M. K. Arjunan

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M. K. Arjunan
film composer, music director
Instrument(s)Harmonium
Years active1950-2020

Maliyekkal Kochukunju Arjunan (1 March 1936 – 6 April 2020) was an Indian film and theatre composer, known for his works in

Malayalam cinema and the theatre of Kerala.[1]
He was fondly referred to as Arjunan Master.

Early life

Arjunan was born at Chirattapalam in

bhajans; his singing led the head of the ashram to give him music lessons. For the next few years Arjunan learned music Kumarayya Pillai.[2] He later learnt music under K.N Vijayarajan Master.[3]

Career and death

After composing music for amateur plays, he became a professional and worked with Changanassery Geedha, People's Theatre, Kalidasa Kalakendram, Desabhimani Theatres, Alleppey Theatres and KPAC. Arjunan went on to compose around 800 songs for 300 plays.[4]

Arjunan's first movie as a composer was Karuthapurnami, released in 1968. His association with the leading lyricist Sreekumaran Thampi in almost 50 films was one of the most prolific composer-lyricist partnerships in Malayalam film industry.[5]

During a career spanning 50 years in cinema, Arjunan scored music for more than 500 songs in over 218 Malayalam films.[6]

He is also credited with giving A. R. Rahman his first musical break by giving him a chance to play keyboards in a film.[7][8]

His last film was Vellaram Kunnile Vellimeenukal, with songs written by Rajeev Alunkal.[9] His last music composition was on 2019 December for Sreek Music's three love songs written by lyricist Sreekanth M Girinath [10] He died at his home at 3:30 AM IST on 6 April 2020, aged 84, and was cremated with full state honours at Palluruthy crematorium on the same day. Due to COVID-19, his funeral was conducted under strict protocols.[11][12] He is survived by his sons Ashokan and Anil, and daughters Rekha, Nimmi and Sreekala. Bharathi Arjunan, his wife of 56 years, died in July 2021 due to COVID-19.

Discography

Awards

References

  1. ^ "'You need to be lucky in the world of films': M. K. Arjunan". The Hindu.
  2. ^ "The Original Master of Melody". The Hindu.
  3. ISSN 0971-751X
    . Retrieved 16 January 2020.
  4. ^ "Kerala State Awards: The master composer is rewarded after 50 years". The New Indian Express.
  5. ^ "Sweet end to a long wait". Deccan Chronicle.
  6. ^ "A long musical journey". The Hindu. 28 April 2006. Archived from the original on 13 September 2008. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
  7. ^ "Film fraternity hails Rahman, Pookutty for win". The Indian Express. India. 23 February 2009. Retrieved 29 June 2013.
  8. ^ "Exclusive Interview with M K Arjunan master about A R Rahman". Malayala Manorama.
  9. ^ "അവസാന അർജുന സംഗീതം രാജീവ് ആലുങ്കലിന്റെ വരികൾക്ക്". ManoramaOnline (in Malayalam). Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  10. ^ "അർജുനൻ മാഷിന്റെ അവസാന ഈണങ്ങൾ നെഞ്ചോടു ചേർത്ത് ശ്രീകാന്ത്". mathrubhumi (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 11 April 2020. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  11. ^ "Veteran music composer MK Arjunan is no more - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  12. ISSN 0971-751X
    . Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  13. ^ "Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award: Light Music". Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  14. ^ "Classical Music". Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  15. ^ "Kerala State Film Awards: Debut films steal the show - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  16. ISSN 0971-751X
    . Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  17. ^ "Abrid Shine's Poomaram wins big at Mazhavil Mango Music awards". OnManorama. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  18. ^ "Veteran Malayalam Music Composer MK Arjunan Passes Away at 84". India.com. 6 April 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2021.

External links