Tearful adieu uncrowned prince

When I went to cover a press conference at Hotel Grant on the other day one of my friend in Mathrubhumi daily told the condition of Girish Puthanchery , the gifted Malayalam film lyricist and script writer is very critical and the chances for his survival is very bleak. He said we can expect the sad news in a day or two since he was suffering from brain hemorrhage.

Same thing happened the very next day at 9.30 pm, the 48-year-old Puthenchery, who had penned lyrics for around 400 films passed away at a private hospital in Kozhikode.

The news brought disbelief in me and made me sad since I am one of his admirer. He played magic with words which often made us to reminisce the beauty of it while listening to his songs. The uncrowned prince of the Malayalam lyrics left behind a legacy that would be difficult for others to fill.
The magical bond he shared with music directors including late Raveendran master , Vidhyasagar , Ilayaraja and others always ended up in gifting some of the best romantic songs in Malayalam.

For 48-year Puthenchery, penning down a song or poem is like having a cup of tea. Some of his songs including `Ethrayo Janmam Nine Njaan Thedunu …, Pinnayum Pinnayum Aaro Kinavinte…, Kalbham Tharam Bhagavane…, Innale Ente Nenjile… and Moovanthi Tazhvarayil… are the greatest hits of the times.

Awards and recognition adorned his path for his contributions into the Malayalam film industry. He was the seven time recipient of Kerala state awards and many other awards. He is also a good script writer. He had penned scripts for films like Vadakkumnathan, Kinnaripuzhaoram, Palavoor Devanarayanan, Meleparambil Aanveedu etc.

The sudden demise of Puthenchery who was at the peak of his career has created a vast void in Malayalam film industry. He was , is and will always be the uncrowned prince of words in the minds of people of lovers. His lost wont be able to compensate with a substitute.

Thousands paid homage to their beloved poet when his body was kept at the Town hall to allow the public to pay last respects. Girish we love you always ....May his soul rest in peace...