Renowned Malayalam poet Yusufali Kechery passes away

Kochi, Mar 21: Renowned Malayalam poet Yusufali Kechery, who left a deep impression in Kerala's cultural realm as a lyricist, died at a private hospital here today.

He was 81 and had been suffering from bronchial pneumonia, hospital sources said. Kechery, who studied Sanskrit under well known scholar K P Narayana Pisharody, was known for his mystic lyrics on Hindu Gods, particularly Lord Krishna.

Kechery, who dominated Malayalam films along with ONV Kurup and P Bhaskaran as a top-notch lyricist, had penned hundreds of songs known for their mystic and romantic charm with the semi-classical touch.

He also left a deep impression on Kerala society as a film producer and director. Hailing from Kecherry in Thrissur district in Kerala, Yousafali debut with Sindooracheppu in 1971 for which he penned lyrics as well as script for the movie.

Born in a well known Muslim family in Thrissur, he won the best lyricist National award for a Sanskrit poem --gayam hari nama dhayam--written for the movie mazha (rain). His lyrics in Dhwani, composed by renowned musician Naushad Ali, are considered as one among the best works of him.

He had worked as assistant secretary of Kerala Sangaeetha Nataka Academy and also served as the president of Kerala Sahitya Academy. His burial will take place tomorrow evening at Pattikarra.

PTI