Mohan Sithara is an Indian music composer. He received the Kerala State Film Award for the Best Music Director (2009) for the songs in Priyanandan's ''Soofi Paranja Kadha''. Since 1986 he has been an active musician in the Malayalam film industry. His work mixes Western, Classical and folk styles. He has worked with lyricists and poets like

O. N. V Kurup Ottaplakkal Neelakandan Velu Kurup (known as O. N. V. Kurup; 27 May 1931 – 13 February 2016) was a Malayalam poet and lyricist from Kerala, India, who won the Jnanpith Award, the highest literary award in India for the year 2007. He receive ...

, Yusufali Kechery,

Sreekumaran Thampi Sreekumaran Thampi (born 16 March 1940) is an Indian lyricist, music director, director, producer, and screenwriter in Malayalam cinema. He also writes poetry and is a recipient of the Vallathol Award. In 2017, he was awarded the J. C. Danie ...

, Rajeev Alunkal, Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri, S. Ramesan Nair, Vinayan, Bharanikkavu Sivakumar, Anil Panachooran, Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma, Gireesh Puthenchery, and

Bichu Thirumala B. Sivasankaran Nair, popularly known as Bichu Thirumala (13 February 1942 – 26 November 2021), was an Indian lyricist and poet. He is known for creating the style of arranging beautiful words in Malayalam film songs. In Malayalam cinema, Bi ...

. Many prominent singers have sung his songs, including

K. J. Yesudas Kattassery Joseph Yesudas (born 10 January 1940) is an Indian playback singer and musician who sings Indian classical, devotional and film songs. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of Indian Music and also as a ...

, P. Jayachandran,

M.G.Sreekumar Malabar Gopalan Sreekumar (born 25 May 1957), better known as M.G. Sreekumar is an Indian playback singer, composer, music producer, television presenter and film producer, who works predominantly in Malayalam cinema. He has sung more than 2000 ...

, K. S. Chithra,

Shreya Ghoshal Shreya Ghoshal (born 12 March 1984) is an Indian singer and television personality. One of the highest-paid and most well-established playback singers of Indian cinema, she has received four National Film Awards, four Kerala State Film Awa ...

Sujatha Mohan Sujatha Mohan (credited as Sujatha) is an Indian playback singer who is popular for singing in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu movies. She has also sung for Kannada, Badaga, Hindi and Marathi movies. In a career spanning 48 years, she has record ...

, Madhu Balakrishnan, G. Venugopal, Vidhu Prathap, Afsal, Manjari, Jyotsna Radhakrishnan, and Biju Narayanan.

Early life

Mohan Sithara was born at

Peruvallur Peruvallur is a census town in Tirurangadi Taluk, Malappuram district in the state of Kerala, India. Peruvallur has many agricultural fields and about 35 pure water ponds. Calicut International Airport is near Peruvallur, and Kondotty and ...

, near Chavakkad,

Thrissur Thrissur (), formerly Trichur, also known by its historical name Thrissivaperur, is a city and the headquarters of the Thrissur district in Kerala, India. It is the third largest urban agglomeration in Kerala after Kochi and Kozhikode, and ...

Kerala Kerala ( ; ) is a state on the Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile regions of Cochin, Malabar, South C ...

, India, in 1959. He started his music career as violinist in some music troupes, one of which was Sithara troupe (from which he took the name Mohan Sithara). Later he worked with various music composers including M. G. Radhakrishnan, Shyam, and Perumbavoor G. Raveendranath. He did orchestration for the film ''Thoovanathumbikal'' with Perumbavoor G. Raveendranath, which led to several hit songs. His first work as independent music director in the Malayalam film industry was the film ''Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare'' (From One to Zero), for which he composed the song "Raree Rareeram Raro" (it was also the first song for G. Venugopal).

Filmography

1986 * Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare 1987 *

Varshangal Poyathariyathe ''Varshangal Poyathariyathe'' is a 1987 Indian Malayalam film, directed by Mohan Roop. The film stars debutants Prince Vaidyan and Reshmi Kailas along with Sukumari, Innocent, Nedumudi Venu and Menaka in the supporting roles. The film has musica ...

* Mizhiyithalil Kanneerumaayi 1988 * Kudumbapuranam * Aalilakkuruvikal *

Maamalakalkkappurath ''Mamalakalkkappurathu'' () is a 1988 Indian Malayalam-language drama film written and directed by Ramasimhan. The film stars Manoj K. Jayan, Anil, Elias and Kilimol in the lead roles. The film has musical score by Mohan Sithara. The film won ...

* Deerghasumangalee Bhava 1989 * Devadas * Mudra * Eenam Maranna Kaattu * Njaattuvela * Innale (Background Score) * Chanakyan 1990 * Vachanam * Parampara * His Highness Abdullah (Background Music) * Marupuram * Maalayogam * Ammayude swantham Kunjumeri * Manju peyyunna Raathri 1991 *

Santhwanam ''Santhwanam'' () is a 1991 Indian Malayalam-language film directed by Sibi Malayil, starring Nedumudi Venu, Meena and Bharathi. The film is famous for the song "Unni Vaavaa Vo, Ponnunni Vaavaa Vo...". The film is a remake of 1991 January-hit ...

* Mukha Chithram * Georgekutty C/O Georgekutty * Aviraamam * Holiday 1992 * Ulsavamelam * Mukhamudra * Ponnaramthottathe Raajaavu *

Ayalathe Adheham ''Ayalathe Adheham'' () is a 1992 Indian Malayalam-language family comedy drama film directed by Rajasenan and written by Sasidharan Arattuvazhi. It stars Jayaram, Gautami, Siddique, Vaishnavi, Meena, and Thilakan. The songs were composed ...

(Background score) * Ente ponnu thamburaan (Background score) * Kallan Kappalil Thanne * Sathyaprathijna * Avarude Sanketham *

First Bell First Bell is a digital teaching platform for primary education in Kerala, India. First Bell is an interim arrangement for regular classes for students of Std 1 to 12 (Kerala State syllabus). It is an initiative by the Kerala Infrastructure Techno ...

Kunjikuruvi ''Kunjikuruvi'' ( Ammayude Swantham Kunju Mary ) is a 1992 Indian Malayalam film, directed by Vinayan. The film stars Nedumudi Venu and Geetha in lead roles. The film had musical score by Mohan Sithara. Cast * Nedumudi Venu * Geetha *Mad ...

* Ormakkurippukal 1993 * Aalavattam * Kulapathi * Kaavadiyaattam * Aparna * Porutham * Ponnuchaami * Vakkeel Vasudev * Johny * Oru Kadamkadha Pole * Ottayadippaathakal * Kilivaathil (Mrinaalam) 1994 * Varaphalam * Chanakya Soothrangal * Chief Minister K.R. Gowthami * Daivathinte Vikrithikal * Avan Ananthapadmanabhan * Orkathirunnappol 1995 * Special Squad * Munpe Parakkunna Pakshi * Maanthrikante Praavukal * Poovukalku Punyakaalam 1996 * Kaliveedu * Excuse Me Ethu Collegila? * Saare Jahaan Se Achcha 1997 * Snehadooth * Kalyana Unnikal * Kottappurathe Koottukudumbam * Ishtadanam * Arjunan Pillayum Anchu Makkalum * Kadhaanaayakan * Mayaponman 1998 * Manthri Kochamma *

Manthrikumaran ''Manthrikumaran'' is a 1998 Indian Malayalam language film directed by Thulasidas, starring Mukesh and Sangita in the lead roles. Plot Achuthankutty wants to become a bank manager and thinks highly of himself. His father Pothuval brings a mar ...

* Nakshathrathaaraattu * Harthaal 1999 * Varum Varaathirikkilla * Deepasthambham Mahaashcharyam * Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum *

Mazhavillu ''Mazhavillu'' () is a 1999 Indian Malayalam-language romantic thriller film directed by Dinesh Baboo. It is a remake of director's own 1997 Kannada movie ''Amrutha Varshini''. It stars Kunchacko Boban, Preeti Jhangiani and Vineeth in the lead r ...

2000 * Joker * Dada Sahib * Varnakkazhchakal * Valliettan * Sahayaathrikaykku Snehapoorvam 2001 * Nalacharitham Naalam Divasam * Ishtam * Karumaadikuttan * Unnathangalil * Sundara Purushan * Vakkaalathu Naaraayanankutti * Raakshasa Rajavu * Sharjah To Sharjah * Nakshathrangal Parayaathirunnathu * Chethaaram 2002 * Oomapenninu Uriyadappayyan * Kunjikoonan * Pranayamanithooval * Kaattuchembakam * Basketball *

Snehithan ''Snehithan'' is an Indian Malayalam-language romantic comedy film directed by Jose Thomas starring Kunchacko Boban, Nandana, Krishna and Preetha Vijayakumar. It was the last film of N. F. Varghese. Plot The story begins in a register office w ...

* Nammal *

Kuberan Kubera ( sa, कुबेर, translit=Kuberā) also known as Kuvera, Kuber and Kuberan, is the god of wealth, and the god-king of the semi-divine yakshas in Hinduism. He is regarded as the regent of the north (''Dikpala''), and a protecto ...

2003 *

Swapnakkoodu ''Swapnakoodu'' () is a 2003 Indian Malayalam-language romantic comedy film co-written and directed by Kamal. It stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kunchacko Boban, Jayasurya, Meera Jasmine and Bhavana. The film's score and soundtrack were composed by ...

War And Love ''War and Love'' is a 2003 Indian Malayalam-language war film directed by Vinayan and starring Dileep, Prabhu, Laila, Mukesh Rishi, Kalabhavan Mani and Siddique. Captain Raju had a major accident on the sets of this film. The film was dubbed ...

* Pattanathil Sundaran * Anyar * Sadanandante Samayam *

Mr. Brahmachari ''Mr. Brahmachari'' () is a 2003 Indian Malayalam-language comedy drama film directed by Thulasidas and written by J. Pallassery from a story by Mahesh Mithra. It was produced and distributed by M. Mani through the company Aroma Movie Internati ...

* Singaari Bolona *

Meerayude Dukhavum Muthuvinte Swapnavum ''Meerayude Dukhavum Muthuvinte Swapnavum'' (English: Meera's Woe and Muthu's dream) is a 2003 Malayalam film by Vinayan, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Ambili Devi and produced by Tom George Kolath. This movie is about a brother protecting hi ...

* Choonda * Zameendaar 2004 *

Kazhcha ''Kaazcha'' is a 2004 Indian Malayalam-language family-drama film written and directed by Blessy, in his directorial debut. The story revolves around the boy Pavan (Yash Gawli) who reaches Kerala after he loses everything in the 2001 Gujarat e ...

* Koottu * Udayam 2005 * Thanmathra * Hridayathil Sookshikkaan *

Raappakal ''Rappakal'' is a 2005 released Malayalam film directed by Kamal. Mammootty, Nayanthara and Sharada appears in lead roles. Plot This is a heartfelt story of a male help/valet and his motherly affection to the elderly woman, whom he looks after ...

2006 * The Don * Kali *

Karutha Pakshikal ''Karutha Pakshikal'' (English: ''Black Birds'') is a 2006 Indian Malayalam-language family-drama film written and directed by Kamal. It stars Mammootty, Meena, and Padmapriya. Plot Widower Murugan moves to Kerala with his three children an ...

* Palunku 2007 * Anchil Oral Arjunan * Payum Puli * Nanma * Nagaram * Aakaasham 2008 * Swarnam *

Shakespeare M.A. Malayalam ''Shakespeare M.A. Malayalam'' is a 2008 Indian Malayalam-language film by the director duo Shyju and Shaji. The main cast of the film include Jayasurya, Kalabhavan Mani, Roma and Salim Kumar. Plot Pavithran is a story writer for the stage p ...

2009 * Aayirathil Oruvan * Pathaam Adhyaayam *

Bhagavan Bhagavan ( sa, भगवान्, Bhagavān; pi, Bhagavā, italics=yes), also spelt Bhagwan (sometimes translated in English as " Lord"), is an epithet within Indian religions used to denote figures of religious worship. In Hinduism it is u ...

* Dalamarmarangal * Bhramaram * Malayaali *

Sufi Paranja Katha ''Sufi Paranja Katha'' (Sūphi parañña katha; സൂഫി പറഞ്ഞ കഥ) (meaning, The Story as Told by the Sufi) is the debut novel of Malayalam novelist K. P. Ramanunni. It was originally serialised in ''Kalakaumudi'' in 1989 and ...

Ividam Swargamaanu ''Ividam Swargamanu'' () is a 2009 Indian Malayalam-language family drama thriller film directed by Rosshan Andrrews and written by James Albert. It was produced by Antony Perumbavoor under the company Aashirvad Cinemas. The film stars Mohanlal ...

* Mithram (Not released yet) *

Currency A currency, "in circulation", from la, currens, -entis, literally meaning "running" or "traversing" is a standardization of money in any form, in use or circulation as a medium of exchange, for example banknotes and coins. A more general ...

(Background Score) 2010 * Yugapurushan * Nallavan *

Advocate Lakshmanan - Ladies Only An advocate is a professional in the field of law. Different countries' legal systems use the term with somewhat differing meanings. The broad equivalent in many English law–based jurisdictions could be a barrister or a solicitor. However, ...

* Inganeyum Oral *

Oridathoru Postman ''Oridathoru Postman'' is a 2010 Malayalam comedy film directed by Shaji Aziz. The movie features Kunchacko Boban, Innocent, Sharath Kumar and Meera Nandan in the lead roles. Boban as a postman in this film was featured in a Kannada textbook. ...

* Kayam 2011 * Ithu Nammude Katha * Yaathra Thudarunnu *

Shankaranum Mohananum ''Sankaranum Mohananum'' (English: ''Sankaran and Mohanan'') is a 2011 Malayalam fantasy/comedy/drama film written and directed by T. V. Chandran. It stars Jayasurya, Meera Nandan and Rima Kallingal in the lead roles. The film is about the stran ...

* Kanakompathu * Ulakam Chuttum Valiban * Pachuvum Kovalanum * Vellaripravinte Changathi 2012 *

Last Bench ''Last Bench'' is a 2012 Indian Malayalam drama film, directed by Jiju Asokan and produced by T.B. Raghuanthan. The film stars Mahesh, Jyothi Krishna, Sukanya and Chinchu Mohan in lead roles. The film had musical score by Mohan Sithara and Vis ...

* Aazhakkadal * Naadabrahmam * Ezham Suryan * Mullamottum Munthirichaarum * Bhoopadathil Illatha Oridam 2013 *

Ayaal ''Ayaal'' is a 2013 Malayalam film directed by Suresh Unnithan. Lal, Lena, Ineya and Lakshmi Sharma play the lead roles. The story, screenplay and dialogue of the film is written by Dr. K. Ampady. The film is produced by Madhusoodanan Mavelikara ...

* Breaking News Live 2014 * My Dear Mummy *

To Noora with Love ''To Noora with Love'' is a 2014 Malayalam romantic film directed by Babu Narayanan and produced by Muhammed Ansar. Mamta Mohandas, Krish J. Sathaar, Kanika and Archana Kavi play the lead roles in the film. Filming started in January 2014. Pl ...

* Color Balloon * Little Superman 3D 2015 * Life Full of Life 2016 * Sukhamaayirikkatte * Mud Maza

Highlight songs

* Uchalu Tirumalava (Mamalakalkkappurath) * Raree rareeram raro ( Onnu Muthal Poojyam Varae) * Neermizhippeeliyil * Ila Kozhiyum sisirathil * Sahyasaanu sruthi * Pathinezhinte Poomkaralin ( Vellaripraavinte Changaathi) * Pranathosmi * Mullapoovin muthe * Enthe nin pinakkam * Kananakuyilinu kathilidanoru * Hrudaya Mrudanga * Pramadavaniyil veendum * Krishna née en krishnamanee * Unnee vavao ponnunnee * Swarakanyakamar * Mindathedi kuyile ( Thanmaathra) * Thekkini kolaya chumaril (

) * Ithaloornu veena ( Thanmaathra) * Mele vellithinkal ( Thanmaathra) * Annarakkanna vaa ( Bhramaram) * Kaattru veliyedi kannamma ( Thanmaathra) * Pokathe kariyilakkatte (Loudspeaker) * Shivadam shivanamam (

) * Dhwani tharanga tharalam * Kanneer mazhayathu ( Joker) * En ammae onnu kaanaan ( Nammal) * Pon kasavu njoriyum * Moonnaam thrukkannil * Indraneelam choodi agraharam thedi * Kukku kukku kuyile * Oru mathavumanyamalla * Kodi kodi adimakal * Thekko Thekkorikkal ( Vellaripraavinte Changaathi) * Kaanumbol parayamo ('' Ishtam'') * Chanchala dhruda pada thaalam ('' Ishtam'') * Swapnam thyajichal swargam labhikkum ( Raakshasaraajaavu) * Chandanathennalay njan ninte lolamaam * Ponnavani vettam thirumuttam * Chembarundin chelunde * Kunjurangum koottinullil * Swarajathi paadum pynkilee * Irulin Mahanidrayil ninnunarthi nee * Sukhamanee nilaavu ( Nammal) * Oru mazhappakshi paadunnu * Manimukilae nee * Kannivasantham kaattil moolum * Inayarayannam kulichu keri * Agadha neela samudrachuzhikalil * Thanka manassu amma manassu (

) * Kallyana prayamaanu * Ilam manju mulam * Manassu oru manthrikakkoodu * Deepankuram poothorungumaakaasam * Kettu tharaattinte thaalam * Dhanumasappenninu poothaalam * Enikkum oru naavundenkil * Kadanja chandanamo nin meni * Prema madhu thedum * Makara nilavil madhuravumaayi * Karimizhiyaale oru kadha parayaam njaan * Marakkaam ellam marakkam (

) * Malarkili inayude (

) * Pedi thonni aadyam kandappol * Kannanaayaal Raadha venam ( Pattanatthil Sundaran) * Pukkikkuyile kallikkuyile ( Anyar) * Neeyarinnjo neelakkuzhali ( Sadaanandante Samayam) * Omalale ente manassin * Tharivala kayyalenne ( Sadaanandante Samayam) * Kaananakkuyilinu * Kuyile nin kurumkuzhalil * Kannuneer puzhayude theerathu ( Meerayude Dukkhavum Muthuvinte Swapnavum) * Thaamarakkanna * Kuttanadan kayalile (

Kaazhcha ''Kaazcha'' is a 2004 Indian Malayalam-language family-drama film written and directed by Blessy, in his directorial debut. The story revolves around the boy Pavan (Yash Gawli) who reaches Kerala after he loses everything in the 2001 Gujarat ear ...

) * Kalabhakkuri charthende * Jugnu re Jugnu re (

) * Aalmaram chaayum neram * Ammaanam chemmaanam * Meda ponveyiloothiyurukki * Neeyente paattil sreeragamayi * Sindoora sandhye parayoo * Snehathin poo nulli * Aalilakkanna * Chanthu pottum chenkelassum * Kilivaathilil kaathorthu njan * Ponnolathumbi * Ravin nilakaayal * Mazhayil rathri mazhayil ( Karuttha Pakshikal) * Puthumazhayay pozhiyam * Manassee saanthamakoo * Thalolam thane thaaraattum * Vala nalla kuppi vala vangitharum * Manithaliyay ee manam thelinju * Kunkuma malarukalo virinju * Kaattu thulli kayalolam * Niranazhi Ponnin (

Valyettan ''Valyettan'' ( Elder brother) is a 2000 Indian Malayalam-language action drama film directed by Shaji Kailas and scripted by Ranjith. It stars Mammootty, Shobana, Sai Kumar, N. F. Varghese, Siddique and Manoj K Jayan. It was remade in Kannada ...

) * Ninte kannil virunnuvannu * Annarakkanna vaa * Vaa vaa thaamarappenne

Awards

State Film Critics Award * 1989 – Best Music Director - Mudra, Chanakyan State Film Critics Award * 1992 – Best Background Music Director -

Daivathinte Vikruthikal ''Daivathinte Vikrithikal'' () is a 1992 Malayalam-language film co-written and directed by Lenin Rajendran based on M. Mukundan's novel of the same name. The film tells the story of Alphonso, a man who chooses to suffer a slow, torturous li ...

Mathrubhumi Medimix Film Award 1999 * 1999 – Best Music Director -

Vasantiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njanum ''Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum'' () is a 1999 Indian Malayalam-language drama film directed by Vinayan based on a screenplay by J. Pallassery. The film features Kalabhavan Mani, Kaveri, Praveena and Sai Kumar in the lead roles. The film ...

, Deepasthambham Mahascharyam Film Fare Award 2000 * 2000 – Joker AVT Grihalakshmi T V Award 2006 * 2006 – Best Music Director -Serial : Minnukettu Annual Malayalam Movie Award 2009, UAE * 2009 – Best Music Director Ravindran Award 2009 * 2009 – Best Music Director Kerala State Film Awards 2009 * 2009 – Best Music Director -

Personal life

He is married to Beena and has two children. His elder child, Mobina, sang a few songs directed by him and now she is married. His son, Vishnu, is an upcoming Music Programmer. Vishnu has already composed a few albums and has been assisting senior composers in orchestration.

References

Official Mohan Sithara Website.

Janayugam article
(in Malayalam)
Mohan Sithara-Shining Star In Malayalam Music World.

New York Times

MusicIndia, Mohan Sithara Contributions
*
Mohan Sithara Contributions

Mohan Sithara at MSI
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sithara, Mohan Malayalam film score composers Kerala State Film Award winners Musicians from Thrissur Living people Filmfare Awards South winners Film musicians from Kerala 1959 births 20th-century Indian composers 21st-century Indian composers