Malayalam music director Devarajan passes away

Chennai, March 15 (UNI) Renowned Malayalam music director G Devarajan died of heart attack at his residence here early today.

He was 78. He is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.

Mr Devarajan, who reigned the Malayalam film music world for five decades, was admitted to a city hospital last week following illness.

He was discharged from hospital yesterday but suffered heart attack around midnight. He died on the way to hospital, family sources said.

The mortal remains will be taken to Thiruvananthapuram tomorrow for the final rites.

Besides composing music for over 350 films in Malayalam, he had also rendered music for Tamil and Kannada films. His hit numbers in the Tamil film 'Annai Velankanni' made him popular in Tamil Nadu.

Having made his debut in the Malayalam film 'Kalam Maraunnu' in 1955, he went on to carve a niche for himself in the Malayalam film music by composing several melodies.

Films such as 'Chemparathi,' 'Oru Penninde Katha,' 'Nadhi' and 'Swami Ayyappan' stand testimony to his music genius.

Mr Devarajan gave his first classical concert at the age of 18.

Attracted to the Communist movement, he composed music for several plays of the pro-communist Kerala Peoples Arts Club.

His meeting with renowned lyricist Vayalar Rama Varma at this juncture led to a long-term association during which the pair produced hundreds of memorable songs.

Mr Devarajan won several awards and honours, including the Kerala Government's best music director award for five times, during his illustrious career.

UNI AKN KVV YA RK1336