M. G. Radhakrishnan
Encyclopedia
M. G. Radhakrishnan was a senior music director and Carnatic
vocalist from Kerala. He is highly regarded as one of the most successful light music and film music composer in Malayalam.
, in Alappuzha district
, Kerala
as the son of music composer and Harmonist Malabar Gopalan Nair and Harikatha
exponent Kamalakshi Amma. He had his college education from the S. D. College, Alappuzha, and took Ganabhooshanam from Swati Tirunal Music Academy. Prominent singer K. J. Yesudas
was one of his classmates there. His brother M. G. Sreekumar
is a leading playback singer
in Malayalam and Tamil
cinema.
He died on July 2, 2010 in a private hospital due to liver disease.
vocalist. In his official capacity, Radhakrishnan worked as a staff and become the senior music composer(grade 1) in Akashvani, Trivandrum. In 1962, he joined All India Radio
as music composer. He used to conduct a 15-minute light music class through AIR, which made him music lovers' favourite.
He made his debut in cinema as a playback singer through "Unniganapathiye..." from Kallichellamma (1969), which had music composed by K. Raghavan
. His famous songs as a vocalist include "Sharike Sharike" from Sharashayya, "Pallanayattin Theerathu" from Ningalenne Communst Aakki etc. Some of his notable concert performances were at N S S
Headquarters at Changanassery and at Karrikkakom Chamundeswary Temple at Thiruvananthapuram
. He then focussed at composing light music with most of them becoming big hits. Singers Sujatha
, G. Venugopal
etc. were first introduced through his non-filmy songs.
His debut film as a music director was G. Aravindan
's Thampu (1978). The songs were fairly noticed, however the first notable work by M.G. was Thakara
(1980). Songs from this film, Mouname Mouname and Kudayolam Bhoomi won him several accolades and fame. The other major works by him include Adwaitham, Devasuram, Manichithrathazhu, Rakkuyilin Rajasadassil and Ananthabhadram, which was his last work.
He has also composed the poems of Kamala Surayya, a famous Indian writer, through the album Surayya Padunnu Radhakrishnan introduced K. S. Chithra
, a singer and a student of Omanakutty, to the film and music industry by employing her in the film Attahaasam.
on 2 July 2010 at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram
.
Carnatic music
Carnatic music is a system of music commonly associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, with its area roughly confined to four modern states of India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu...
vocalist from Kerala. He is highly regarded as one of the most successful light music and film music composer in Malayalam.
Personal life
M. G. Radhakrishnan was born on 8 August 1940 at HaripadHaripad
Haripad is a town in Alappuzha District, Kerala, India, located between Alappuzha and Kollam on National Highway 47. Haripad is close to the Arabian Sea, and connects Mavelikkara and Thrikkunnappuzha....
, in Alappuzha district
Alappuzha district
Alappuzha is one of the 14 districts in the state of Kerala in India. It was formed as Alleppey District on August 17, 1957. The name of the district was officially changed to Alappuzha in 1990. The district is a widely known tourist destination, and is well known for its coir factories. Most of...
, Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
as the son of music composer and Harmonist Malabar Gopalan Nair and Harikatha
Harikatha
Harikatha , otherwise called Katha Kalakshepa is a form of Hindu religious discourse, also known as Katha storytelling format, in which the story teller explores a religious theme, usually the life of a saint or a story from an Indian epic.Harikatha is a composite art form composed of story...
exponent Kamalakshi Amma. He had his college education from the S. D. College, Alappuzha, and took Ganabhooshanam from Swati Tirunal Music Academy. Prominent singer K. J. Yesudas
K. J. Yesudas
Kattassery Joseph Yesudas is an Indian classical musician and playback singer.Yesudas sings Indian classical, devotional, and popular music. He has recorded more than 50,000 songs in many languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati, Oriya, Marathi, Punjabi,...
was one of his classmates there. His brother M. G. Sreekumar
M. G. Sreekumar
M. G. Sreekumar is a two-time National Award-winning Indian playback singer and music director who works in Malayalam cinema. With a career of over 25 years, he is one of the prominent male singers in the Malayalam film industry. He is known for matching voice with Malayalam actor Mohanlal. He has...
is a leading playback singer
Playback singer
A playback singer is a singer whose singing is prerecorded for use in movies. Playback singers record songs for soundtracks, and actors or actresses lip-sync the songs for cameras, while the actual singer does not appear on screen.-South Asia:...
in Malayalam and Tamil
Tamil language
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. It has official status in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry. Tamil is also an official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore...
cinema.
He died on July 2, 2010 in a private hospital due to liver disease.
Career
M. G. Radhakrishnan was a disciple of Sree Vidyadhiraja Hridayanjali, an Indian ascetic, and composed music for the ascetic's lyrics, which was sung by his younger sister Dr. K Omanakutty, a CarnaticCarnatic music
Carnatic music is a system of music commonly associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, with its area roughly confined to four modern states of India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu...
vocalist. In his official capacity, Radhakrishnan worked as a staff and become the senior music composer(grade 1) in Akashvani, Trivandrum. In 1962, he joined All India Radio
All India Radio
All India Radio , officially known since 1956 as Akashvani , is the radio broadcaster of India and a division of Prasar Bharati. Established in 1936, it is the sister service of Prasar Bharati's Doordarshan, the national television broadcaster. All India Radio is one of the largest radio networks...
as music composer. He used to conduct a 15-minute light music class through AIR, which made him music lovers' favourite.
He made his debut in cinema as a playback singer through "Unniganapathiye..." from Kallichellamma (1969), which had music composed by K. Raghavan
K. Raghavan
K. Raghavan is a Malayalam music composer. Along with Baburaj, Raghavan is often credited for the renaissance of Malayalam film music. K.Raghavan gave a new direction and identity to Malayalam film music.As he searched for the right tune for the lyrics, little did K...
. His famous songs as a vocalist include "Sharike Sharike" from Sharashayya, "Pallanayattin Theerathu" from Ningalenne Communst Aakki etc. Some of his notable concert performances were at N S S
Nair Service Society
The Nair Service Society is an organization created for the uplift and welfare of the Nair community. It was established under the leadership of Mannathu Padmanabhan...
Headquarters at Changanassery and at Karrikkakom Chamundeswary Temple at Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram , formerly known as Trivandrum, is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala and the headquarters of the Thiruvananthapuram District. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland...
. He then focussed at composing light music with most of them becoming big hits. Singers Sujatha
Sujatha Mohan
Sujatha Mohan , usually credited as Sujatha, is an award-winning Indian playback singer who is popular for singing in Malayalam and Tamil movies. She has also sung for Telugu, Kannada and Hindi movies. She is widely popular for her evergreen melodies and her sweet voice is considered to be her...
, G. Venugopal
G. Venugopal
G. Venugopal is an Indian playback singer, active mainly in Malayalam films. He also has Tamil and Telugu songs to his credit. Venugopal started his career in the film Odarathammava Aalariyam and has sung in more than 280 films and over 250 albums since then.G. Venugopal is a graduate of Kerala...
etc. were first introduced through his non-filmy songs.
His debut film as a music director was G. Aravindan
G. Aravindan
Govindan Aravindan who was popularly known as G. Aravindan was a national award winning film director, screenwriter, musician and cartoonist from Kerala, India. He was known for his unorthodox way of film-making; he changed his cinematic forms consistently and experimented in story telling without...
's Thampu (1978). The songs were fairly noticed, however the first notable work by M.G. was Thakara
Thakara
Thakara is a famous Malayalam film directed by Bharathan and written by Padmarajan.- Cast :*Prathap K. Pothan ... Thakara*Surekha ... Subhashini*Nedumudi Venu ... Chellappanasari*K.G. Menon ... Mathu Mooppan...
(1980). Songs from this film, Mouname Mouname and Kudayolam Bhoomi won him several accolades and fame. The other major works by him include Adwaitham, Devasuram, Manichithrathazhu, Rakkuyilin Rajasadassil and Ananthabhadram, which was his last work.
He has also composed the poems of Kamala Surayya, a famous Indian writer, through the album Surayya Padunnu Radhakrishnan introduced K. S. Chithra
K. S. Chithra
K. S. Chithra often credited as Chithra , is an Indian playback singer who has made her mark in the Indian music playback industry. Popularly known as Chinna Kuyil of South India, she has lent her voice to Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Oriya, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Badaga and Punjabi films...
, a singer and a student of Omanakutty, to the film and music industry by employing her in the film Attahaasam.
Death
Radhakrishnan died from liver diseaseLiver disease
Liver disease is a broad term describing any single number of diseases affecting the liver.-Diseases:* Hepatitis, inflammation of the liver, caused mainly by various viruses but also by some poisons , autoimmunity or hereditary conditions...
on 2 July 2010 at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram , formerly known as Trivandrum, is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala and the headquarters of the Thiruvananthapuram District. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland...
.
Kerala State Film Awards
- 2005 – Best Music DirectorKerala State Film Award for Best Music DirectorThe Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director winners:-Trivia:* In 1994, G. Devarajan returned all the awards won by him in protest against the jury who selected Berny-Ignatious for that year's award. According to Devarajan, none of the songs composed by the duo for Thenmavin Kombath were...
– Ananthabadram - 2001 – Best Music DirectorKerala State Film Award for Best Music DirectorThe Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director winners:-Trivia:* In 1994, G. Devarajan returned all the awards won by him in protest against the jury who selected Berny-Ignatious for that year's award. According to Devarajan, none of the songs composed by the duo for Thenmavin Kombath were...
– Achaneyaanenikkishtam
Asianet Film Awards
- 2005 – Best Music Director Award – AnandabhadramAnandabhadramAnandabhadram is a 2005 Malayalam fantasy film based on the novel of the same name by Sunil Parameswaran. The film is the debut Malayalam film venture of director Santosh Sivan and actress Riya Sen...
- 2001 – Best Music Director Award – Kaate Vannu Vilichappol
Filmography
| No | Film | Film director | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thampu | G Aravindan | 1978 |
| 2 | Thakara Thakara Thakara is a famous Malayalam film directed by Bharathan and written by Padmarajan.- Cast :*Prathap K. Pothan ... Thakara*Surekha ... Subhashini*Nedumudi Venu ... Chellappanasari*K.G. Menon ... Mathu Mooppan... |
Bharathan Bharathan Bharathan was an Indian film director, artist, lyricist, music director, sculptor, poster designer, editor and art director. Bharathan is noted for being the founder of a new school of film making in Malayalam cinema, along with Padmarajan, in the 1980s, which created films that were widely... |
1980 |
| 3 | Aaravam | Bharathan Bharathan Bharathan was an Indian film director, artist, lyricist, music director, sculptor, poster designer, editor and art director. Bharathan is noted for being the founder of a new school of film making in Malayalam cinema, along with Padmarajan, in the 1980s, which created films that were widely... |
1980 |
| 4 | Njan Ekananu | P Chandrasekhar | 1982 |
| 5 | Poochakkoru Mukkuthi | Priyadarshan Priyadarshan Priyadarshan is an Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter. In a career spanning over two decades, Priyadarshan has directed over 80 films in several Indian languages including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu... |
1984 |
| 6 | Parayanum Vayya Parayathirikkanum Vayya | Priyadarshan Priyadarshan Priyadarshan is an Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter. In a career spanning over two decades, Priyadarshan has directed over 80 films in several Indian languages including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu... |
1985 |
| 7 | Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi | Priyadarshan Priyadarshan Priyadarshan is an Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter. In a career spanning over two decades, Priyadarshan has directed over 80 films in several Indian languages including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu... |
1986 |
| 8 | Geetham | Saajan Saajan Saajan is a 1991 Hindi film directed by Lawrence D'Souza and starring Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit, and Salman Khan. It was released on 30 August, 1991.... |
1986 |
| 9 | Sarvakalaashala | Venu Nagavally Venu Nagavally Venu Nagavally was an Indian actor, screenwriter and director who was active in Malayalam cinema. Son of late writer, commentator, and broadcaster Nagavally R. S... |
1987 |
| 10 | Jaalakam | Harikumar Harikumar Harikumar is a Tamil film actor, who has appeared in Tamil films. He is probably best known for his good performance in Madurai Sambavam. Moreover he has appeared as a choregrapher in over 100 films.- Filmography :- References :... |
1987 |
| 11 | Nombarathi Poovu Nombarathi Poovu Nombarathi Poovu is a 1987 Malayalam drama film written and directed by P. Padmarajan. It stars Madhavi, Baby Sonia, Mammootty Shari and Unnimary. Its story is about the deep relation between Gigi and Padmini . Its songs were composed by M. G... |
Padmarajan Padmarajan P. Padmarajan was an Indian author, screenwriter, and film director who contributed in Malayalam language. Padmarajan was the founder of a new school of film making in Malayalam, along with Bharathan, in the 1980s, which created films that were widely received while also being critically acclaimed... |
1987 |
| 12 | Vellanakalude Nadu Vellanakalude Nadu Vellanakalude Nadu is a 1988 Malayalam drama film directed by Priyadarshan, and produced by Maniyanpilla Raju.This film was a critical and commercial success... |
Priyadarshan Priyadarshan Priyadarshan is an Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter. In a career spanning over two decades, Priyadarshan has directed over 80 films in several Indian languages including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu... |
1988 |
| 13 | Adwaitham | Priyadarshan Priyadarshan Priyadarshan is an Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter. In a career spanning over two decades, Priyadarshan has directed over 80 films in several Indian languages including Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu... |
1991 |
| 14 | Manichithrathazhu | Fazil | 1993 |
| 15 | Chenkol | Sibi Malayil Sibi Malayil Sibi Malayil is an Indian film director of Malayalam cinema best known for his melodramas of the 80s and 90s. Since the mid-1980s he has directed some 40 movies. Movies like Kireedam, Dasharatham, Thaniyavarthanam, His Highness Abdullah, Bharatham, and Akashadoothu defined the way Malayalam movies... |
1993 |
| 16 | Ammayane Satyam | Balachandra Menon Balachandra Menon Balachandra Menon is an Indian film actor, director, script writer, lyricist, and producer who works in Malayalam cinema. He made some popular films in the 1980s and 1990s... |
1993 |
| 17 | Devaasuram | I. V. Sasi I. V. Sasi Irruppam Veedu Sasidaran, better known as I. V. Sasi, is a Malayali Indian film director who is known for his films of the 1970s, 80s and early 90s. He has directed about 150 films in various South Indian languages and Hindi. He is known as the "veteran" or the "guru" filmmaker in Malayalam... |
1993 |
| 18 | Kashmeeram | Rajiv Anchal Rajiv Anchal Rajiv Anchal is a screenwriter and film director from Kerala. He has directed eight feature films. Of late, he has based his movies in the United States. He is the life member of International Film And Television Club of Asian Academy Of Film & Television... |
1994 |
| 19 | Agnidevan | Venu Nagavally Venu Nagavally Venu Nagavally was an Indian actor, screenwriter and director who was active in Malayalam cinema. Son of late writer, commentator, and broadcaster Nagavally R. S... |
1995 |
| 20 | Rakthasakshikal Zindabad | Venu Nagavally Venu Nagavally Venu Nagavally was an Indian actor, screenwriter and director who was active in Malayalam cinema. Son of late writer, commentator, and broadcaster Nagavally R. S... |
1998 |
| 21 | Stalin Sivadas | T S Suresh Babu | 1999 |
| 22 | Kannezhuthi Pottumthottu | T. K. Rajeev Kumar T. K. Rajeev Kumar T. K. Rajeev Kumar is an award winning director of Malayalam films.He is settled in Trivandrum, Kerala. Rajeev Kumar served as the Chairman of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy from 2003 to 2006... |
1999 |
| 23 | Pilots | Rajiv Anchal Rajiv Anchal Rajiv Anchal is a screenwriter and film director from Kerala. He has directed eight feature films. Of late, he has based his movies in the United States. He is the life member of International Film And Television Club of Asian Academy Of Film & Television... |
2000 |
| 24 | Narasimham Narasimham (film) Narasimham is a 2000 Malayalam action film written by Ranjith and directed by Shaji Kailas. It stars Mohanlal, Thilakan, N. F. Varghese, Aishwarya, and Kanaka, and features Mammootty in a cameo appearance.... |
Shaji Kailas Shaji Kailas Shaji Kailas is a Malayalam film director. He is known for his hard-hitting action films.-Childhood and entry into films:Shaji Kailas was born in Vanchiyoor, Thiruvananthapuram, to Late Sivakumaran Nair and Janakiyamma. After attending Model Boys School, Shaji pursued degree at Mahatma Gandhi... |
2000 |
| 25 | Praja | Joshi Joshi Joshi is a family name common in India and Nepal. Whereas the Joshi's of India are of Brahmin origin, the Joshi's of Nepal are either Newars or Khas-Brahmin... |
2001 |
| 26 | Meghasandesham | Rajasenan | 2001 |
| 27 | Nariman | K Madhu | 2001 |
| 28 | Kaattu Vannu Vilichappol | Kamal | 2001 |
| 29 | Achaneyanenikkishtam | Suresh Krishna | 2002 |
| 30 | Yanam | Sanjay Nambiar | 2004 |
| 31 | Ananthabhadram | Santhosh Sivan | 2005 |
External links
- M.G Radhakrishnan passes away
- MG Radhakrishnan at MSI
- Remembering M. G. Radhakrishnan - K. S. Chithra (in Malayalam)
- Remembering M. G. Radhakrishnan - Sreekumaran Thampi (in Malayalam)
- Remembering M. G. Radhakrishnan - Fazil (in Malayalam)
- Remembering M. G. Radhakrishnan - Johnson (in Malayalam)