Indian musicians born in 1928
Here are 8 famous musicians from India were born in 1928:
Vayalar Ramavarma
Vayalar Ramavarma (March 28, 1928 Vayalar-October 27, 1975 Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram) a.k.a. Vayalar Rama Varma was an Indian writer, lyricist and poet. He had four children, Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma, Indulekha Varma, Yamuna Varma and Sindhu Varma.
In his literary career, Vayalar Ramavarma wrote over 2000 songs for Malayalam movies. He collaborated with many music directors including G. Devarajan, K. Raghavan, and M. S. Baburaj. Vayalar's lyrics often focused on social and political issues, reflecting his own leftist ideologies. He won the National Film Award for Best Lyrics twice, for the songs "Naayakam" (1966) and "Chenda" (1972). Vayalar was also a noted poet, and his works include "Oru Judas janikkunnu", "Kavithakal", and "Mattoli". He passed away at the age of 47 due to a heart attack. Vayalar Ramavarma is remembered as one of the most prominent voices of Malayalam cinema and literature.
Vayalar Ramavarma was born into an aristocratic family in Vayalar, Kerala, India. His father, Vayalar Raghava Pillai, was a renowned poet and mother, Devaki Amma, was also a writer. Vayalar completed his education at Maharaja's College in Ernakulam and his love for literature developed during his college days. He wrote his first poem "Kochu Pusthakam" at the age of 13 which was later published in a magazine.
Apart from writing lyrics for films, Vayalar was a prolific writer and contributed to many literary magazines. He was also actively involved in the Communist Party of India, and his political beliefs often found a resonance in his writings.
In 1968, Vayalar suffered a personal loss when his wife, Bharathy Thamburatty, passed away due to an illness. He never fully recovered from this loss and died seven years later.
Vayalar's legacy lives on even after his death, and his songs are still popular among the Malayalam-speaking population. The Vayalar Award, which was instituted in 1977, is conferred every year to recognize exceptional contributions to Malayalam literature.
Vayalar Ramavarma's contributions to Malayalam literature were not restricted to writing songs and poems. He also wrote several plays, including "Chathurangam," which was a social critique of the upper-caste Brahminical society. This play, which was banned initially due to its controversial subject matter, went on to become a seminal work in the history of modern Malayalam drama.
Apart from his literary pursuits, Vayalar was also an activist who fought for the rights of the underprivileged. He actively participated in the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising of 1946, which was a peasants' revolt against the feudal system prevalent in Kerala.
Vayalar Ramavarma's influence on Malayalam cinema and culture cannot be overstated. His songs were not just musical masterpieces but also served as a vehicle for social commentary. His ability to address complex issues through simple lyrics contributed to the popularity of his songs.
In addition to the National Film Awards, Vayalar also won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Poetry in 1960. He was also honored with the Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyricist posthumously in 1976.
Vayalar Ramavarma's life and work continue to inspire generations of writers and musicians in Kerala and beyond. His commitment to social justice and his artistic achievements continue to make him a revered figure in Malayalam literature and cinema.
Vayalar Ramavarma was also an avid reader and was fluent in multiple languages, including Sanskrit, English, and Tamil. His diverse interests reflected in his writings, which covered a wide range of topics, including nature, love, and spirituality. He was known for his ability to infuse his poems and songs with deep emotions that resonated with the masses.
Apart from his literary achievements, Vayalar was also a gifted actor and appeared in a few Malayalam films in small roles. He also wrote the screenplay and dialogues for the film "Murappennu" (1965) in which he played a pivotal role.
In 2018, the Government of Kerala celebrated Vayalar Ramavarma's 90th birth anniversary with a series of events and literary seminars. The state government also announced the establishment of a Vayalar Ramavarma Chair at the University of Kerala to promote research and scholarship on his life and works.
Vayalar Ramavarma's writings continue to inspire a new generation of artists and writers in Kerala, and his legacy remains intact, even decades after his passing.
In addition to his immense contribution to the field of literature, Vayalar Ramavarma's political activism also left a lasting impact on Kerala society. He was an active member of the Communist Party of India and played a crucial role in shaping the party's policies in the state. Even as a successful writer and lyricist, Vayalar remained true to his leftist beliefs and used his platform to amplify the voices of the marginalized.
Vayalar's dedication to social justice was also reflected in his personal life. He was known for his generosity and often helped those in need, regardless of their social status or background. His commitment to the cause of the underprivileged continues to inspire activists and idealists in Kerala and beyond.
Today, Vayalar Ramavarma is remembered as a legendary figure in Malayalam literature and cinema. His songs and poems continue to be celebrated for their poetic richness and social relevance. His life and works remain an inspiration to those who seek to use art and literature as a means of social transformation.
Vayalar Ramavarma's impact on the Malayalam film industry was immense, and his collaborations with music directors like G. Devarajan, K. Raghavan, and M. S. Baburaj produced some of the most memorable songs in Malayalam cinema. Vayalar's lyrics were not just catchy, but also carried a deep social message that resonated with the masses. His ability to use simple yet powerful words to address complex issues was a skill that set him apart from his contemporaries.
Vayalar's contributions to the world of literature went beyond writing songs and poems. He was also an accomplished playwright and wrote several critically acclaimed plays, such as "Kaliyalla Kalyanam" and "Pattabakki". Vayalar's plays, like his songs, were known for their social commentary and often dealt with themes of class and caste oppression.
In addition to his literary and artistic pursuits, Vayalar was also a social activist who fought for social justice and equality. He was actively involved in the Communist Party of India and used his platform to address issues affecting the underprivileged. Vayalar was a strong believer in the power of collective action and worked tirelessly to empower marginalized communities.
Vayalar Ramavarma's contributions to Malayalam literature and cinema continue to be celebrated today. His songs and poems have become an indelible part of Malayali culture, and his legacy lives on through his numerous awards and honors. Vayalar's life and works serve as an inspiration to all those who strive to use art and literature as a means of effecting social change.
Vayalar Ramavarma's literary and artistic contributions went beyond just music and drama. He also authored several books, including "Dweepinteyum Kannum" (1956), a travelogue that chronicled his journey to Lakshadweep islands. The book was a critical success and showcased Vayalar's diverse interests and skills as a writer.
Throughout his career, Vayalar was known for his collaborations with the legendary composer G. Devarajan. Together, they produced some of the most iconic and socially significant songs in Malayalam cinema. Their partnership lasted over a decade and resulted in hits such as "Chembarathi Poove" and "Manushyan Mathangale Srishtichu".
One of Vayalar's most famous works was the song "Rama Katha Ganalayam", which was composed by G. Devarajan for the film "Devi Kanyakumari" (1974). The song became an instant classic and is still considered one of the most beautiful compositions in Malayalam cinema.
In addition to his collaborations with G. Devarajan, Vayalar also worked with other noted music directors such as K. Raghavan and M. S. Baburaj. Their partnership resulted in timeless classics such as "Swapnathil" and "Nee En Sarga Soundaryame."
Vayalar's influence on Malayalam cinema and literature continues to be felt to this day. His poetry and lyrics continue to be studied and celebrated, and his impact on the social consciousness of Kerala cannot be overstated. He remains a towering figure in the history of Malayalam literature and a source of inspiration to many artists and writers in the region.
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M. S. Viswanathan
M. S. Viswanathan (June 24, 1928 Elappully-) also known as Manayangath Subramanian Viswanathan, Mellisai Mannar, M.S. Vishwanathan, The King of Light Music, M.S.V., M.S. Viswanathan, Thirai Isai Chakravarthy, Viswanathan, M.S.V, The Emperor of Cine Music, Msv, எம். எஸ். விஸ்வநாதன், M.S Viswanathan or M. S. Viswanathan is an Indian film score composer, actor, music director, playback singer, composer, singer-songwriter and musician.
His albums: Varumayin Niram Sigappu, 47 Natkal, Server Sundaram, 47 Rojulu, Aval Oru Thodar Kathai and Deiva Magan. Genres he performed include Film score.
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Ustad Vilayat Khan
Ustad Vilayat Khan (August 28, 1928 Gauripur, India-March 13, 2004 Mumbai) also known as Vilayat Khan, Khan, Vilayat, Khan Saheb Vilayat Khan, Ustad Vilayat H. Khan, Vilayat Hussain Khan, Ustad Vilayat Khan & Raga Hameer, Ustaad Vilayat Khan or Nath Piya was an Indian composer. He had four children, Zila Khan, Yaman Khan, Shujaat Khan and Hidayat Khan.
His albums include The Guru, Goilden Milestones, Ustad Vilayat Khan - Sitar, Vistaar, Ustad Vilayat Khan Sitar Raga Bhairavi, Ustad Vilayat Khan SItar Raga Jaijaivanti, A Journey (disc 2), Evergreen Yaman, A Rare Jugalbandi and 1993-11-25: Royal Festival Hall, London, UK. Genres: Hindustani classical music.
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Kalyanji Virji Shah
Kalyanji Virji Shah (June 30, 1928 Kutch District-August 24, 2000 India) otherwise known as Kalyanji, Kalyandji, Kalyanji Veerji Shah, Kalyanji Veerji or Kalyanji Virji was an Indian film score composer. He had one child, Viju Shah.
Genres: Film score.
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Ratnakar Pai
Ratnakar Pai (April 13, 1928 Mumbai-August 9, 2009) was an Indian , .
Genres related to him: Thumri and Khyal.
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M. L. Vasanthakumari
M. L. Vasanthakumari (July 3, 1928 Chennai-October 31, 1990 Chennai) also known as Madras Lalitangi Vasanthakumari or MLV was an Indian singer, musician and playback singer. She had two children, Srividya and Krishnamurthy Sankararaman.
Related albums: . Genres she performed include Carnatic music.
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Maharajapuram Santhanam
Maharajapuram Santhanam (December 3, 1928 India-June 24, 1992) was an Indian singer.
His discography includes: . Genres he performed include Carnatic music.
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Raj Kamal
Raj Kamal (January 15, 1928 Rajasthan-September 1, 2005) also known as Rajkamal or Dalpat was an Indian film score composer. He had five children, Chandra Kamal, Surya Kamal, Vinay Kamal, Hriday Kamal and Shubh Kamal.
Genres he performed include Film score.
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