THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The man of letters is no more. Celebrated poet and Jnanpith winner O N V Kurup, 84, who, with his mastery over words and effortless style in capturing earthy nuances, enraptured Malayali readers for over six decades, has bid goodbye.
The veteran poet and lyricist breathed his last at a private hospital here at 4.50 pm following cardiac arrest. Left-leaning poet, ONV had made a mark in the world of Malayalam poetry with his evolutionary poems. Through his flowery language and symbolic portrayal, Kurup had spun a magic web of poetry for his readers.
ONV, a member of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi for five years from 1982 and served as the chairman of Kerala Kalamandalam, is survived by wife P P Sarojini, son Rajeevan and daughter Mayadevi.
The cremation will be held at Santhiniketham with official honours on Monday.
Born to O N Krishna Kurup and K Lakshmikutty Amma on May 27, 1931, ONV lost his father at a young age. He passed intermediate from University College in 1948 and obtained his degree in economics from Kollam SN College in 1952.
After securing a post-graduate degree in Malayalam from the University College in 1955, ONV joined Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam, as a teacher. During his 25-year- long career, he served as department head at tmany colleges.
ONV Kurup is a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri, Medal of Pushkin and an honorary doctorate from the University of Kerala,He won the Kendra Sahitya Akademi award (1975), Ezhuthachan Puraskaram (2007), Vayalar Award (1982) and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award (1971). ONV penned around 900 film songs in about 232 films. He won the state film award for best lyrics 13 times.