Recently, we reported about Chief Minister VD Satheesan announcing a set of modifications to the Kerala budget for the current financial year. The new changes to the budget include a film city in Kochi, with a budget allocation of 100 crore, an official recognition of cinema as an industry, and more. One of the notable aspects of the modified Kerala budget is the proposed music academy devoted to legendary composer Johnson Master. The CM and finance minister has announced an allocation of 5 crore for the Johnson Master music academy.

The move has earned much praise from the entertainment sector of the state. Veteran composer Ouseppachan expressed his gratitude to VD Satheesan for the proposal to develop the music academy in Thrissur in honour of Johnson Master.

In fact, Ouseppachan proposed the idea to Satheesan when the latter visited Thrissur before the elections. At the time, Satheesan said that he would make it a reality if he came to power.

Welcoming the move and giving its entire credit to VD Satheesan, Ouseppachan told reporters that he thought that the CM would only make a promise and would not act on it, similar to what most other politicians do in the state. He also said that Satheesan called him in person before his swearing-in ceremony and informed him of the news to build the academy.

Ouseppachan also said only Satheesan acted to make the longtime request for the academy a reality and that the move would inspire many generations of musicians.

Johnson Master is one of the most highly celebrated music directors in Malayalam cinema. His music has legions of fans in the state. He is best remembered for his collaborations with director Padmarajan on films such as Thoovanathumbikal and Namukku Parkkan Munthirithoppukal, among others.