TRIPUNITHURA: When K Raghavan Master is honoured with the first-ever M G Radhakrishnan Memorial Award it is a rare coincidence, as it was Master, who had given a break to the singer-turned- music composer, the late M G Radhakrishnan through the song Unniganapathiye Vannu Varam Tharane….for the film Kallichellamma (1969).
Raghavan Master gave a new identity and direction to Malayalam film songs. At a time when Malayalam film music was under the grip of Carnatic music and musicians, Raghavan’s entry with simple folk tunes was a refreshing change. He infused film music with Kerala’s own folk music elements. The rustic nuances of folk songs resonate in his compositions.
“Carnatic Music can communicate only with sublime minds, Music expresses effectively in a simple and straight forward manner with the masses,” Master said once. In his opinion, folk music is nothing but the musical form of the emotional experience of the general public.
We can enjoy the sweeteness of ‘oppana’ of North Malabar in his famous song Manassinullil Mayakkam Kollum (Thurakkaatha Vaathil) whereas the divinity of ‘Pulluvan Paattu’ is clear in Sree Mahaadevan Thante (Nirmalyam). And the beauty of boat songs can enjoyed in Aattinakkare Akkare Araaro…(Ummachu). Even while weaving the romantic lines Maanathe Mazhamukil Maalakale…for the film Kannappanunni, Master opted for a folk tune.
By selecting the popular songs Raghavan helped his directors create a remote village atmosphere in their frames. When Master sang two songs composed by him, they became super hits. The songs Kaayalarikathu Valayerinjappol (Neelakuyil) and Appozhum Paranjille Poranda Porandaannu (Kadamba) sung by him are evergreen still.
Other hits that are still enjoyed are Ekantha Pathikan Njan sang by P Jayachanran and Aattinakkare akkare araaro sang by Yesudas for the film Ummachu, Paarvanenduvin Dehamadakki for the film Thurakkatha Vaathil, Shyaamasundara Pushpame for the film Yudhakandam to name a few. K Raghavan made his entry into Malayalam film music scenario by scoring and singing the immortal lyrics of P Bhaskaran, Kaayalarikathu Valayerinjappol Valakilukkiya Sundari in the film Neelakuyil.
The immortal songs of the film was sung by fresh voices like Kozhikode Abdulkhader (Engane Nee Marakkum…) Santha P Nair (Unaru Unaru Unnikanna…) Janamma David (Ellarum Chollanu.., Kuyiline Thedi..) and Mehaboob (Manennum Vilikkilla…).
Raghavan Master worked with many beginners, be it singers, writers or directors, who went on to achieve great heights. Vayalar Ramavarma (Thumbee Thumbee Vaa Vaa ….) and K P Udayabhanu (songs like Vellinakshathrame Ninne Nokki….)
For M T Vasudevan Nair’s debut directorial venture Nirmalyam, Master could give musical wings to Edasseri’s famous lines Samayamaayi Samayamaayi ….Master also included a ‘Pulluvan Paatu’ in the film (Sree Mahadevan Thante…)
The debut film of the late G Aravindan, Utharaaayanam, had the immortal song Hridayathil Romaancham …penned by G Kumara Pillai.
Master gave a break to Brahmanandan through the famous songs like Maanathe Kaayalin (Kallichallamma), Sree Mahadevan (Nirmalyam) Kanneerattile Thoni (Pathiravum Pakalvelichavum) and Kshethramethennariyaatha Theerthayaathra((Poojakedukkatha Pookkal). Awards and accolades often work as a medium to recall the greatness of the matchless maestros of yesteryear. By selecting Raghavan Master for the M G Radhakrishnan Award, the music buffs of Kerala will recall the musical genius of the veteran composer.