Kamukara Purushothaman Biography 
Kamukara Purushothaman was a legendary singer associated with Malayalam cinema since early 1950s, who is known for philosophical songs. Thus he is one of the prominent male singers when playback singing took off in Malayalam film scene. The man with the golden voice - he recorded his first film song in the year 1953 for the movie, Ponkathir and spent more than 2 decades in the industry in around 70 movies, apart from other works. "Aathmavidyalayame" for the film Harishchandra and "Ekanthathayude" for Bhargavi Nilayam are widely considered the golden hits of Malayalam oldies, sung by Kamukara. He, along with K. P. Udayabhanu and other senior singers formed a music troupe by name Old is Gold, and has conducted stage shows in India and abroad popularizing oldies. His sister Leela Omchery is also a Carnatic singer and a recipient of Padmashri.
Kamukara Purushothaman, popularly known as Kamukara, belonged to Kanya Kumari district of present day Tamil Nadu, then part of Kingdom of Travancore. He was born on December 4, 1930 in a village Thiruvattar. He started formal training in Carnatic music at a very young age and his first guru was Thiruvattar Arumugham Pillai Bhagavathar. He also learnt music lessons from his sister, Leela Omchery. His parents were also well versed in Classical music. His arangettam in Carnatic music was done at Aadi Keshava Temple, Thiruvattar and started doing public concerts by the age of 15.
He became an artist at Thiruvananthapuram Broadcasting Corporation by the age of 20 and also joined AIR as a Carnatic vocalist. He made his debut as a playback singer in 1953 for the movie, Ponkathir. He has rendered his golden voice for many hits like Asoka Vanathile Seethamma of Kallichellamma, Eeswara chintha ithonne manujanu of Bhakta Kuchela, Ganga Jamuna of Hotel High range, Osana, Osana of Snapaka Yohannan, Mattoru Seethaye of Tharavattamma, Thumpappoo peyyana poonilaave of Randidangazhi etc. He excelled in sad and philosophical songs like Saighal of Hindi oldies. However the fast number - Pancha Varna Thatha Pole of Karutha Kai is an exception.
Published: N/A
Updated: January 28, 2016
