From gramophone to memory: Yesudas’ only duet with sister Jayamma | WATCH

Thrissur: A rare duet in Malayalam that captured the devotion to Lord Krishna has passed half a century, yet today, it remains largely forgotten. The song, "Aaradhikkunvarkk Aadharamayi Vilangum Narayanan Hari Narayanan," features the legendary KJ Yesudas alongside his younger sister, Jayamma (Jaya Antony), marking the only known recording of Yesudas with his sister.

Recorded in 1972 on gramophone, the music was composed by Jaya-Vijaya. Jayamma also recorded a solo devotional track, "Aruma Thookum Malayalam," released by HMV. While the older generation fondly recalls these songs, younger listeners are largely unaware of the songs and the people behind it.

The Krishna devotional piece was a staple on All India Radio’s 'Prabhatavandanam' programme in Thrissur and was regularly played in temples during morning and evening rituals. The song, holding a semi-classical touch, highlights Yesudas’ youthful voice, complemented by Jayamma’s melodic accompaniment. Uniquely, Jayamma sang only with Yesudas, making this collaboration even more special.

Years later, Yesudas reportedly told his sister, Jayamma, " You sang like Susheelamma". Jayamma later almost completely stepped away from music.

Jayamma began performing in Ganamela concerts with her elder brother in 1967 and trained under Vijayan of the Jaya-Vijaya. She retired from music after an American tour in 1973 and married in 1975.

The lyrics of this Krishan song was penned by M Parameswaran Nair, also known as MP Shivam, a multi-talented writer, musician, theatre actor, and harmonium player from Palakkad. Shivam was well-versed in devotional compositions, including the 1970 release 'Sabarimala Sreedharmasastha' in which he wrote two hit songs sung by Yesudas: "Darshanam Punyadarshanam" and "Ayyappa Saranam Saranamentayyappa," both composed by Jaya-Vijaya. The film is notable for featuring 18 songs penned by legendary lyricists Vayalar Ramavarma and P Bhaskaran.

Though photographs and records of MP Shivam are rare, his contributions to Malayalam devotional music remain significant. This long-lost duet, with its rich melody and spiritual depth, continues to resonate with those who remember the golden era of devotional music.