Born in kulathuppuzha in Kollam in 1943, Raveendran joined to the Swathy Thirunnal Sangeetha College, Thiruvananthapuram after completing his formal schooling. He learned music along with noted singer K.J.Yesudas. Poverty in the family did not present him any ‘colourful’ days in his childhood. But he took that ‘dismal days’ positively and as a stepping stone for the 'hard' days ahead in his career as a singer/musician.

Kulathoopuzha Ravi (before changing his name to Raveendran)earlier had tested his vocal chord for 30 odd songs under various noted music directors including Baburaj. But he could not go on with the singer tag for long. Lack of opportunities in the field made him a 'dubbing artist' and a singer in a ganamela troop.then he turned to scoring music. But it was for plays!