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{{short description|Indian composer}}
{{Short description|Indian composer (1936–2020)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Indian name|Arjunan|Maliyekkal Kochukunju}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
|name = M. K. Arjunan
|name = M. K. Arjunan
|native_name = എം. കെ. അർജുനൻ
|native_name_lang = mal
| image          = Arjunan master.jpg
| image          = Arjunan master.jpg
| caption        =  
| caption        =  
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|genre = Film music, theatre music
|genre = Film music, theatre music
|occupation = [[Theatre music|Theatre composer]], [[film composer]], [[music director]]
|occupation = [[Theatre music|Theatre composer]], [[film composer]], [[music director]]
|years_active = 1950-2019
|years_active = 1950-2020
|spouse = Bharathi (m. 1964)
|label =  
|label =  
|associated_acts = [[Vayalar Rama Varma]]<br>[[K. J. Yesudas]]
|website =  
|website =  
}}
}}


'''M. K. Arjunan''' ({{lang-ml|എം.കെ. അർജുനൻ}}; 1 March 1936 – 6 April 2020) was an Indian film and theatre composer, known for his works in [[Cinema of Kerala|Malayalam cinema]] and the theatre of Kerala.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/maestro-m-k-arjunan-rewinds-to-his-long-and-illustrious-career-as-a-music-director-in-malayalam-cinema/article23311613.ece|title='You need to be lucky in the world of films': M. K. Arjunan|publisher=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> He was fondly referred to as ''Arjunan Master''.
'''Maliyekkal Kochukunju Arjunan''' (1 March 1936 – 6 April 2020) was an Indian film and theatre composer, known for his works in [[Cinema of Kerala|Malayalam cinema]] and the theatre of Kerala.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/maestro-m-k-arjunan-rewinds-to-his-long-and-illustrious-career-as-a-music-director-in-malayalam-cinema/article23311613.ece|title='You need to be lucky in the world of films': M. K. Arjunan|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> He was fondly referred to as ''Arjunan Master''.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Arjunan was born at Chirattapalam in [[Fort Kochi]] (now part of India) on 1 March 1936 as the youngest of 14 children born to Kochukunju and Paru, among whom only four survived childhood. He lost his father at a young age and his mother (Parvathi), unable to provide for all her children, sent Arjunan and his brother, Prabhakaran, to Jeevakarunyananda Ashram at [[Palani]] where Arjunan got his first lessons in music. After school, the students would sing  [[bhajans]]; his singing led the head of the ashram  to give him music lessons. For the next few years Arjunan learned music Kumarayya Pillai.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/the-original-master-of-melody/article8302523.ece|title=The Original Master of Melody|publisher=The Hindu}}</ref> He later learnt music under K.N Vijayarajan Master.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/half-a-century-not-out/article3186932.ece|title=Half a century, not out|date=2006-02-06|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-01-16|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
Arjunan was born at Chirattapalam in [[Fort Kochi]] (now part of India) on 1 March 1936 as the youngest of 14 children born to Kochukunju and Paru, among whom only four survived childhood. He lost his father at a young age and his mother (Parvathi), unable to provide for all her children, sent Arjunan and his brother, Prabhakaran, to Jeevakarunyananda Ashram at [[Palani]] where Arjunan got his first lessons in music. After school, the students would sing  [[bhajans]]; his singing led the head of the ashram  to give him music lessons. For the next few years Arjunan learned music Kumarayya Pillai.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/the-original-master-of-melody/article8302523.ece|title=The Original Master of Melody|work=The Hindu}}</ref> He later learnt music under K.N Vijayarajan Master.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/half-a-century-not-out/article3186932.ece|title=Half a century, not out|date=2006-02-06|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-01-16|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


==Career and death==
==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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2018/mar/09/kerala-state-awards-the-master-composer-is-rewarded-after-50-years-1784224.html|title=Kerala State Awards: The master composer is rewarded after 50 years | publisher=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2018/mar/09/kerala-state-awards-the-master-composer-is-rewarded-after-50-years-1784224.html|title=Kerala State Awards: The master composer is rewarded after 50 years | publisher=The New Indian Express}}</ref>


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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/music/090318/sweet-end-to-a-long-wait.html|title=Sweet end to a long wait|publisher=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/music/090318/sweet-end-to-a-long-wait.html|title=Sweet end to a long wait|publisher=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref>
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During a career spanning 50 years in cinema, Arjunan scored music for more than 500 songs in over 218 Malayalam films.<ref name="hindu_apr06a">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/04/28/stories/2006042800300300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913154759/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/04/28/stories/2006042800300300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 September 2008 |title=A long musical journey |date=28 April 2006 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=17 January 2010}}</ref>
During a career spanning 50 years in cinema, Arjunan scored music for more than 500 songs in over 218 Malayalam films.<ref name="hindu_apr06a">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/04/28/stories/2006042800300300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913154759/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/04/28/stories/2006042800300300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 September 2008 |title=A long musical journey |date=28 April 2006 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=17 January 2010}}</ref>


He is also credited with giving [[A. R. Rahman]] his first musical break by giving him a chance to play keyboards in a film. He died on 6 April 2020, at Kochi, Kerala.<ref name="ARR">{{cite web |title=Film fraternity hails Rahman, Pookutty for win |work=The Indian Express |location=India |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/film-fraternity-hails-rahman-pookutty-for-win/427046/0 |date=23 February 2009 |access-date=29 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/music/interviews/2019/05/07/exclussive-interview-with-mk-arjunan-master-about-ar-rahman.html|title=Exclusive Interview with M K Arjunan master about A R Rahman|publisher=Malayala Manorama}}</ref>
He is also credited with giving [[A. R. Rahman]] his first musical break by giving him a chance to play keyboards in a film.<ref name="ARR">{{cite web |title=Film fraternity hails Rahman, Pookutty for win |work=The Indian Express |location=India |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/film-fraternity-hails-rahman-pookutty-for-win/427046/0 |date=23 February 2009 |access-date=29 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/music/interviews/2019/05/07/exclussive-interview-with-mk-arjunan-master-about-ar-rahman.html|title=Exclusive Interview with M K Arjunan master about A R Rahman|publisher=Malayala Manorama}}</ref>
 
His last film was ''Vellaram Kunnile Vellimeenukal'', with songs written by [[Rajeev Alunkal]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/music/music-news/2020/04/06/last-song-of-arjunan-master.html|title=അവസാന അർജുന സംഗീതം രാജീവ് ആലുങ്കലിന്റെ വരികൾക്ക്|website=ManoramaOnline|language=ml|access-date=2020-04-06}}</ref> His last music composition was in December 2019 for Sreek Music's three love songs written by lyricist Sreekanth M Girinath.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/ernakulam/news/08apr2020-1.4674425|title=അർജുനൻ മാഷിന്റെ അവസാന ഈണങ്ങൾ നെഞ്ചോടു ചേർത്ത് ശ്രീകാന്ത്|website=mathrubhumi|language=ml|access-date=2020-04-08|archive-date=11 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411181158/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/ernakulam/news/08apr2020-1.4674425|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Veteran music composer MK Arjunan is no more - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/veteran-music-composer-mk-arjunan-is-no-more/articleshow/75000949.cms|access-date=2021-08-15|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=P. k Ajith|date=2020-04-06|title=Music composer M.K. Arjunan no more|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/music-composer-mk-arjunan-no-more/article31266402.ece|access-date=2021-08-15|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> 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.


His last film was ''Vellaram Kunnile Vellimeenukal'', with songs written by [[Rajeev Alunkal]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/music/music-news/2020/04/06/last-song-of-arjunan-master.html|title=അവസാന അർജുന സംഗീതം രാജീവ് ആലുങ്കലിന്റെ വരികൾക്ക്|website=ManoramaOnline|language=ml|access-date=2020-04-06}}</ref> His last music composition was on 2019 December for Sreek Music's three love songs written by lyricist Sreekanth M Girinath  <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/ernakulam/news/08apr2020-1.4674425|title=അർജുനൻ മാഷിന്റെ അവസാന ഈണങ്ങൾ നെഞ്ചോടു ചേർത്ത് ശ്രീകാന്ത്|website=mathrubhumi|language=ml|access-date=2020-04-08}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Veteran music composer MK Arjunan is no more - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/veteran-music-composer-mk-arjunan-is-no-more/articleshow/75000949.cms|access-date=2021-08-15|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=P. k Ajith|date=2020-04-06|title=Music composer M.K. Arjunan no more|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/music-composer-mk-arjunan-no-more/article31266402.ece|access-date=2021-08-15|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
==Discography==
{{Main|M. K. Arjunan filmography}}


==Awards==
==Awards==
*[[48th Kerala State Film Awards]] for [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director ]] - 2017-Bhayanakam<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kerala State Film Awards: Debut films steal the show - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kerala-state-film-awards-debut-films-steal-the-show/articleshow/63226786.cms|access-date=2021-08-15|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>
*[[Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award]] - 1992<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.keralaculture.org/light-music/467 |title=Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award: Light Music |publisher=Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala|access-date=26 February 2023}}</ref>
*[[Kerala Film Critics Association Awards]] 2018 - Chalachitra Rathna award<ref>{{Cite news|last=Correspondent|first=A.|date=2018-04-20|title=Film critics awards announced|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/film-critics-awards-announced/article23621153.ece|access-date=2021-08-15|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
*[[Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship]] - 2008<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.keralaculture.org/classical-music/456|title=Classical Music|publisher=Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala|access-date=24 February 2023}}</ref>
*[[48th Kerala State Film Awards]] for [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director ]] - 2017-Bhayanakam<ref>{{Cite news|title=Kerala State Film Awards: Debut films steal the show - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kerala-state-film-awards-debut-films-steal-the-show/articleshow/63226786.cms|access-date=2021-08-15|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>
*[[Kerala Film Critics Association Awards]] 2018 - Chalachitra Rathna award<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-04-20 |title=Film critics awards announced |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/film-critics-awards-announced/article23621153.ece |access-date=2021-08-15 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
*Mazhavil Mango Music Awards - 2018-Lifetime achievement<ref>{{Cite web|title=Abrid Shine's Poomaram wins big at Mazhavil Mango Music awards|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/music/2018/08/07/mazhavil-mango-music-awards-winners.html|access-date=2021-08-15|website=OnManorama}}</ref>
*Mazhavil Mango Music Awards - 2018-Lifetime achievement<ref>{{Cite web|title=Abrid Shine's Poomaram wins big at Mazhavil Mango Music awards|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/music/2018/08/07/mazhavil-mango-music-awards-winners.html|access-date=2021-08-15|website=OnManorama}}</ref>
*Thudi cultural forum K Raghavan puraskaram - 2019<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-04-06|title=Veteran Malayalam Music Composer MK Arjunan Passes Away at 84|url=https://www.india.com/entertainment/veteran-malayalam-music-composer-mk-arjunan-passes-away-at-84-3991784/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-15|website=India.com|language=en}}</ref>
*Thudi cultural forum K Raghavan puraskaram - 2019<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-04-06|title=Veteran Malayalam Music Composer MK Arjunan Passes Away at 84|url=https://www.india.com/entertainment/veteran-malayalam-music-composer-mk-arjunan-passes-away-at-84-3991784/|access-date=2021-08-15|website=India.com|language=en}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Arjunan, M. K.}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Arjunan, M. K.}}
[[Category:Indian male composers]]
[[Category:Malayalam film score composers]]
[[Category:Malayalam film score composers]]
[[Category:Malayali people]]
[[Category:Malayali people]]
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[[Category:20th-century Indian composers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian composers]]
[[Category:1936 births]]
[[Category:1936 births]]
[[Category:Male film score composers]]
[[Category:Indian male film score composers]]
[[Category:20th-century male musicians]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male musicians]]
[[Category:Kerala Film Critics Association Awards winners]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award]]

Latest revision as of 09:34, 24 November 2025



In this Indian name, the name Maliyekkal Kochukunju is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by the given name, Arjunan.
M. K. Arjunan
Background information
Born(1936-03-01)1 March 1936
Chirattapalam, Cochin
Died6 April 2020(2020-04-06) (aged 84)
Kochi, Kerala, India
GenresFilm music, theatre music
Occupation(s)Theatre composer, film composer, music director
InstrumentsHarmonium
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[edit | edit source]

Arjunan was born at Chirattapalam in Fort Kochi (now part of India) on 1 March 1936 as the youngest of 14 children born to Kochukunju and Paru, among whom only four survived childhood. He lost his father at a young age and his mother (Parvathi), unable to provide for all her children, sent Arjunan and his brother, Prabhakaran, to Jeevakarunyananda Ashram at Palani where Arjunan got his first lessons in music. After school, the students would sing 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[edit | edit source]

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 in December 2019 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[edit | edit source]

Main article: M. K. Arjunan filmography

Awards[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  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. ↑ "Half a century, not out". The Hindu. 6 February 2006. 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 മലയാളം). Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  10. ↑ "അർജുനൻ മാഷിന്റെ അവസാന ഈണങ്ങൾ നെഞ്ചോടു ചേർത്ത് ശ്രീകാന്ത്". mathrubhumi (in മലയാളം). 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. ↑ Kumar, P. k Ajith (6 April 2020). "Music composer M.K. Arjunan no more". The Hindu. 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. ↑ "Film critics awards announced". The Hindu. 20 April 2018. 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[edit | edit source]

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