After the demise of legendary Malayalam lyricist ONV Kurup, popular music director Rajamani and cinematographer Anandakuttan died on Sunday, Feb.14.
Anandakuttan was undergoing treatment for cancer and passed away at the age of 61, while Rajamani died following respiratory problems at 11:40 pm in Chennai. He was 60.
Rajamani, son of musician L Chidambaranath, made his debut in the entertainment industry as a music director through the 1985 movie "Nulli novikkathe." He had directed music for more than 1,000 films in Malayalam and other languages. He was known for his work in Shaji Kailas' "Ekalavyan," "Commissioner", "The King," "Aaraam Thampuran" and "Narasimham," "Nandanam," among others.
Rajamani was honoured with the Kerala state film award for his background music in Mohanlal starrer "Aaraam Thampuran." He had also acted in Jayaraj's 2008 movie "Gulmohar." "Hide and Seek" (2012) was Rajamani's last film in Malayalam and he had composed music for a song penned by ONV Kurup.
He is survived by his son Achu Rajamani, who is also in the industry as a soundtrack composer and singer.
Anandakuttan began his career as a cinematographer with Chandrakumar's "Manasil Oru Mayil" in 1977 and had cranked the camera for more than 150 films. He was known for his work in the popular movies "Bharatham," "Akasadooth," "Kamaladalam," "His Highness Abdullah," "Aniyathipravu," "Atharvam," "No 20 Madras Mail," and "Manivathurile Aayiram Sivarathrikal", among many others. He is survived by his wife Geeta and children Sreekumar, Neelima and Karthika. Anandakuttan's last rites will be performed at 11 am on Monday in Ravipuram crematorium in Kochi.
Meanwhile, the funeral ceremony of legendary poet ONV, who passed away at the age of 84 on Saturday, has been performed with full state honors on Monday at 11 am at Shanthi Kadavam crematorium in Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram.
ONV Kurup no more; celebs offer condolences
Many celebrities have expressed grief at Rajamani and Anandakuttan's passing. Here are some of their condolence messages:
Manchu Manoj
RIP legendary music dir Rajamani Garu F/o Achu... Will miss u uncle .... Ur music Wil live forever uncle sorry Achu
Sujatha Mohan
Rajamani...the multifaceted musician...Johnsettan's right hand... So many fond memories of recordings and shows together...so many losses to malayalam industry suddenly!!!!Heartfelt condolences to Beena and children..RIP dear Maniyetta ...
Shweta Mohan
Rajamani uncle... a great musician and a wonderful human being who encouraged me immensely through my career so far ... cannot believe I wont be seeing him again... so many losses suddenly to the music world...pray that his dear family finds the strength to overcome this loss... hurts so deeply to say ... Rest in peace dear uncle ...
Poornima Indrajith
And the loss is just getting more grave....
2016 bids too many goodbyes already!
Kalpana chechi,Shan Johnson ,ONV sir ,Anandakuttan and now Rajamanisir too !
Rajith Menon
Heavy loss to malayalam industry....may their souls rip...
Poet/lyricist - ONV Sir
Dop (more than 150 films)- Aanandakuttan Sir
Music Dir - Rajamani Sir
Saranya Mohan
RIP Anandakuttan Sir !Anandakuttan sir was my first cinematographer in my career.As child artist in Aniyathipravu ,i faced camera for the first time and the man behind the cam was Anandakuttan Sir . One of the most humble and caring person in cine field .You are truly missed sir
Kavitha Nair
Too many good souls leaving..
Rajamani sir.. you were such a great musician and human.
Will never forget the affection u had showered.Rest In Peace
Sadhika Venugopal
Heartfelt condolences cinematographer Anandakuttan sir RIP
Roopesh Peethambaran
The sudden demise of ONV Sir, Rajamani Sir and Anandakuttan Sir (DOP) is such a huge shock!! Rest in peace Great Masters, your golden works will be remembered for many generations to come.
Sriram Parthasarathy
Malayalam Music director Sri. Rajamani(son of composer B.a.Chidambaranadan)passed away...really shocking...My dad was very close friend of Rajamani uncle and had played lots and lots of beautiful theme music in his direction.I vividly remember Rajamani Uncle gifted me a triple reed harmoniam with much love when i was a kid and i still sing along with that.Rajamani uncle....we really miss you...
