It has been 17 years since Devarajan, the beloved master of Malayalam film songs, was remembered. Devaraja’s melodies gave life not only to the lyrics but also to the words, syllables and expressions. Chandra Kalabham Chartiyurangum Theeram, Fourteenth Night, Prana Nathaneni Gave Me, On A Cold Night With The Smell Of The Flower, Panjarapalu Mithai, Drenched In Turmeric, Dearest Dearest One, Man Created Religions, Seven Beautiful Nights, Ambalakulangare, A Thousand Padasaras Kilungi, How many beautiful Malayalam songs are still heard in his melodies.
G Devarajan was born in Paravur in Kollam district. Devarajan Master was born on September 27, 1927 as the son of Mridanga Vidwana Kochu Govindanashan and Kochu Kunj. He followed that path by studying music under his father. Debut at the age of 18, first concert through Trissinappally Radio Station. He entered the mainstream by composing music for KPAAC’s dramas and later entered Malayalam hearts by giving evergreen melodies to the poetic lines of renowned lyricists including Vayalar Ramavarma, ONV and P Bhaskaran.
The master’s first film was Kailash Pictures’ ‘Kaalum Chhaya’. It was in 1959 that he sang the melody with the violinist. Through the film ‘Chaturangam’. All the songs from that movie became hits. He gave unforgettable tunes to KPAC’s revolutionary drama songs and dreamy film songs. He was also an atheist who composed Harivarasana, the lullaby of Sabarimala Ayyappan.
He is the composer who has used the most ragas in Malayalam cinema. KJ Yesudas and P Jayachandran have sung most of his songs. He is described as the king sculptor of Deva ragas. The master has received many awards including the state government award for best music director. The master has composed over 1700 songs in Malayalam, Tamil and Kannada languages. On March 15, 2006, the Malayalam music world lost an irreplaceable King of Melodies when he bid farewell.
Story Highlights: G Devarajan 17th death anniversary