When KJ Yesudas teared up during a live performance: ‘I can feel his presence on stage…’

Known as “ganagandharvan” (celestial singer) to millions of fans worldwide, Yesudas shared a profound bond with music composer Raveendran, who crafted some of the singer’s most renowned songs. Their best tracks included “Thenum Vayambum”, “Ezhu Swarangalum”, “Sukhamo Devi”, “Azhake Ninmizhi”, “Olikkunnuvo”, “Etho Nidrathan” and “Ramakadha”.

Nevertheless, it was the songs “Harimuraleeravam” from Aaraam Thampuran (1997) and “Pramadhavanam” from His Highness Abdullah (1990) that garnered them the most acclaim, earning a special place in the history of Malayalam cinema and the hearts of Malayalees worldwide.

Despite Raveendran’s passing in 2005, Yesudas still cherishes their friendship deeply. This emotional attachment became evident to all when the singer was moved to tears after performing “Pramadhavanam” live on stage a few years back.

While singing the song at the Raveendra Sangeetha Sandhya event, organised by the Mazhavil Manorama television channel as a tribute to Raveendran, Yesudas was joined on stage by its lyricist Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri.

Towards the end of the song, Yesudas, visibly moved, expressed that he sensed Raveendran’s presence with them on stage. He remarked with a lump in his throat, “This song marked my comeback. Raveendran demonstrated that songs relying solely on the singers’ voices, without theatrics, can captivate audiences.”

Yesudas began his music career with the Malayalam song “Jathi Bhedam Matha Dwesham” in 1961 and sang mainly in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films, apart from songs in other languages as well. Some of his well-known Hindi songs, which went on to become hits, include “Jab Deep Jale Aana” and “Gori Tera”.

He was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan in 2017 and is a recipient of eight national awards, 25 Kerala state awards, five state awards of Tamil Nadu, and four of Andhra Pradesh.

(With inputs from PTI)