Paravur: The state’s first museum dedicated to the legendary music director G Devarajan has been inaugurated. The Devarajan Museum, located on the first floor of the Paravur Arts Society’s headquarters, also functions as a research centre.

Unlike conventional museums, this one is designed to provide students of history and music enthusiasts with a deep understanding of the rich legacy of Malayalam drama and film music. The design work was coordinated by Sabu Nedungolam from Nila House at Vadakkemukku, Nedungolam. Sabu, along with three workers, completed the final phase of the design layout in just 10 days.

G. Devarajan’s musical journey began in 1955 with the release of 'Kaalam Marannu', the first film for which he composed music, with lyrics by ONV Kurup. A gramophone record, symbolic of the era, has been designed to highlight Devarajan's close collaboration with lyricists. The record features images of lyricists like Vayalar, P. Bhaskaran, Sreekumaran Thampy, and others, who penned many unforgettable songs.

Devarajan is remembered as a musician who created poetry through his music. In tribute to this unique talent, an installation has been set up featuring an open book, from which the seven notes of music appear to fall onto a musical instrument. This represents his remarkable ability to bring words to life through melody.

Sabu Nedungolam, an executive committee member of the Fine Arts Society, previously assisted art director Jai Singh and worked as assistant director to actor Rajan P. Dev in his directorial venture. He explained that the museum also serves as a research centre, incorporating historical documents and facts, and has the potential to evolve into a digital museum in the future.

The museum spans five rooms on the first floor of the Fine Arts Society’s main building. On display are musical instruments used by G. Devarajan for composing, awards he received, song notations, collections of songs and books, handwritten compositions, and even the bamboo chair and table he used while composing.

The museum was inaugurated by Leelamani Devarajan, G. Devarajan’s wife, on his 98th birth anniversary. The entrance is adorned with 80 photographs taken by Jijo Paravur, which trace the life and legacy of the maestro.