Kaithapram

Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri popularly known as Kaithapram, is a lyricist, music director, actor, singer, screenwriter, movie director and performer of Carnatic music. He is the son of the late singer Keshavan Namboothiri (popularly known as Kannadi Bhagavathar, a disciple of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar) and Aditi Antharjanam. He generally performs in the Malayalam language.

Career

Kaithapram made his entry into Malayalam cinema as a lyricist for the hit song “Devadundubhi Sandralayam” in the film Ennennum Kannettante directed by Shri Fazil. Since then he has written lyrics for more than 330 films. He has also acted in many films, including Swathithurunal, His Highness Abdulla, and the film Theerthadanam, based on the story of famous Malayalam writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair. He has played the character of a classical or semi-classical singer in most of the films. The songs from Desadanam, his first film as a music composer, were a hit. The film Sopanam, directed by Shri Jayaraj, was based on a story and screenplay written by Kaithapram.

Kaithapram has established a cherished position in the Malayali heart with his beautiful yet simple artistic renderings. He has written both prose and poems and his books are also widely accepted. His appeal is closer to younger hearts and the success of ‘Lajjavathiye…’ has brought this aspect into fresh focus. His lyrics often express the deep love and regard that make the average Malayali home tick. He sings in public concerts and for various causes. He has won several awards as a lyricist. His charming and helpful attitude, readiness to help and ability to be one among the music lovers, have made him a legend in his own time.

Shri Kaithapram is also the Managing Trustee of Swathithirunal Kala Kendram (Music School) at Kozhikode, which caters to more than 400 music students. He has received numerous awards from various government and cultural organizations in Kerala. He has popularized and promoted the application of music for therapeutic purposes through the Music Therapy Foundation. Many have benefited from the systematic music therapy sessions conducted all over Kerala.

Personal life

Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri was born in the village of Kaithapram, near Payyanur in Kannur district of North Malabar region in India.. He got his Veda education from his grandfather. Later on he continued his education under well-known gurus (teachers) including Parassi Thamburan and SVS Panicker. He pursued his studies in acting and music at Natyagruha. He is married to Devi Antharjanam; they have two children, Deepankuran and Devadarshan. Deepankuran is a singer who has sung for various films including Desadanam, as well as Devotional Songs. Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri's youngest brother, Kaithapram Viswanathan Namboothiri, is a Malayalam cinema music director who runs the Sruthilaya Music School at Payyanur.

Awards

Kerala State Film Award:

1993 - Kerala State Film Award for the best Lyricist
1996 - Kerala State Film Award for the best Lyricist
1997 - Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director

Asianet Film Awards:

2005 - Best Lyricist Award

Courtesy: Wikipedia

Prepared by: Winston Morris