Gireesh Puthenchery


Gireesh Puthenchery was a Noted Malayalam lyricist, poet, scriptwriter and screenwriter. He was referred to as the aristocratic Lyricist of Malayalam who had a distinctive writing style of his own. He was the former director of Indian Performance Rights Society Malayalam division and governing council member of the Kerala Kalamandalam and kerala Lalithakala Academy. He won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyricist in seven times He also holds the record for writing the highest number of songs in the Malayalam film industry within the briefest period of time.In the past two decades he was worked with almost all major music composers in India and most of his hit songs are with music director Vidyasagar. He died on 10 February 2010 in a private hospital in Kozhikode.

Life and career

Gireesh puthenchery was born to Pulikkool Krishna Panicker and Meenakshi Amma in Puthenchery near Ulliyeri village in Kozhikode district of Kerala. His father was an astrologer and Ayurvedic practitioner. His mother was a Carnatic musician. He completed his primary education at GLP School Puthenchery, AUP School Modakkallur, Govt School Palora and completed his graduation at Govt arts and science college Meenchantha.From a very young age, Gireesh was drawn towards the language and Literature of Malayalam. Gireesh made his debut through the Balasangam and He later became an active member of the Chenthara Art Committee ' and he was the one who wrote and directed the Dramas. At the age of 14 his first poem is published in Chenthara's weekly magazine.
He is married to Beena and they have two children, Jithin Krishnan and Din Nath. His elder son Jithin krishnan started off as an assistant director, working on films Breaking News, Money Rathnam, Rock On 2 and Tharangam. He managed to land his first major acting gig after writer-director Shankar Ramakrishnan organised an acting camp to select actors for Pathinettam Padi. Jithin also played major roles in the films include Edakkad Bttalion, Pranaya Meenukalude Kadal. His younger son Din Nath started his career as a lyricist who has penned many songs for Malayalam films including Meow Meow Karimpoocha, Matinee, Aasha Black, Money ratnam, Gunday Chennai koottam, Seconds,3 Wickettinu 365 Runs, Olappeeppi, Mangalyam Thanthunanena, and he is currently working as an assistant director. His nephew Sajan K. Ram, is a Malayalam music composer.
Gireesh puthenchery started his career with writing Lalitha Ganams for popular cassette Recording Companies include Akashvani, HMV, Magna sounds and Tharangini and he also penned many hit songs for Dooradarshan and Asianet. In the year 1990, He joined Malayalam film industry as a lyricist with the film Enquiry which is directed by U.V Raveendranath but the songs not become much popular.his breakthrough film was 1992 Jayaraj movie Johnnie Walker, whose track Shanthamee Rathriyil has become iconic. He was also one of the most honored lyricists, having won the Kerala State Award for best lyricist seven times.
Besides writing lyrics, Gireesh puthenchery had also written the screenplay for the films Brahmarakshassu, Pallavur Devanarayanan, Vadakkumnadhan, Kinnaripuzhayoram and story for Meleparambil Aanveedu, Adivaram, Ikkareyanente Manasam, Oro Viliyum Kathorthu and Kerala House Udan Vilpanakku. He also composed music for a Devotional album. He was scripting a film by the name of Raman Police, in which Mohanlal was expected to play the lead role.
In 2019 Music director Kailas Menon has paid a musical tribute to Gireesh Puthenchery, through a song titled " Manju Kaalam Dhoore Manju " in the Movie Finals'''.The track, created from lyrics penned by Gireesh Puthenchery before his passing, has vocals by Popular singer Srinivas. The lyrical video was presented by director Ranjith in July 20, 2019


Death

Gireesh Puthenchery, a chronic diabetic and hypertensive patient, was admitted to Mims Hospital Kozhikode on 6 February 2010 after he suffered a stroke. He was twice operated upon, but his condition did not improve and he suffered a brain hemorrhage and died at the hospital on 10 February 2010.

Filmography

1990-1995

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Screenplay

Books published

Popular Songs


Awards

Kerala State Film Awards:
Asianet Film Awards
Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Malayalam