Balasubramanyam, and Bombay Jayashri across various tracks
Sumathy Ram, an independent Indian American filmmaker, poet, and lyricist based in the United States, met M. S.
Viswanathan twenty years ago. That chance encounter planted the seed for what would become a lifelong musical collaboration spanning two decades.
Ram's original poems formed the lyrical foundation of the project, gradually transforming it into something far greater than just music. The collaboration became a tribute to Viswanathan's legacy and contributions to Tamil cinema and music.
The album opens with "Veena Bit
Om… Kaartrai Pola," brings together a stunning ensemble of eight legendary singers creating a harmonious celebration of devotion.
The third track "Manasu Konjam
Viswaragam" features the iconic S.P. Balasubramanyam. Each song has been carefully curated to honor Viswanathan's musical genius and influence.
Of the 22 songs produced, Part I includes these four tracks, with Part II following to honor singers S. P.
Balasubramanyam and Vani Jayaram. The remaining songs will be released monthly, allowing listeners to experience the tribute gradually and thoughtfully.
Ram's creative reach extends beyond this project. She is currently collaborating with a Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Kej and has previously worked with legendary composer Ilayaraja on other musical endeavors.
Do You Know?
M. S. Viswanathan composed music for more than 800 Indian films throughout his illustrious career as a music director, singer, and actor, primarily working in the Tamil film industry and leaving an indelible mark on cinema history.
Key Terms
• Lyricist: A person who writes the words or lyrics to songs, often working closely with composers to create musical pieces
• Tribute Album: A collection of songs created to honor and celebrate the life, work, and legacy of an influential artist or musician
• Tamil Cinema: The film industry based in Tamil Nadu, India, known for producing films in the Tamil language with distinctive musical and cultural elements
Asia91 Original