Malaysia Vasudevan

Malaysia Vasudevan was a Malaysian-Indian playback singer and actor who worked mainly in the Tamil film industry. He was born in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia, to a Malayali family that migrated from Palakkad, Kerala. He grew up with a passion for music and singing, and learned to play the mridangam from his father. He also developed an interest in acting and joined Tamil drama troupes in Malaysia. He made his film debut as an actor and singer in the movie Raththa Paei, which was produced by one of his drama groups. He later moved to Chennai and joined the Pavalar Brothers troupe, which was run by Ilaiyaraaja and his brothers. He got his first major break as a singer when he sang "Kaalam Seyyum Vilaiyattu" in the film Kumasthavin Magal, and was given the name Malaysia Vasudevan by the director A. P. Nagarajan. He then became a regular singer for Ilaiyaraaja and other music directors, and sang over 8,000 songs in Tamil and other languages. He was known for his distinctive and versatile voice, and his ability to sing in different genres and styles. He also acted in several films, mostly in supporting roles or as a villain. He was also a director, composer and producer, and made films such as Nee Sirithal Deepavali, Uravugal, Samanthi Poo and Nellai Santhippu. He was married to Usha and had three children, who are also singers. He died of cardiac arrest in Chennai on 20 February 2011, at the age of 66. He was cremated at the Besant Nagar Crematorium. He is remembered as one of the most prolific and popular singers in Tamil cinema, and has won several awards and honors for his contribution to music.