Payoshi Bisht, Pune
Malayalam film industry’s first techno-musician K.J. Joy passed away on early Monday morning at his Chennai residence after a prolonged battle with illness. The cause of his sudden demise was a heart stroke. He is known for his extensive contribution to the Malayalam music industry and cinema. He produced music using accordion and keyboard in over 200 films throughout his career. Born in 1946 at Nellikunnu in the Thrissur district of Kerala, he began playing instruments as a young adult in the Church for the choir which then led to his vast musical career in films. At the age of eighteen, he was also associated with the orchestral band of the legendary composer M.S Swaminathan which laid the foundation of his decades long career.
Joy debuted as a music director in 1975 with the film Love Letter. Among his many songs that captured the heart of the people, he is most renowned for the song En Swaram Poovidum that is still revered by many people. Besides his work as an independent and accomplished music director, he also collaborated with many music directors and worked as an assistant in over 500 films. Apart from Malayalam cinema, he has worked in many Hindi language films as well. His most renowned films include Love Letter, Chandanachola, Aradhana, Mukkuvane Snehicha Bhootham, Anupallavi, Sarpam, Chandrahasam, Manushya Mrugam, Ithisham, Rajavembala, Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam, Kottunu and several others.
He was bedridden for several days before he passed away after suffering a stroke. Malayalam playback singer-composer G.Shreekumar as well as the FEFKA Directors Union condoled his sudden demise by posting prayers and messages on Facebook.
“My heartfelt condolences. May his soul rest in peace,” Sreekumar said in his condolence message on Facebook.
Joy’s innovative experiments significantly transformed the landscape of Malayalam film music, and he garnered recognition for his musical direction in movies featuring Jayan. He played a pivotal role in creating numerous songs that captivated and delighted audiences. Joy’s significance is attributed to introducing musical systems, such as keyboards, to the Malayalam film industry during the 1970s. He gained recognition as the first “techno-musician” in Malayalam cinema. Celebrating K J Joy’s 77th birthday, a musical ensemble named ‘Paattupeedika’ honored him by performing the compositions he created. The final cremation rites will take place on Wednesday as per the reports.