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Madhu Vasudevan

Madhu Vasudevan stands as a distinguished figure in arts and literature, celebrated for his broad contributions as an author, poet, lyricist, academician, music critic, public speaker, journalist, and cultural activist. His influence spans Malayalam, English, and Hindi literature, solidifying his role as a significant luminary in these languages.

Background

Hailing from Alappuzha, Madhu's artistic journey began at S.D. College, where his early immersion in the arts earned him accolades, including a prestigious cartoon competition award at the Kerala University Youth Festival. During this time, he also contributed notable illustrations and cartoons to contemporary magazines.

Madhu's passion for Indian Classical Music was nurtured by his father, a dedicated connoisseur of Carnatic music. Attending concerts at the Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple and other prestigious cultural venues in his hometown deepened his interest in Indian music history. His extensive research over the past century meticulously explored the contributions of key figures in Carnatic and Hindustani traditions.

Literature

With over 500 articles published in esteemed journals like 'Bhashaposhini', 'Mathrubhumi', 'Kalakaumudi', 'Madhyamam', 'Grandhalokam', and 'Malayala Manorama Online', Madhu has chronicled the legacies of eminent musicians such as Swathi Thirunal, M.D. Ramanathan, and M.S. Subbulakshmi. His scholarly works, including studies on the flute’s history, Palakkad’s musical traditions, and the veena, have garnered acclaim for their depth and scholarly rigor.

Madhu has made pioneering contributions to music criticism in Kerala, establishing a comprehensive framework by integrating diverse aesthetic parameters into his critiques. His expertise extends beyond Indian Classical Music to popular music, with insightful evaluations of its aesthetic and cultural implications.

His notable achievements include critical examinations of legendary musicians like M.S. Subbulakshmi, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, M.D. Ramanathan, and many others. Influential articles, such as 'Padmanabha Paahi' in 'Kalakaumudi' and 'Devi Jagad Janani' in 'Malayalam Weekly', played a pivotal role in transforming the Navarathri Music Festival in Thiruvananthapuram, allowing female artists like Parassala Ponnammal to perform, marking a significant milestone in women's cultural empowerment.

In recognition of his contributions, Madhu was appointed by the Government of Kerala as the Coordinator of the Expert Council for Music Education. Collaborating with distinguished figures like Padma Bhushan T.N. Krishnan and S.R. Janaki Raman, he contributed to a report that proposed modernizing music education in Kerala by incorporating Western and popular music along with various Hindustani forms.

Madhu Vasudevan has recently unveiled seven new books, launched by the esteemed Indian film actor Mohanlal:
‘Enne Punarum Nilave’ is a poignant collection of memoirs, organized into three evocative sections: the ocean, the lake, and the current. This expansive volume of over four hundred pages and eighty-four autobiographical essays offers a rich tapestry of memories, relationships, and reflections. The foreword by Manju Warrier adds insight to this moving collection.

‘Pranayanagaram’ features long, narrative poems exploring themes of love, urban life, sensuality, and madness. Each poem, imbued with musical quality, creates a unique reading experience. The foreword by Mohanlal sets the stage for this emotionally rich journey.

‘Viraham’ is a collection of poems on longing and separation, interwoven with various musical ragas. The renowned dancer and film star Asha Sharath contributes an insightful foreword to this exploration of emotional depth.

‘Vasanthamukhari’ compiles thirty-nine articles on music by M. B. Rajesh, providing detailed evaluations of Carnatic and Hindustani styles. This scholarly work enriches readers' appreciation of classical music, blending auditory knowledge with life experiences.

‘Devagandharam’ offers an extensive study of musical genres, including Carnatic, Hindustani, and popular music, as well as global figures like Bob Dylan. The foreword by P. Rajeev highlights its exploration of various musical traditions and their global impact.

‘Rubaru’ is a cultural critique in Hindi that bridges Hindi and Malayalam literature. It examines the intersections of these literary traditions, with a foreword by the esteemed critic Shambhunath, adding depth to its exploration of cultural connections.

‘Beyond Yond’ integrates philosophical thought with music and literature, evaluating global wonders and renowned literary figures. The foreword by Professor Shobha Sharath Raj Gopal sets the stage for this intellectual journey into the connections between philosophy, literature, and music.

Madhu Vasudevan has also written devotional songs, with his album 'Moksha' dedicated to the spiritual leader and Himalayan Yogi Sri M, published by HMV.