G. Venugopal Biography 
Venugopal is a famous playback singer of Malayalam cinema who has sung for a few Tamil and Telugu movies as well. His most popular songs are ‘Thaane poovitta moham’ of Sasneham, ‘Etho varmukilin’ of Pookkaalam varavai and ‘Raree raariram raaro’ of Onnu muthal poojyam vare. His other hits include Chandana manivaathil paathi chaari of Marikkunnilla jnan, Swapnangal swargam kaanum of Malootty, Aadedee aadaadedee of Ullam and Unarume gaanam of Moonampakkam. He became well settled in Malayalam music industry since 1987 with Priyadarshan’s movie Odarathammava Aalariyam and has delivered many memorable melodious songs to Malayalis. He is most known for slow numbers with melody touch and has sung for about 300 movies till now. He resides in the capital city of Kerala right now.
Venugopal entered the film industry at a time when Yesudas was the top voice. His most popular song during 1980’s ‘Raree raariram’ was given to him only because film makers couldn’t afford Yesudas’ fee. Thus the song remained undubbed later and thus added to Venu Gopal’s collection. But later too, music composer Mohan Sitara agreed that Venu’s voice was best suited for the song than Yesudas and his voice made the song hit too! He got fewer opportunities comparing the leading voice of Yesudas. In 1990’s too, the same thing happened. First and second preferences were given to Yesudas and M.G. Sreekumar respectively. Venu Gopal has successfully conducted many stage shows all over Kerala and still remembered for the rarest of rarest songs he has given to Mollywood.
He has sung for almost all leading heroes including Mohan lal, Jayaram, Balachandra Menon, Murali and Mukesh. His other major hits are Onnaam raagam paadi of Thuvana thumbikal, Maayaa manchalil of Ottayaal pattalam, Thumbapu kodiyuduthu of Sandesham, Thooval vinnin maaril chaarthi of Thalayana manthram, Gurucharanam tharanam of Guru, Pallitherundo of Mazhavil Kavadi, Kaanaanazhakulla maanikyakuyile of Oozham, Karuka vavayal kuruvi of Dhruvam and Manasse shaanthamaaku of Aalilakkuruvikal. He was a popular choice of music directors like Johnson, Raveendran, S.P. Venkatesh, Mohan Sithara, Raveendran and Ouseppachan. Ilayaraja used his voice to sing the best tune of Moonnam pakkam – Unarume gaanam.
He has won Kerala state awards thrice - Unarumee Gaanam, Thaane poovitta moham and Aadedee aadaadedee. He has won critics award twice – Onnam raagam paadi of Thuvana thumbikal and Mainaaga Ponmudiyil & Pallitherunto of Mazhavil kaavadi. He won Asiante awards for ‘Kai niraye venna tharaam’ of Baba kalyani.
Published: N/A
Updated: July 08, 2013
