Jerry Amaldev

Biography

Jerry Amaldev (born 15 April 1939), whose birth name is Jerome Thomas Veleeparambil, is an acclaimed Indian music composer and music director best known for his work in Malayalam cinema. He is recognized for his lyrical melodies and distinctive blend of Indian and Western musical traditions.

Jerry Amaldev made his Malayalam film debut as a music director with Manjil Virinja Pookkal (1980), directed by Fazil. The film was a major success and earned him his first Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director. He subsequently composed music for several acclaimed films, including Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku (1983), Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu (1984), Ennennum Kannettante (1986), Guruji Oru Vaakku (1985), Aparahnam (1991) and Kazhakam (1995).

He won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Music Director three times, for Manjil Virinja Pookkal, Aparahnam and Kazhakam. His compositions became particularly popular for their graceful melodies and memorable orchestration.

After stepping away from Malayalam film music for an extended period, Amaldev returned as composer for Action Hero Biju (2016). The film featured the popular song “Pookkal Panineer Pookkal,” sung by K. J. Yesudas and Vani Jairam.

Beyond cinema, Jerry Amaldev has worked as a music educator, conductor and composer of choral and secular music. He has taught music at educational institutions and has conducted large-scale choral performances in India and abroad.

With his relatively selective filmography and distinctive musical style, Jerry Amaldev remains an important figure in the history of Malayalam film music. IMDb credits him with more than 40 composer roles, including Manjil Virinja Pookkal, Ganamela and Action Hero Biju.