Among the many memorable musical events I have had the privilege of organising, Devasangeetham holds a very special place in my heart. Staged in 2005 at the Chembur Fine Arts Auditorium, Mumbai, the programme was a grand musical tribute to the legendary music director, the late G. Devarajan Master, whose timeless compositions continue to inspire generations of music lovers.
The evening was graced by the late Johnson Master, one of Malayalam cinema’s most celebrated music directors, who had begun his musical journey as an assistant to Devarajan Master. His presence as the Chief Guest added immense significance to the event. Johnson Master also delighted the audience by rendering a few of his favourite songs, making the evening even more memorable.
The concert featured outstanding performances by renowned playback singers Unni Menon, Sudeep Kumar, Kallara Gopan, Reshmi Madhu, and several other talented artistes, who brought Devarajan Master’s evergreen melodies to life. The programme was beautifully compered by the popular television anchor Suresh Kumar, well known for Asianet’s Paattupetty.
The overwhelming response from the audience made Devasangeetham a resounding success. The programme was later telecast in its entirety on Asianet, enabling countless viewers to relive the magic of that unforgettable evening.
During the event, Johnson Master expressed his wish that I should organise one of his full-fledged orchestra concerts in Mumbai. I gladly accepted the idea and began planning it. Sadly, before the programme could materialise, he passed away. Determined to honour my promise, I later organised a grand musical tribute to Johnson Master at the prestigious Shanmukhananda Hall, Mumbai, in his memory. The programme was attended by his wife and children, making it a deeply emotional and meaningful occasion.
Looking back, Devasangeetham remains one of the most cherished milestones in my journey as an event organiser. Conceptualising and organising such a mega programme single-handedly, and seeing it appreciated by both the audience and television viewers, continues to be one of the most satisfying experiences of my life.
Some memories are not merely remembered—they continue to resonate like immortal melodies.