Gireesh Puthenchery (48), one of the most prolific lyricists of Malayalam cinema of the last two decades, died of brain haemorrhage at a private hospital in Kozhikode on Wednesday night.

Besides writing lyrics for several hit songs, Girish had also scripted films like “Vadakkunnathan” and “Pallavoor Devanarayanan”.

Over the last 20 years, no other lyricist penned as many hit songs in Malayalam cinema as he did. He was also one of the most honoured lyricists, having won the State award seven times, of which four were in consecutive years – 2001 to 2004.

Malayalam film director Kamal said that he was fortunate to get all the best songs of Girish in his film.

“I am at a loss to say anything. He used to say that he kept a separate pen to write for my films,” said Kamal.

Girish was presently writing the script of a film called “Raman Police”.Singer M.G. Sreekumar, who sang many songs written by Girish, said he has no words to describe the loss to the Malayalam film industry.

“Pinneyum pinneyum aaro…”, a beautiful song he wrote for ‘Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu’ (1997), is a good example. Set to tune brilliantly by Vidyasagar, it was the best song by Gireesh.

Among other notable songs of Gireesh are ‘Pranayavarnangal’ (“Aaro viral meettee…”), ‘Meesa Madhavan’ (“Karimizhi kuruviye…”), ‘Chandranudikkunna Dikkil’ (“Oru kunju poovinte…”), ‘Summer in Bethlehem’ (“Oru rathri koodi…”) and ‘Randam Bhavam’ (“Marannittumenthino…”).“Harimuraleeravam…” (‘Aaram Thampuran’), “Karmukil varnante…” (‘Nandanam’) and “Kalabham tharam…” (‘Vadakkumnathan’).“Soorya kireedom…” (‘Devasuram’), “Enthu paranjalum…” (‘Achuvinte Amma’), “Kannu nattu…” (‘Kathavasheshan’) and “Amma mazhakarinu…” (‘Madambi’).

We, at Kerala9.com, pray that his soul rests in peace.

—