MUSIC DIRECTOR –II
K V MAHADEVAN [ Krishnan koil Venkatachalam Mahadevan -14-03 1918- 21-06- 2001]
KVM was affectionately referred to as “MAMA” in the cine-industry circles in general and among music groups in particular. He was very humble, quite adept in music elements of the classical variety. He hails from Nagercoil region of Kanyakumari district. Like his contemporaries he too had a beginning in drama troupes before finding his way into movies. Since 1942 KVM had been an MD in his own right. A UNIQUE feature OF SHRI. KVM WAS HIS PREFERENCE TO FIND TUNE FOR THE LYRIC; HE NEVER GAVE A TUNE BEFORE ANY LYRIC WAS WRITEN. In Telugu industry KVM was popular as ‘maamaa’ and he was crowned with the title ‘SWARA BRAHMA’ IN RCOGNITION OF HIS TALENT in choosing best swara patterns for songs. In keeping with Telugu tradition KV M was named ‘MAHADEVAM’, in their movie titles. He commanded respect from all MDs across the country. His humble nature endeared him to one and all among musicians, MDs, actors and Directors of that period.
Mama had registered his stamp as an MD firmly in Telugu movies; may be because, Telugu language is also intimately intertwined with carnatic music. Mama’s purist trend in sticking to raga definitions made him a ‘reliable’ MD among die-hard purists who preferred the classical frame work to stay intact. KVM had helped many persons even during his own early days in the industry. Notable among them are LRE, MSV and singer SPB. LRE was introduced as a play back singer in ‘Nalla idaththu sambandham’ [1957].
MSV was dissuaded by KVM from joining as chorus singer in Modern theatres and advised to move to Chennai, looking for opportunities in music composing groups. Another item relates to singer SPB. As a singer, SPB WAS NOT TOO CONFIDENT OF SINGING ‘CARNATIC –RAGA BASED NUMBRERS; It was Mr. PUGAZHENDHI [KVM’s DEPUTY] who systematically trained him to sing in particular articulation. That made SPB a grand singer of classical ragas as he did in ‘SANKARABARANAM’ [Tamil/ Telugu]. SPB’s opportunity to sing for the matinee idol MGR in ADIMAIPPEN was also under the stewardship of KVM.So to say KVM’s career has been quite illustrious as much as it was lustrous.
KVM has scored music for over 600 movies in southern languages. His grasp of non-tamil lyrics proved a grand advantage in deciphering the lyric content to which he delivered the appropriate swara sequences to sustain emotion.
His filmography record looks formidable to say the least, with over 600 films as MD. He has worked on various projects of the then leading stars –Sivaji Ganesan , MGR, Gemini Ganesan, and every other known name in the industry. He has been employed by the leading movie-makers of those times. Quite a number of peppy songs are credited to KVM [MAAMAA MAAMAA MAAMAA- ‘Kumudham’, ELANDHAPAYAM [‘panamaa paasamaa’], His folk / gana like piece in ‘1000 ROOPAAI ‘ – aanaakka andha madam aavaatti sandha madam’ was an instant hit of sorts where KVM had utilized P Susheela’s voice contrary to expectations.
‘Vietnaam veedu’, ‘En Annan’, ‘Vasantha maaligai’, ‘Maattukkaara velan’ are some movies credited to KVM as MD. A comically rich song ‘ buddhi sigaamani petra pillai’ in ‘IRUVAR ULLAM’ was another feather on KVM’s cap. His outstanding pieces were ‘THIRU VILAIYAADAL’, ‘THILLAANA MOHANAAMBAAL’ and ‘SHANKARAABARANAM’. The whole gamut of films produced by Sandow MM Chinnappa devar had always songs scored by KVM.
KVM was the first recipient of the National Award [1967] “kandhan karunai”;
National best music award [1980] ‘shankarabaranam.
TN best film music award [1969] ‘Adimaippenn’] He has also won several other awards for music scores. Andhra state ‘NANDHI AWARD – THRICE.
KVM had a glorious career but stayed in the confines of work making no fuss. I salute his polite achievements in film music.
Prof. K. Raman
Behind KVM Pugazhendi was there. Many use to appreciate Pugazhendi
ReplyDeleteK.Venkataraman