K. P. Udayabhanu

Kizhakke Potta Udayabhanu (born Bhanuprakash; 6 June 1936 5 January 2014) was an Indian playback singer and music director, mainly in Malayalam films. In 2009, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour.

He represented India at the 1985 ABU Popular Song Contest.

Personal life Udayabhanu was born to N. S. Varma and Ammu Nethyaramma at Tharur in the present-day Palakkad district.

Udayabhanu spent his childhood in Singapore, where his father ran a business. but quit it in 1965 and rejoined All India Radio in the same year. He was suffering from Parkinson's disease. Aparna Balamurali, a popular young actress and singer, is his grandniece, being the daughter of his nephew Balamurali, who is himself a professional musician.

Career Udayabhanu recorded his first film song Enthinithra panchasara for the film Nairu Pidicha Pulivalu in 1958. In his career, he sang more than 50 songs. His last song was Kaatu Paranjathum recorded for the 2010 film Thanthonni. The songs Kili chilachu from Samasya and Indu sundarasmitham thookum from Mayil Peeli and several light music hits were broadcast through all India radio like 'oru pattu paduvan', 'athramelinnum nilavine' etc... were highly popular.

Awards and recognitions Recipient of Padma Shri Award, 2009. Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship, 2004. National Film Award for Best Non-Feature Film Music Direction, 1994 (Myth of the Tree, Serpant Mother). Honoured by Kerala government for outstanding contributions to Malayalam film industry, 1981. Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award, 1987. Honoured by All India Radio for outstanding contributions to broadcasting in Kerala, 1999.

Positions held Member- Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Member- Kerala Kalamandalam Member- Board of Studies (Music), Calicut University Member- Board of Studies (Music), Mahatma Gandhi University Member- Film Censor Board (thrice) Member- Kerala State Film Awards Committee (thrice) Member- Audition Board, All India Radio