about Raveendran
Raveendran (1943-2005)
Tharake Mizhiyithalil Kannerumayi… The song in the movie Choola(1979), sung by
Yesudas, became a hit then (now too). The ‘chaste melody’ was the specialty of
that song, a specialty of music director Raveendran (1943-2005).
Raveendran (61) had given music for more than 500 films in Malayalam, Tamil and
Kannada languages besides light, devotional and festival songs.
Raveendran joined to the Swathy Thirunnal Sangeetha College, Thiruvananthapuram
after completing his formal schooling. Poverty in the family did not present him
any ‘colourful’ days in his childhood. But he took that ‘dismal days’ positively
and as a stepping stone for the 'hard' days ahead in his career as a
singer/musician.
He learned music along with noted singer Yesudas.
It was Yesudas helped him later for becoming a music director as Raveendran
himself had strongly wished to be known as a playback singer!
Before crumbling his that desire, Raveendran had tested his vocal chord for 30
odd songs under various noted music directors including Baburaj. But he could
not go on with the singer tag for long. Lack of opportunities in the field made
him a 'dubbing artist' and then he turned to scoring music. But it was for
plays!
It was then that IV Sasi, the director of Choola gave him a chance to give music
to the film. That single movie itself had fetched him more chances.
From 1979 on Raveendran ruled the roost of Malayalam film music. He had belted
out many hits in 1980s and 90s.
Another music director- Johnson is the only person comes around to the fore
during the time.
Melody incorporated with the niceties of Carnatic music was the hallmark of his
songs! By the release of Thenum Vayambum (1981), Raveendran made his mark in
film field. The whole songs in the movie became a super hit! The songs, thenum
Vayambum…, ottakambi naatham… are still sought- after numbers for Malayalees.
His last work was for the film Vadakkum Nathan.
Raveendran had ‘created’ songs rather gave tunes to them. May be that is why his
melodies are still standing the test of times.
Malayalees will never forget the songs that have been credited with Raveendran.
Ragangale… (Tharattu), Vanambaadi Poru… (Desadanakili Karayaarilla),
Ezhuswarangalum thazhukivarum… (Chirio chiri), Hridayam oru veenayai… (Thammil
Thammil)… List is endless.