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==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. Losing his father at a young age, the burden of looking after a big family fell on his mother (Parvathi). Unable to provide for all her children she sent Arjunan and his brother, Prabhakaran, to Jeevakarunyananda Ashram at [[Palani]]. It was here that Arjunan got his first lessons in music. Every evening, after school, Arjunan would join the other children in singing [[bhajans]]. Noticing something different in the young boy, the head of the ashram decided to give him music lessons. For the next few years Arjunan began learning music under 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|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>


==Career==
==Career and death==
During his youth, composing music was another turn in Arjunan's life. After attempts in small-time amateur plays, music composing grew into a serious hobby. Arjunan was soon sought after by almost every amateur troupe. He then graduated to the professional stage and was soon associated with top names like Changanassery Geedha, People's Theatre, Kalidasa Kalakendram, Desabhimani Theatres, Alleppey Theatres and KPAC. Arjunan Master went on to compose around 800 songs for 300 plays. This association grew into an intimate bond, which he maintained until his death.<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=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>


The next step was cinema. At a time when stalwarts like [[K. Raghavan]], [[G. Devarajan]] and [[M. S. Baburaj]] ruled the roost, Arjunan managed to break into the scene and establish an identity of his own. ''Karuthapurnami'' was his debut movie as a composer which was 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>


During a career spanning 50 years in film field, Arjunan Master has 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. 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>


His last film was ''Vellaram Kunnile Vellimeenukal''. This film songs was 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. He is survived by his wife Bharathi and five children - three daughters and two sons.
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>


==Awards==
==Awards==
*[[48th Kerala State Film Awards]] for [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director ]] - 2017-Bhayanakam
*[[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 Film Critics Association Awards]] 2018 - Chalachitra Rathna award
*[[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>
*Mazhavil Mango Music Awards - 2018-Lifetime achievement
*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
*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>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 10:52, 15 August 2021


M. K. Arjunan
എം. കെ. അർജുനൻ
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 active1950-2019
Associated actsVayalar Rama Varma
K. J. Yesudas

M. K. Arjunan (Malayalam: എം.കെ. അർജുനൻ; 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 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

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. He died on 6 April 2020, at Kochi, Kerala.[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]

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. ↑ "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). 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 State Film Awards: Debut films steal the show - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  14. ↑ Correspondent, A. (20 April 2018). "Film critics awards announced". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 15 August 2021. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  15. ↑ "Abrid Shine's Poomaram wins big at Mazhavil Mango Music awards". OnManorama. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  16. ↑ "Veteran Malayalam Music Composer MK Arjunan Passes Away at 84". India.com. 6 April 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

External links

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