K. P. Brahmanandan

Brahmanandan was born in Kadakkavoor, which is located north of Trivandrum district in Kerala. His father was a pioneer in boat architecture and his name has taken him far beyond boundaries. He was the third child of his parents, who had eight children altogether. Brahmanandan was the father of Rakesh Brahmanandan, noted Malayalam singer.[2]

Brahmanandan died at his home in Kadakkavoor on 10 August 2004, at the age of 58.[1] He was a chronic diabetic and also suffered from various other health problems. He is survived by his wife Usha, son Rakesh and daughter Athira.

Brahmanandan has received All-India Radio Award In 1965, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy award and Critics Award - 1999.[3] But, still his fans say that he did not get enough recognition.

He made his debut in cinema through `Kalli Chellamma' with the popular song, `Manathe kayalin... ' in 1969 under the baton of K. Raghavan. Before that, he had sung a few songs for All-India Radio, Thiruvananthapuram.

The hit songs he rendered included `Thamarapoo Naanichu... ' (Taxi Car), `Neela Niseethini' (CID Naseer),[4] `Raga Tharangam' (Palazhi Mathanam), `Priyamullavale' (Thekkan Kaattu), `Thaaraka Rupini... ' (Saasthram Jayichu Manushyan Thottu), `Kshetramethennariyatha Theerthayatra... ' (Poojakkedukkaatha Pookkal), `Udayasooryan Namme Urakkan... ' (Nrittasaala), `Chandrikaa Charchithamam Raatriyodo' (Putrakameshti), `Kanavu Neythoru Kalpitha Kathayile... ' (Manyashree Viswamitran).The noted songs for famous Malayalam Director Bharathan's movies were "Maaleya Lepanam" for the movie "Eenam" and "Koovaram kili koodu" for the movie "Kattathe Kilikoodu".

Among those who honed his talent were composers such as V. Dakshinamurthy, M. K. Arjunan, A. T. Ummer and R. K. Shekhar.

He also sang for a dozen Tamil films, for composers such as Ilaiyaraja...Santha Kavigal for Tamil movie "Metti" from Director Mahendran and Shankar Ganesh, and composed the music for two movies, `Malayathi Pennu' and `Kanni Nilaavu'.[1]

"Brahmanandan Foundation", constituted in memory of Brahmanandan encourages projects that promote values in line with particular interests that are well informed, that have clearly defined goals, and that are innovative and risk-taking, while acknowledging traditional standards of excellence and responsibility to the music.[5] The foundation has also constituted Brahmanandan memorial award, for excellence in Music.[6]