Veteran Malayalam poet and lyricist Poovachal Khader has passed away

Poovachal Khader, a veteran Malayalam poet and lyricist, died here on Tuesday. He was 72 years old.

Khader had tested positive for coronavirus infection and was being treated at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College’s intensive care unit. Khader, who was also suffering from age-related ailments, died at 12:15 a.m. On Tuesday, the funeral will be held at Poovachal Juna Masjid.

Poovachal Khader had written songs for nearly 900 Malayalam films over the course of three decades.

Khader was introduced to films by the late director IV Sasi. He wrote his first screenplay for the 1973 film Kavitha, for which Sasi was the art director. However, it was the film that did it.

Khader got a big break thanks to ‘Kaatuvithachavan.’ Later, Khader’s songs in films such as ‘Mazhavillin ajnaathavasam…’ sung by Yesudas and ‘Neeyente prarthana kettu…’ sung by Mary Shaila became huge hits. One of his most successful collaborations was with musician Bichu Thirumala. KJ Yesudas, P Jayachandran, Vani Jairam, S Janaki, KS Chithra, P Susheela, P Madhuri, Unni Menon, and Lathika have all performed his works. In addition to his work in Malayalam films, he has written memorable songs for All India Radio. Among his major literary works are ‘Kaliveena’ and a collection of children’s poems titled ‘Paduvaan Padikkuvaan.’He is survived by his wife Aamina and children Thushara and Prasuna.