Padam Shri K.P. Udayabhanu is no more

Veteran Malayalam playback singer K.P. Udayabhanu passed away at his residence yesterday. He was 77. The vocalist was ill from a long-time. He started his career as an announcer at the Kozhikode station of All India Radio in 1955. He made his debut with the mid-1950s hit Nayaru Pidicha Pulivaalu and later went on to work with other top-notch composers of the industry.

Udayabhanu was honoured with Padam Shri in 2009. He had also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for creative music. The crooner will be missed by his fans, within and outside the industry. He is survived by his son Rajeev. His contribution to Malayalam music will always be cherished. God bless his soul.