Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri

Kaithapram Damodaran
Kaithapram Damodaran
Background information
Origin	Kaithapram, Kannur, Kerala, India
Occupation(s)	Poet, lyricist, music director, classical vocalist, actor, playback singer, screenwriter, music therapist
Instruments	Music director (playback singing)
Years active	1985 – present
Website	kaithapram.com

Kaithapram Damodaran (Malayalam: കൈതപ്രം ദാമോദരന്‍) (born 1 January 1950), popularly known as Kaithapram, is a lyricist, music director, actor, singer, screenwriter, and performer of Carnatic music. He is the son of singer Keshavan Namboothiri (popularly known as Kannadi Bhagavathar, a disciple of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar) and Aditi Antharjanam. He generally performs in the Malayalam language.

Kaithapram made his entry into Malayalam cinema as a lyricist for the hit song "Devadundubhi Sandralayam" in the film Ennennum Kannettante directed by Fazil. Since then he has written lyrics for more than 346 films. He has also acted in many films, including Swathithirunal, Aaryan, His Highness Abdulla, and the film Theerthadanam, based on the story of famous Malayalam writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair. He has played the character of a classical or semi-classical singer in most of the films. The songs from Desadanam, his first film as a music composer, were a hit. The film Sopanam, directed by Shri Jayaraj, was based on a story and screenplay written by Kaithapram.

Kaithapram has established a cherished position in the Malayali heart with his beautiful yet simple artistic renderings. He has written both prose and poems and his books are also widely accepted. His appeal is closer to younger hearts and the success of 'Lajjavathiye…' has brought this aspect into fresh focus. His lyrics often express the deep love and regard that make the average Malayali home sick. He sings in public concerts and for various causes. He has won several awards as a lyricist. His charming and helpful attitude, readiness to help and ability to be one among the music lovers, have made him a legend in his own time.

Shri Kaithapram is also the Managing Trustee of Swathithirunal Kala Kendram (Music School) at Kozhikode, which caters to more than 400 music students. He has received numerous awards from various government and cultural organisations in Kerala. He has popularised and promoted the application of music for therapeutic purposes through the Music Therapy Foundation. Many have benefited from the systematic music therapy sessions conducted all over Kerala.