AR Rahman's Mentor, Music Director MK Arjunan Dies At 84

Veteran Malayalam music maestro M.K.Arjunan known for composing many melodies for Malayalam cinema passed away on Monday, April 06. He was 84 and was suffering from age-related ailments.

Arjunan was the man who gave music director A.R.Rahman his first break but letting him play keyboard in one of his films. In 2017, Rahman flew down from the US to attend his birthday programme.  'Karuthapurnami' was his debut movie as a composer which was released in 1968. His association with the leading lyricist Sreekumaran Thampi in almost 50 films was one of the most prolific composer-lyricist partnerships in Malayalam film industry.

Arjunan is often remembered for maintaing a low profile life and humble nature as he held to his convictions, both in life and music.

His first Kerala State Film award for the best music director in the film "Bhayanakam" however came late when he is 82 in 2017.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the passing away of the great musician is a huge loss not just to the music industry but to the society as well.

The last rites would be held at Kochi, later in the day.