‘Unni Vavavo’ composer Mohan Sithara reacts to Ranbir Kapoor singing the lullaby to Raha, reveals its origin

Not a single Malayali would be unaware of the song 'Unni Vavavo,' often sung by mothers to lull their babies to sleep. Now the evergreen Malayalam lullaby composed by Mohan Sithara for ‘Santhwanam’, which was released in 1991, has resurfaced in the limelight and all thanks to the Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor.

Recently during a TV show, actress Alia Bhatt said Ranbir had learned the Malayalam lullaby ‘Unni Vavavo’ to put their daughter Raha to sleep. The sweet gesture and fact bring renewed attention to the song, which was nearly 33 years after release.


Talking to Mathrubhumi, the song composer Mohan Sithara expressed his joy saying that it makes him proud to know that 'Unni Vavavo' is sung even after generations. He goes on thanking the lyricist 'Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri' for those words so meaningful and perfect enough to match with his composition.

Quite an interesting story, Mohan Sithara has shared about the background of the lullaby. He said that the lullaby began from a haunting experience at Aluva Palace. The composer said that he had seen an odd figure at the door and because of that, he was physically ill for a little while. After getting well, he felt that there was enormous creative energy inside him and then came the lullaby everyone loves so much.

Originally from the movie ‘Santhwanam’, by veteran film director Sibi Malayil, ‘Unni Vaavavo’ has been performed to heart and soul by the Malayali. The movie had the actors Suresh Gopi, Nedumudi Venu, Bharathi, Meena, Murali, and many others in lead roles.