Happy birthday Gaanagandharvan! Singer K J Yesudas turns 84

Gaanagandharvan K J Yesudas is celebrating his 84^th birthday on January 10. The singer known for his mellifluous voice and his ability to blend melody with emotions has sung over 50,000 songs in his illustrious career. As we celebrate the life of the Kochi-born musical maestro, let's take a look at some of his most popular songs.

Enthinu Veroru Sooryadayam
K J Yesudas's collaboration with Raveendran is one of the biggest highlights of his career. Many of their songs, including Enthinu Veroru Sooryadayam, is celebrated for its beautiful rhythm and soulful essence of life. The song is from the movie 'Mazhayethum Munpe' directed by Kamal and featuring Mammootty and Shobana.

Chandrakalabham Charthi
This song from the movie Kottaram Vilkkanundu, which released in 1975, is popular among music afficondos and has been highly praised for its aesthetic appeal and longing. The song was composed by G Devarajan, while the lyrics was by Vayalar Rama Varma. Yesudas was in his prime when he sang this evergreen song.

Sukhamo Devi
The song is from the movie 'Sukhamo Devi' and has gained popularity since its release in 1986. Sukhamo Devi was composed by Raveendran and was sung by K J Yesudas, who rendered the song with the pathos of a lover. The movie featured two friends who were passionate about music. While one of them is killed in an accident, the other person has to forego his love.

Harimuraleeravam

'Harimuraleeravam' is yet another song composed by Raveendran and sung by K J Yesudas. The lyrics of the song from the Mohanlal-starrer 'Aaraam Thampuran' was written by Gireesh Puthenchery and is considered one of Yesudas's finest renditions. The song was composed mostly in Sindhu Bhairavi Raga, while the music is a mix of the South Indian percussion instruments, including the mridangam, veena and tabla.

Padakali Chandi

This song from the movie 'Yodha' was sung by K J Yesudas and M G Sreekumar. Yesudas who is known mostly for his melodies sang this peppy, fast number with an ease that can only be mastered by a few. The song was celebrated both for its rhythm and lyrics and also marked the collaboration of film and musical legends, including A R Rahman, Mohanlal and Jagathy.