For most Malayalis, the song Unni Vavavo is a staple lullaby that parents have been singing to their newborns for years. However, the song has gained recognition beyond Kerala as well, as Alia Bhatt recently revealed that her daughter’s favourite lullaby is Unni Vavavo, which Ranbir Kapoor has also learnt to sing.
But do you know who composed this lovely lullaby that has now become the talk of the town? The song was in the 1991 Malayalam film Santhavanam, directed by Sibi Malayil and composed by noted music composer Mohan Sithara. Let’s take a look at the composer!
Who is Mohan Sithara?
Mohan Sithara is a popular composer of Malayalam cinema who hails from Thrissur, Kerala. Active in the film industry since 1986, the composer is often praised for his skill in creating songs and tracks by combining western, classical and folk styles.
The 65-year-old musician’s musical journey began as a violinist in various musical circles. His work with music industry stalwarts such as MG Radhakrishnan, Shyam and Perumbavoor G. Ravindranath played a vital role in shaping his career.
Under Ravindranath’s guidance, the composer was also part of the orchestration for Mohanlal’s song in the evergreen cult-classic film, Thuvanthumbikal. However, it was in 1986 when the composer became an independent composer with the film Onnu Muthal Poojhyam Vare.
Watch a song from Onnu Muttal Pujyam Vaare
Directed and written by noted writer Raghunath Paleri, this Malayalam language drama film is based on the themes of a widowed woman’s loneliness and her daughter’s search for a father in her life. The film featured Asha Jayaram in the lead role, while Yash’s Toxic director Geetu Mohandas made her debut in the film as a child artist. Interestingly, the film also featured Mohanlal in a special cameo role.
Apart from this, the composer achieved success as a composer with many films in his career. Along with his many films, the composer worked on projects like Varashangal Poyatharithe, Kudumbapuranam and Mamalakkappurath.
In 1989, the composer also composed tracks and score for the Malayalam film Chanakyan starring Kamal Haasan and Jayaram, directed by T.K. Rajeev Kumar. This thriller film depicted the story of a technically skilled man named Johnson who plots to assassinate the CM of Kerala.
Apart from the lead actors, the film also features Urmila Matondkar, Thilakan and Madhu in supporting roles. Interestingly, this film is Haasan’s last direct Malayalam film in which he played the lead role and was also Urmila’s first film in a lead role before she ventured into Bollywood.
Moving on to Mohan Sithara’s career, the composer has featured himself in various movies over the years like Mammootty’s Parampara, Mukha Chithram, Kaliveedu, Prithviraj Sukumaran starrer Swapnakkudu, and many more.
More information about Lori Unni Vaavavo
The song/lullaby ‘Unni Vavavo’ is from the movie ‘Santhwanam’ directed by Sibi Malayil. The movie stars Nedumudi Venu and Meena in the lead roles, while Suresh Gopi also plays a key role.
Composed by Mohan Sithara, the song is written by popular artist Kaithapram and originally sung by KS Chithra. In a recent report by Onmanorama, the composer was asked about his reaction when Alia Bhatt mentioned the lullaby during the promotions of Jigra.
Reacting to this, the musician said, “Everything is God’s blessing” and he is grateful that his song is getting recognition beyond the boundaries of languages and regions.
Watch the lullaby Unni Vavavo here:
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