Baburaj, M. S. (b. 1921)

Malayalam music composer, born in Calicut, Kerala. First associated with Nilambur Balan’s stage group, working mainly in the Malabar region of North Kerala. Based in Calicut, Baburaj was one of the first composers to introduce the North Indian classical influence into the otherwise Carnatic Malayalam film music. Until his work for Kariat’s films (cf. Mudiyanaya Puthran), the Northern influence had been restricted to e.g. Kozhikode Abdul Qadir?’s imitations of K.L. Saigal?. His compositions in e.g. Vincent?’s Bhargavi Nilayam, working outside the routine madhya laya (middle tempo) to create a slower beat using minimal orchestration, are still remembered for the early (and for some, the finest) songs of Yesudas?. Associated most closely with Bhaskaran’s lyrics. Scored P.N. Menon’s independent film Olavum Theeravum and Madhu’s directorial début Priya?.

FILMOGRAPHY: 1957: Minnaminungu; 1960: Umma; 1961: Kandam Becha Coat; Mudiyanaya Puthran; 1962: Laila Majnu; Palattukoman; Bhagya Jatakam; 1963: Ninamaninja Kalpadukal; Moodupadam; 1964: Thacholi Othenan; Kuttikkuppayam; Karutha Kayi; Bhargavi Nilayam; Bharthavu; 1965: Zubaida; Kadatthukaran; Porter Kunjali; Kuppivala; Ammu; Thankakudam; Kattuthulasi; Mayavi; Chettathi; Thommente Makkal; Sarpakadu; 1966: Manikya Kottaram; Pennmakkal; Kootukar; Kattumallika; Anarkali; Tharavatamma; Kanakachilanka; 1967: Irutinte Atmavu; Agniputhri; Udyogastha; Balyakalasakhi; Karutharathrigal; Kadhija; Anveshichu Kandatiyilla; Collector Malathi; Pareeksha; 1968: Manaswini; Inspector; Karthika; Lakshaprabhu; Love In Kerala; Midumidukki; Anju Sundarigal; 1969: Sandhya; Velliyazhcha; Virunnukari; Olavum Theeravum; 1970: Saraswathi; Anatha; Ambalapravu; Cross Belt; Bhikara Nimishinkal; Nizhalattam; Vivaham Swargathil; Priya; 1971: Neethi; Ernakulam Junction; 1972: Sambhavami Yuge Yuge; Panimudakku; Pulliman; Azhimukham; 1973: Bhadra Deepam; Aradhika; Ladies’ Hostel; Soundarya Pooja; Manasu; Kamini; Chuzhi; 1974: Nathoon; Swarna Malsiyam; 1975: Jnan Ninne Premikkunu; Srishti; Criminals; 1976: Allah-o-Akbar; Appooppan; Dweep; Pushpa Sarem; 1977: Gandharvam; Yatheem; 1978: Bhrashtu; Yagaswam; 1979: Bharyaye Avasyamundu.

Music