January 10 marks the 85th birthday of KJ Yesudas, one of India’s most iconic singers. Fondly called the “Gana Gandharvan” (The Celestial Singer), Yesudas has gifted the world a treasure trove of melodies that span decades and languages. With over 50,000 songs to his credit, his voice continues to touch hearts and transcend boundaries.
Born in 1940, Yesudas began his musical journey with a deep passion for classical music, which later blossomed into a career that redefined playback singing in Indian cinema. His versatility shines through as he has sung in numerous Indian languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Odia, among others. Remarkably, he has also lent his voice to songs in Arabic, English, Latin, and Russian, showcasing his universal appeal.
From soul-stirring devotional hymns to romantic ballads and classical masterpieces, Yesudas’ repertoire is vast and timeless. Songs like “Harivarasanam”, “Vaishnava Janato”, and “Gori Tera Gaon”, among countless others, continue to be cherished by generations.
As we celebrate this extraordinary legend on his 85th birthday, we’re reminded of how his voice has been a source of comfort, inspiration, and joy. Here’s to the man whose melodies remain eternal.
