Salil Chowdhury

2024 marks Salil Chowdhury’s (a legendary musician) 100th birth anniversary.His contributions to Indian film music, especially in Malayalam cinema, continue to be celebrated.

About Salil Chowdhury

• Salil Chowdhury was born on November 19, 1925, in West Bengal, India. He was a versatile musician and composer, known for his work in Bengali, Hindi, and Malayalam cinema.
• Musical Training and Influences: Chowdhury was trained in Hindustani classical music and was deeply influenced by Bengali folk traditions. He was also well-versed in Western classical music, which he blended with other musical styles in his compositions.
• Career: Chowdhury’s career began in the 1940s, and he became a leading figure in Indian film music, especially in Bengali and Hindi cinema. He was also a member of the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA), where he composed revolutionary songs.
• His Work
• Impact on Malayalam Cinema: Salil Chowdhury's work in Malayalam cinema began when he composed the soundtrack for Chemmeen (1965). His music for this film was a turning point, not just in the film but in Malayalam cinema as a whole.
  • Revolutionizing Music Composition: Before Chowdhury, the common practice in Malayalam films was for lyricists to write lyrics first, and composers would then create tunes based on those lyrics. Chowdhury changed this process by composing the music first and fitting the lyrics into the melody later. This approach is now more common in modern Malayalam music composition.
  • Chemmeen's Musical Influence: The music of Chemmeen became iconic, with songs capturing the essence of Kerala’s coastal life. Chowdhury blended Bengali folk music with Western orchestration, creating a distinct sound that resonated deeply with Malayalam audiences.
• Notable Collaborations: Chowdhury’s most significant collaboration in Malayalam cinema was with lyricist O.N.V. Kurup, with whom he composed 45 songs. He also worked with other famous lyricists like Vayalar Rama Varma and SreekumaranThampi.
• Famous Songs: Some of Chowdhury’s most memorable Malayalam songs include:

• SaagarameSanthamakanee (Madanolsavam)
• OruMukhamMaathramKannil (EthoOruSwapnam)
• Keli Nalinam (Thulavarsham)
• Kaadaarumasam (EzhuRathrikal)
• Sourayoodhathil (Swapnam)
• PooviliPooviliPoonanamayi (Vishukkani)
• Onappoovepoove (EeGanamMarakkumo)

• Legacy and Influence: Chowdhury's music continues to be influential in Malayalam cinema, with his distinctive style still being admired by modern composers and musicians. He also introduced famous singers like LataMangeshkar (KadhaliChenkadhali) and Manna Dey (Manasa Maine) to sing in Malayalam films.
• Last Composition: His last Malayalam song was KaathilThenmazhayayi from ThumboliKadappuram (1994), nearly 30 years ago. Despite this, his music remains fresh and relevant in Malayalam culture.