THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Music director Ouseppachan and playback singer Vani Jairam have been chosen for this year’s Swaralaya-Kairali-Yesudas Award. Each of them will be awarded `1 lakh cash prize and citation, Swaralaya patron M A Baby MLA told reporters here on Sunday.
Baby chaired the award jury, which comprises Dr K Omanakutty, M Jayachandran, K V Mohankumar, Ravi Menon and G Rajmohan.
“Ouseppachan’s musical sojourn spans over 35 years. He has to his credit several famous songs like ‘Neeyen Sargasangeethame’, ‘Pathiramazhyetho’, ‘Etho Varmukilin’, ‘Unnikale Oru Kadha Parayam’ and ‘Ottaku Padunna Poonkuyile’. His music in the film “Jalam” was nominated to Oscar,” the jury said.
“Vani Jairam, who forayed into the Bollywood music later gifted memorable songs in a many Indian languages. Now, at the age of 70, Vani’s is a sought-after voice even in new generation films,” the jury stated.
The 16th Swaralaya awards will be presented by singer K J Yesudas at a function in the capital this month-end.