Cinemaazi remembers K Raghavan on his death anniversary

One of the most beloved music composers of Malayalam cinema,K Raghavan has over 400 songs to his name. Born in Tellichery on 2 December, 1913 to M Krishnan and Narayani, he was a student of Carnatic music under Narayana Iyer from a young age. Despite coming under fire from the rest of his community for taking in a student from a lower caste, Iyer did not back down from training him. He started off as a tambura player for All India Radio, Madras. He was later transferred to Calicut after Independence. He initially wanted to become a singer, but these attempts met with failure. When his friend P Bhaskaran offered him the chance to compose the music for Neelakyuil(1954) he seized the day. The songs were a huge success, especially Kayalarilathu valayerinjappol. He initially composed under the name of Reghunath as it was not allowed for government officials to pursue other interests. His introduction of folk rhythms in Malayalam film music was influential. He won two Kerala State Film Awards for Best Music director - for Nirmalyam(1973) and Poojakkedukkatha Pookal (1977). He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2010. Cinemaazi celebrates his contribution to cinema on his death anniversary