He lost his father at a young age and his mother (Parvathi), unable to provide for all her children, sent Arjunan and his brother, Prabhakaran, to Jeevakarunyananda Ashram at Palani where Arjunan got his first lessons in music.

[5] During a career spanning 50 years in cinema, Arjunan scored music for more than 500 songs in over 218 Malayalam films.

[7][8] His last film was Vellaram Kunnile Vellimeenukal, with songs written by Rajeev Alunkal.

[10] He died at his home at 3:30 AM IST on 6 April 2020, aged 84, and was cremated with full state honours at Palluruthy crematorium on the same day.

[11][12] He is survived by his sons Ashokan and Anil, and daughters Rekha, Nimmi and Sreekala.