M. K. Arjunan Biography 
M. K. Arjunan, fondly known as Arjunan Master is a noted music composer of Malayalam cinema who has given many golden tunes in the era of 70’s. He entered music world in 1968 through P. Bhaskaran’s lyrics – Hridayamuruki nee karayillenkil. He is credited as the music director who gave first opportunity to A.R. Rahman as a keyboard player for his music. It happened in 1981 for the movie ‘Asumachangala’ when A.R. Rahman was only 12 years old. He is also credited for recording the first song of K. J. Yesudas when he was only 16. It was a revolution song recorded in a tape recorder, written by Ponkunnam Damodharan.
M.K. Arjunan was born in a big family of 14 kids as the youngest one. He lost his father soon after his birth and had to face financial troubles and poverty. He left his birth place Palluruthi at the age of 8 along with his elder brother. They reached an ashram at Palani. His singing talents were discovered by people there, who happened to hear his melodious bhajans. He was given extra care and taught its formal lessons. After 3 years he returned back thinking he can start a living by singing concerts. But it was not easy to get opportunities and he started his career giving music to theatre plays. He became successful very soon. Arjunan was soon sought after by almost every amateur troupe. It was during one such occasion that he recorded his first song in Yesudas’ voice, 10 years before Yesudas started his film journey.
His film journey started as the harmonist of Devrajan and later when he reached Chennai, R.K. Shekhar, A.R.Rahman’s father became his dearest friend. He has recorded many songs in Shekhar’s studio. As a music director, his first opportunity was given by P. Bhaskaran. He entered the field when K. Raghavan, G. Devarajan and M. S. Baburaj were ruling the top. Yet he was able to create his own identity with numerous tunes he produced. Spanning in a period of 5 decades, Arjunan Master has scored music for more than 500 songs in over 218 Malayalam films.
A few of his hit songs are Kasthuri manakkunnallo and Vaalkannezhuthi of Picnic, Yamune prema yamune, Pournami chandrika and Paadatha veenayum of Guest House and Kaayal karayil thanichu vannathu.
Published: N/A
Updated: September 19, 2013
