# K. V. Mahadevan

Krishnankoil Venkadachalam Mahadevan (14 March 1918 – 21 June 2001) was an Indian composer, singer-songwriter, music producer, and musician who won the inaugural National Film Award for Best Music Direction in (1967) for Kandan Karunai. Known for his works in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films. He is best known for his contributions in works such as Manchi Manasulu (1962), Lava Kusa (1963), Thiruvilaiyadal (1965), Saraswathi Sabatham (1966), Kandan Karunai (1967), Thillana Mohanambal (1968), Adimai Penn (1969), Balaraju Katha (1970), Athiparasakthi (1971), Sankarabharanam (1979), Saptapadi (1981), Sirivennela (1986), Sruthilayalu (1987), Sutradharulu (1989), Pelli Pustakam (1991), and Swathi Kiranam (1992).
A contemporary of M. S. Viswanathan and T. K. Ramamoorthy, starting his career in 1942 with Manonmani, Mahadevan scored music for over six hundred feature films, spanning four decades, and has garnered two National Film Awards, three Andhra Pradesh state Nandi Awards, a Tamil Nadu State Film Award, and a Filmfare Award South. He was also conferred the title of "Thirai Isai Thilagam" (Pride of Cine Music Directors) in Tamil cinema. His assistant Pukazhenthi is credited to have usually writing the score and arranging the orchestra, after Mahadevan composes a tune.

## Early life and career

K. V. Mahadevan was born in 1918 at Krishnancoil, a locality in Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District. Father Venkadachalam Bhagavathar and Mother Pichaiyammal K. V. Mahadevan, also called by his honorific name Thirai Isai Thilagam (lit. pride of film music), did music composing for more than 50 years, beginning from 1942 until 1993.
Telugu Film Industry crowned him with title "Swara Brahma" (Creator/Father of Musical notes). His song "mama mama mama" from 1962 Telugu movie Manchi Manasulu became popular those days, as a result, Telugu film industry with love started calling him "Mama" since then.
His favorite music instrument is Nadaswaram similar to (Shehnai).It could be the reason his compositions have always reflected its mellifluous pattern. Another great characteristic from this scholar as it is known to everyone and open fact that he never asked lyricist to write lyrics for his earlier composed tunes. Always composed tunes to written lyrics.Very few in India have been able to exercise this feat with success.
Music has no Language barriers. "Sisurvethi, pasurvethi, vethiganarasamphanihi" is a popular Sanskrit axiom which says that Music has the power to impress a child, animal, and the universe alike. As we can read from Climax song of film Sankarabharanam (1980 film), "Tatva Saadhana ku Satya Shodhana ku Sangeethame Sopanam" (Music is a Stair Case for attaining Enlightenment and truth discovery)
"Swara Brahma" left no foot prints of his mother tongue when it comes to his scores in other languages. Telugu language being inherited from Sanskrit, has its own nativity which composers of Telugu as their mother tongue and "North" (O. P. Nayyar), "West" (C. Ramchandra), (Shankar–Jaikishan), (Laxmikant–Pyarelal), (Chirrantan Bhatt), "East" (R. D. Burman), (Salil Chowdhury), (Ravindra Jain), (Bappi Lahiri) like composers could fulfill effortlessly. "Swara Brahma" automatically had fallen into that groove as he was getting to know meaning of lyrics for every song before composing them. Assistant Puhalendi too exhibited similar characteristics as it was evident from interludes orchestration.
According to famous Director K. Raghavendra Rao opinion as expressed by him, Mama "Mahadevan" is "Saraswati Putra" and K. Chakravarthy is "Ekalavya". His 1977 film Adavi Ramudu (1977 film) was recorded as the highest grossing Telugu film of the 1970s. Director K. Raghavendra Rao 's father K. S. Prakash Rao mostly worked with Pendyala Nageswara Rao between 1950&1974. K. Chakravarthy too composed good music for music lover K. Raghavendra Rao previous movies Jyothi (1976 film) and Kalpana (1977 film).
But Production house Sathya Chitra earlier production Tahsildar Gari Ammayi music was scored by Mama. Based on their faith, Sathya chitra insisted and retained "Mama" for N. T. Rama Rao movie Adavi Ramudu (1977 film). Mama's composition "Krushi vunte Manushulu Rushulavutaaru" (Effort makes Humans Saints) stands testimony to all stake holders of this movie and to every one who believes in determination. "Yuva Chitra Arts" banner Producer K. Murari being ardent fan of "Mama" stopped producing movies ever since "Mama" called it a day in his career. Director Bapu (director), Producer S. Gopala Reddy, Director Kodi Ramakrishna and later in his career actor Mohan Babu loved working with "Mama". It would be tough to guess between "Swara Brahma" and Director "K. Viswanath" as to, who was elemental in whose fame. Combined effort returned laurels to art of Cinema. May be "Vidhaata talapuna prabhavinchinadi anaadi Jeevana Vedam". Contemporary musician P. Bhanumathi criticized "Mama" about his score for movie Sankarabharanam (1980 film) as lighter version Carnatic music Raga 's rendered by him. Later she even went on to sing a song "Shree Surya Narayanaa Melukoo" for "Mama" in his 1984 movie Mangammagari Manavadu .
His music assistant known as Puhalendi in Telugu film industry was with him like a life partner throughout his life, though scored few films on his own. Mahadevan-Puhalendi Pukazhenthi as music director duo scored music for 1993 N. T. Rama Rao movie Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhowmudu directed by Bapu (director).

## Filmography
### Tamil

* Manonmani (1942) – Credited as Kalyanam Orchestra
* Aanandan or Akkini Puraana Magimai (1942) – Credited as Kalyanam Orchestra with G. Ramanathan
* Dhana Amaravathi (1947)
* Devadasi (1948)
* Jambam (1948)
* Kumari (1952)
* Madana Mohini (1953)
* Rohini (1953) – with G. Ramanathan and D. C. Dutt
* Naalvar (1953)
* Nallakalam (1954)
* Mangalyam (1954)
* Koondukkili (1954)
* Mullaivanam (1955)
* Pennarasi (1955)
* Asai Anna Arumai Thambi (1955)
* Town Bus (1955)
* Moondru Pengal (1956)
* Thaaikkuppin Thaaram (1956)
* Makkalai Petra Magarasi (1957)
* Raja Rajan (1957)
* Neelamalai Thirudan (1957)
* Mudhalali (1957)
* Magudam Katha Mangai (1957)
* Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum (1958)
* Nalla Idathu Sambandham (1958)
* Sampoorna Ramayanam (1958)
* Bommai Kalyanam (1958)
* Thirudargal Jakkirathai (1958)
* Sengottai Singam (1958)
* Pillai Kaniyamudhu (1958)
* Peria Koil (1958)
* Manamulla Maruthaaram (1958)
* Neelavukku Neranja Manasu (1958)
* Sollu Thambi Sollu (1959)
* Madhavi (1959)
* Thayapola Pillai Noolapola Selai (1959)
* Uzhavukkum Thozhilukkum Vandhanai Seivom (1959)
* Vaazha Vaitha Deivam (1959)
* Vannakili (1959)
* Alli Petra Pillai (1959)
* Naalu Veli Nilam (1959)
* Kaveriyin Kanavan (1959)
* Abalai Anjugam (1959)
* Panchaali (1959)
* Engal Kuladevi (1959)
* Revathi (1960)
* Thanthaikku Pin Thamaiyan (1960)
* Sivagami (1960)
* Aada Vandha Deivam (1960)
* Thangam Manasu Thangam (1960)
* Mahalakshmi (1960)
* Padikkadha Medhai (1960)
* Engal Selvi (1960)
* Ponni Thirunaal (1960)
* Paavai Vilakku (1960)
* Yanai Paagan (1960)
* Pudhiya Pathai (1960)
* Thangarathinam (1960)
* Kaithi Kannayiram (1960)
* Veerakkanal (1960)
* Kongunattu Thangam (1961)
* Ellam Unakkaga (1961)
* Sabaash Mapillai (1961)
* Kumudham (1961)
* Thayilla Pillai (1961)
* Panam Panthiyile (1961)
* Thai Sollai Thattathe (1961)
* Panithirai (1961)
* Rani Samyuktha (1962)
* Madappura (1962)
* Sarada (1962)
* Valar Pirai (1962)
* Thayai Katha Thanayan (1962)
* Vadivukku Valai Kappu (1962)
* Kudumba Thalaivan (1962)
* Azhagu Nila (1962)
* Neeya Naana (1962)
* Kavitha (1962)
* Muthu Mandapam (1962)
* Sengamala Theevu (1962)
* Asthikkoru Aanum Asaikku Oru Ponnum (1962)
* Pirandha Naal (1962)
* Kadavulai Kanden (1963)
* Koduthu Vaithaval (1963)
* Dharmam Thalai Kaakkum (1963)
* Vanambadi (1963)
* Neengadha Ninaivu (1963)
* Iruvar Ullam (1963)
* Kattu Roja (1963)
* Naan Vanangum Deivam (1963)
* Kalai Arasi (1963)
* Lava Kusa (1963) with Ghantsala
* Aasai Alaigal (1963)
* Kulamagal Radhai (1963)
* Yarukku Sontham (1963)
* Kunkhumam (1963)
* Neethikkupin Paasam (1963)
* Ratha Thilagam (1963)
* Kaanchi Thalaivan (1963)
* Annai Illam (1963)
* Parisu (1963)
* Thulasi Maadam (1963)
* Ninaipadharku Neramillai (1963)
* Ezhai Pangalan (1963)
* Kaithiyin Kathali (1963)
* Puratshi Veeran Pulithevan (1963)
* Vettaikkaran (1964)
* Alli (1964)
* Vazhi Piranthadu (1964)
* Thozhilali (1964)
* Navarathri (1964)
* Ullasa Payanam (1964)
* Aayiram Roobai (1964)
* Paditha Manaivi (1965)
* Kaakum Karangal (1965)
* Thiruvilaiyadal (1965)
* Veera Abhimanyu (1965)
* Idhaya Kamalam (1965)
* Kanni Thai (1965)
* Enga Veettu Penn (1965)
* Thazhampoo (1965)
* Muharasi (1966)
* Annavin Aasai (1966)
* Thedi Vandha Thirumagal (1966)
* Mahakavi Kalidas (1966)
* Thaaye Unakkaga (1966)
* Thaali Bhagyam (1966)
* Chinnanchiru Ulagam (1966)
* Saraswathi Sabatham (1966)
* Thanippiravi (1966)
* Selvam (1966)
* Thaikku Thalaimagan (1967)
* Kandhan Karunai (1967)
* Penne Nee Vaazhga (1967)
* Thanga Thambi (1967)
* Pesum Deivam (1967)
* Arasa Kattalai (1967)
* Paaladai (1967)
* Seetha (1967)
* Thiruvarutchelvar (1967)
* Ponnana Vazhvu (1967)
* Kan Kanda Deivam (1967)
* Rajathi (1967)
* Muhurtha Naal (1967)
* Vivasayi (1967)
* Panama Pasama (1968)
* Thirumal Perumai (1968)
* Thanga Valayal (1968)
* Ther Thiruvizha (1968)
* Harichandra (1968)
* Andru Kanda Mugam (1968)
* Deiveega Uravu (1968)
* Thillana Mohanambal (1968)
* Delhi Mapillai (1968)
* Jeevanamsam (1968)
* Kadhal Vaaganam (1968)
* Adimaippenn (1969)
* Ethiroli (1969)
* Athiparasakthi (1971)
* Irulum Oliyum (1971)
* Thirumagal (1971)
* Vasantha Maligai (1972)
* Kurathi Magan (1972)
* Nalla Neram (1972)
* Pattikaattu Ponnaiya (1972)
* Engal Thanga Raja (1973)
* Vani Rani (1974)
* Netru Indru Naalai (1974) - 1 song
* Anbu Thangai (1974)
* Satyam (1975)
* Ellaikkodu (1974)
* Pallandu Vazhga (1975)
* Uthaman (1976)
* Enippadigal (1979)
* Gnana Kuzhandhai (1979)
* Manmatha Radhangal (1980)
* Kadhal Kiligal (1981)
* Antha Rathirikku Satchi Illai (1982)
* Thoongatha Kannindru Ondru (1982)
* Simma Soppanam (1984)
* Mel Maruvathoor Aadhiparasakthi (1985)
* Mel Maruvathoor Arpudhangal (1986)
* Paimara Kappal (1988)
* Orey Thaai Orey Kulam (1988)
* Mahamayi (1991)

### Telugu

* Manchi Manasulu (1962)
* Dagudu Moothalu (1964)
* Mooga Manasulu (1964)
* Antastulu (1965)
* Aastiparulu (1966)
* Kanchu Kota (1967)
* Manushulu Marali (1969)
* Akka Chellelu (1970)
* Mallee Pelli (1970)
* Iddaru Ammayilu (1970)
* Balaraju Katha (1970)
* Anuradha (1971)
* Dasara Bullodu (1971)
* Prem Nagar (1971)
* Inspector Bharya (1972)
* Badi Panthulu (1972)
* Bangaru Babu (1973)
* Andala Ramudu (1973)
* Mayadari Malligadu (1973)
* Mutyala Muggu (1975)
* Siri Siri Muvva (1976)
* Monagadu (1976)
* Adavi Ramudu (1977)
* Indradhanussu (1978)
* Mana Voori Pandavulu (1978)
* Kalanthakulu (1978)
* Srungara Ramudu (1979)
* Mande Gundelu (1979)
* Sankarabharanam (1979)
* Gorintaku (1979 film) (1979)
* Vamsa Vruksham (1980)
* Subhodhayam (1980)
* Aadavaallu Meeku Joharlu (1981)
* Saptapadi (1981)
* Agni Poolu (1981)
* Golconda Abbulu (1982)
* Subhalekha (1982)
* Kaliyuga Ramudu (1982)
* Trisulam (1982)
* Kanchana Ganga (1984)
* Siksha (1985)
* Sirivennela (1986)
* Sruthilayalu (1987)
* Srinivasa Kalyanam (1987)
* Janaki Ramudu (1988)
* Sutradharulu (1989)
* Adavilo Abhimanyudu (1989)
* Muddula Mavayya (1989)
* Pralayam (1990)
* Nari Nari Naduma Murari (1990)
* Alludugaru (1990)
* Assembly Rowdy (1991)
* Pelli Pustakam (1991)
* Swathi Kiranam (1992)
* Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhowmudu (1993)
* Bobbili Bullodu (1996)

### Malayalam

* Nairu Pidicha Pulivalu (1958) – Background Score only
* Aana Valarthiya Vanampadiyude Makan (1971)
* Padmatheertham(1978)
* Kayalum Kayarum (1979)
* Enne Snehikkoo Enne Maathram (1981)
* Kakka (1982)
* Piriyilla Naam (1984)
* Vepraalam (1984)
* Rangam (1985)
* Mangalya Charthu (1987)

### Kannada

* Manini (1979)
* Guru Shishyaru (1981)
* Krishna Rukmini (1988)
* Shabarimale Swamy Ayyappa (1990)
* Pedda Gedda (1981)

### Playback Singer

| Year | Film | Language | Song | Co-Singer | Music |
| 1952 | Kumari | Tamil | Aanukkoru Penn Venumey | | K. V. Mahadevan |
| 1953 | Madana Mohini | Tamil | Unmaikke Ulagil Uyarvuthaan Illaiye | | K. V. Mahadevan |
| 1953 | Madana Mohini | Tamil | Peru Sollum Pillai Illaiye | G. Kasthoori | K. V. Mahadevan |
| 1953 | Madana Mohini | Tamil | Vaazhiya Senthamizh Thaaye | | K. V. Mahadevan |
| 1953 | Madana Mohini | Tamil | Kannodu Kannaayi Rahasiyam Pesi | P. Leela | K. V. Mahadevan |
| 1953 | Naalvar | Tamil | Abaraadham Roobaa Aimbadhu | K. Rani | K. V. Mahadevan |
| 1953 | Naalvar | Tamil | Lavukku Lavukku Love | K. Rani | K. V. Mahadevan |
| 1954 | Koondukkili | Tamil | Raatthirikku Boovaavukku Laatteri | T. M. Soundararajan & V. N. Sundharam | K. V. Mahadevan |
| 1955 | Asai Anna Arumai Thambi | Tamil | Pozhaikkum Vazhiyai Paaru | Thodi Kannan, S. C. Krishnan, P. Susheela, Udutha Sarojini & Padma | K. V. Mahadevan |
| 1955 | Asai Anna Arumai Thambi | Tamil | Kaanaadha Kaatchigalai Paaru | K. Rani | K. V. Mahadevan |

## Awards

* National Film Award for Best Music Direction (1967) for Kandan Karunai (first recipient of the award)
* Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director (1969) for Adimai Penn
* National Film Award for Best Music Direction (1980) for Sankarabharanam
* Nandi Award for Best Music Director (1980) for Sankarabharanam
* Nandi Award for Best Music Director (1987) for Shrutilayalu
* Nandi Award for Best Music Director (1991) for Manjeera Nadam
* Filmfare Best Music Director Award (Telugu) (1992) for Swathi Kiranam

## Personal life

K.V.Mahadevan, at the time of his death, was survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters. The famous son being V. Mahadevan, whose debut role was that of a judge in the Tamil film Maasilamani.

## Death

K.V. Mahadevan died on 21 June 2001 in Chennai when he was 83.