Krishnan Raghavan (2 December 1913 – 19 October 2013), also known as Raghavan MasterRaghavan Master, was an Indian music composer primarily known for his work in Malayalam cinema and as a carnatic vocalist. Along with G. Devarajan, V. Dakshinamoorthy and Baburaj, Raghavan is credited with contributing to the renaissance of Malayalam film music, pioneering the creation of Malayalam film songs with their own distinct tunes and styles. Before him, Malayalam film songs often imitated popular Hindi and Tamil film songs and old classical kritis. Raghavan helped establish a new direction and identity for Malayalam film music. He composed around 400 songs in Malayalam cinema over nearly four decades.[1] In 1997, he was honored with the J. C. Daniel Award, the Government of Kerala's highest honor for contributions to Malayalam cinema.
Early life
K. Raghavan was born in Tellicherry near Kannur in the erstwhile Madras Presidency (present-day Kerala) on 2 December 1913, to folk singer M. Krishnan and Narayani.[2] He began studying classical music in his childhood and also played football. He began his professional career as a tambura player in All India Radio, Madras and in 1950, he was transferred to Calicut, where he became involved with film artists.[3]
Career
Raghavan initiated a new trend in Malayalam film music with the release of the 1954 movie Neelakuyil. Renowned lyricist and Raghavan's friend P. Bhaskaran penned the songs in the film.Neelakkuyil Raghavan also sang one of the songs.Neelakkuyil The song Kayalarikathu valayerinjappol became an instant hit.[4]
Music career
During his career spanning over four decades, he scored music for more than sixty Malayalam films, and many of his compositions remain classics.[5] Raghavan brought folk elements into Malayalam film music, and his melodies replaced the imitation of popular Hindi tunes that prevailed at the time. He also composed songs for plays by groups such as the Kerala People's Arts Club and All India Radio. Most of his songs were written by P. Bhaskaran, and he introduced many new voices to Malayalam film music, including K. J. Yesudas, P. Jayachandran, P.Susheela, Mehboob, K. P. Brahmanandan, M. Balamuralikrishna, M. L. Vasanthakumari, A. P. Komala, Gayathri Srikrishnan, Santha P. Nair, A. M. Rajah, K. P. Udayabhanu, M.G. Radhakrishnan, P. B. Sreenivas, Vani Jayaram, Jikki, V. T. Murali, M. G. Sreekumar, K. S. Chithra and Sujatha Mohan.
As a musician
- First Movie Pullimaan (1951)
- Number of Movies 65
- Number of Songs 405
- State Awards 2
Songs
- Kayalarikathu...
- Ellarum chollanu...
- Nazhiyuripalu kondu...
- Hrudaythin romancham...
- Ekantha Kaamuka Ninte Manoratham ...
- Shyamasundara pushpame...
- Aattinakkareyakkare...
- Poornendumukhiyodambalathil...
- Nalikerathinte nattilenikkoru...
- Manjani poonilavil...
- Kathu sookshichoru...
- Appozhe paranjille...
- Manathe Mazhamukil malakale...
- Anuragakkalariyil angathinu vannavale...
- Pambukalkku maalamundu... (KPAC drama song)
- Thalayku meethe... (KPAC drama song)
Personal life
Raghavan was married to Yashoda and had five children: three daughters and two sons. He died at the age of 99 on 19 October 2013 in Thalassery.[6] His younger brother, Lakshmanan, predeceased him.
Awards
Civilian Awards by Govt. of India
- 2010 – Padma Shri[7]
- 1973 – Best Music Director for Nirmalyam
- 1977 – Best Music Director – Poojakedukkatha Pookkal.[8]
- 1997 – J. C. Daniel Award from the Government of Kerala
Other Awards
- 1981 – Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship[9]
- 2000 – Best Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2006 – Swaralaya Yesudas Award
- 2011 – M. G. Radhakrishnan Award[10]
References
- ^ "Evergreen compositions". The Hindu. 9 February 2007. Archived from the original on 8 August 2009. Retrieved 23 July 2009.
- ^ "Raghavan Master is no more, his songs are forever". Times of India. 20 October 2013. Retrieved 20 October 2013.
- ^ "Music director Raghavan passes away". The Hindu. 19 October 2013. Retrieved 20 October 2013.
- ^ "CHORDS AND NOTES". The Hindu. 20 February 2006. Archived from the original on 6 August 2009. Retrieved 23 July 2009.
- ^ MSI Musician Index – K. Raghavan
- ^ Mathrubhumi English – Legendary music director Raghavan master passes away Archived 22 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Padma Awards" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 October 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
- ^ "STATE FILM AWARDS 1969 – 2008". The Information & Public Relations Department of Kerala. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2009.
- ^ "Light Music". Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
- ^ "MG Radhakrishnan Award to Raghavan master". Archived from the original on 27 November 2011.
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