Gireesh Puthenchery

Girish Puthenchery was a noted Malayalam lyricist, poet, scriptwriter and screenwriter, esteemed for his pivotal role as a lyricist in Malayalam cinema. He was often hailed as the aristocratic lyricist of Malayalam and was admired for his unique and distinctive writing style. He also served as the director of Indian Performance Rights Society's Malayalam division (I.P.R.S) and was a member of the governing councils of both Kerala Kalamandalam and the Kerala Lalithakala Academy. He made his debut with the film Enquiry in 1989 .He won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyricist seven times. He also holds the record for writing the highest number of songs in the Malayalam film industry in the shortest period of time. He died on 10 February 2010 at a private hospital in Kozhikode Due to a severe brain hemorrhage.

Life and career

Personal life

Girish was born to Pulikkool Krishna Panicker and Meenakshi Amma in Puthenchery, near Ulliyeri village in the Kozhikode district of Kerala. His father was an astrologer and Ayurvedic practitioner, while his mother was a Carnatic musician. Girish learned the fundamentals of music from his mother and acquired knowledge of Sanskrit from his father. He completed his primary education at GLP School in Puthenchery, AUP School in Modakkallur, and Palora HSS in Ulliyeri. Afterward, he pursued a degree in literature at the Government Arts and Science College, Meenchantha.

From a young age, Girish developed a strong affinity for the Malayalam language and literature. At the age of 14, his first poem, titled ''Mochanam'' was published in a weekly magazine. During his childhood, he was an active member of Balasangam (a children's cultural organization). He later became a prominent figure in the Chenthara Arts Club (a cultural club based in Puthenchery), where he wrote and directed numerous dramas and songs in collaboration with his brother, Mohanan and other local artists. Initially, Girish aspired to become a singer, idolizing K. J. Yesudas, but eventually abandoned this dream to pursue a career as a songwriter. After the unexpected death of his father, which left the family in financial hardship, Girish redoubled his efforts to establish himself as a lyricist. Before breaking into the world of songwriting, he worked as a copywriter for several scriptwriters, thanks to his exceptional handwriting. These industry connections proved instrumental in helping him present his written songs, eventually paving the way for his success as a renowned lyricist

In 1988, Girish was married to Beena, and they have two children, Jitin and Din Nath. His elder son, Jitin, is primarily known for his work in acting and as an assistant director. His younger son, Din Nath, also works as an assistant director and is a lyricist, having penned few songs for Malayalam films.

Before entering the Malayalam film industry, Girish worked as a collection agent at the Kozhikode RTO office and as a copywriter at All India Radio, Kozhikode. During this time, he continued to write songs and ''Lalitha Ganams'' for popular cassette recording companies, including Akashvani, HMV, Magnasounds, and Tharangini. He also penned many hit songs for Doordarshan and Asianet.

Film career

In 1989, Malayalam film director Vijayan Karote introduced Girish to the Malayalam film industry. Girish wrote the lyrics and screenplay for Karote's movie ''Bhramarakashassu'', but due to unforeseen circumstances, the film's initial release was delayed. During the same year, Girish was given the opportunity to write songs for another film, ''Enquiry'', directed by U.V. Raveendranath with Rajamani as the music composer. Through this film, Girish's debut song, "Janmantharangalil," was released. However, the song did not gain significant popularity.

Later, director Ranjith enlisted Girish to write the screenplay for the film ''Georgootty C/O Georgootty'', which marked Girish's transition into lyrics writing. Ranjith's recommendation led to Girish's opportunity to write songs for director Jayaraj's movie ''Johnnie Walker'', which became a breakthrough for him. The track "Shanthamee Rathriyil" from the film became iconic and earned Girish critical acclaim, solidifying his place in the Malayalam film industry. He is also one of the most honored lyricists, having won the Kerala State Award for Best Lyricist seven times.

Other works

In addition to writing lyrics, Girish has written screenplays for several films, including ''Brahmarakshassu'', '' Pallavur Devanarayanan'', '' Vadakkumnadhan'', '' Kinnaripuzhayoram'', and the story for '' Meleparambil Aanveedu'', ''Adivaram'', ''Ikkareyanente Manasam'', '' Oro Viliyum Kathorthu'', and '' Kerala House Udan Vilpanakku''. Girish has also published two poetry collections and composed music for a devotional album. Additionally, he was scripting a film titled ''Raman Police'', in which Mohanlal was expected to play the lead role.

Filmography

Death

Girish was a chronic diabetic and hypertensive patient. He was admitted to MIMS Hospital near his home on 6 February 2010 after suffering a massive stroke. At the time, he was writing a eulogy for the popular actor and director Cochin Haneefa, who had died four days earlier. Girish slipped into a coma soon after arriving at the hospital. He underwent two surgeries, but his condition did not improve, and he suffered a brain hemorrhage, dying at the hospital on 10 February 2010, at the age of 48. He was cremated with full state honors at the Mavoor Road crematorium the following day.

Awards

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Puthenchery, Gireesh
Malayalam-language writers
Malayalam-language lyricists
Writers from Kozhikode
Kerala State Film Award winners
1961 births
2010 deaths
Filmfare Awards South winners
Screenwriters from Kerala
20th-century Indian poets
Poets from Kerala
21st-century Indian poets
Malayalam screenwriters