Rain (மழை) Connection !!

I recently happened to listen to this gem of a song rendered by Asha Bhosle and put to tune by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja viz "Mazhai Megam" from "Sakkarai Pandhal" and my mind immediately correlated to the popular "Mazhai Varudhu Mazhai Varudhu" from Raja Kaiya Vacha.

I just couldn't help but understanding the analogy of the 2 songs
Mazhai Megam somehow looks like a pre-runner to the immensely successful Mazhai Varudhu Mazhai Varudhu.

Some interesting analogies between both these songs :
1) They both are based on the theme of Rain (மழை).
2) Both the songs begin with a lovely Aalaap.
3) Both have an underlying Hindustani undertone.
4) Both are based on the same Raga "Bhageshri".
5) Infact in both the songs , the first 4 swaras are Sa Ri Ga Ma.

But despite the imminent similarities , somehow the song Mazhai Megam happens to be rare and not often listened as compared to its illustrious counterpart Mazhai Varudhu Mazhai Varudhu.

But hey when you think of it, aren't there enough brilliant Raaja songs which haven't got its due because of some or other reason. Perhaps this is just one more to the list. Am thankful however for discovering this serenely delightful beauty of a composition.

Mazhai Megham - Sakkarai Panthaal (The rare beauty)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpKvVrwPGmc

Mazhai Varudhu - Raja Kaiya Vacha (The evergreen beauty)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiMy6ZYYBDQ