KOCHI: Heralded as one of the greatest lyricists and poets of all time, Yusufali Kechery, passed away here on Saturday. Kechery was undergoing treatment at a private hospital here from January 24. The cause was long-standing diabetes, doctors said. Though he showed signs of recovery, he had an unexpected attack of pneumonia for the last two months.
Born at Kechery in Thrissur, the poet has written about 600 songs for 150 films. He has bagged numerous awards, including the prestigious Odakkuzhal award, Kerala Sahitya Academy award, to name a few. Kechery has also won the national award for the best lyricist for the film Mazha and the state award thrice. Some of his prominent works include Aayiram Navulla Mounam, Sainabha, Nadabrahmam, Kecheri Puzha, Kadhaye Premicha Kavitha and Perariyarga Nombaram. He has also directed a few films- Maram, Vanadevatha and Neelathamara.
Funeral Today
Kochi: Kechery had also served as the assistant secretary and executive member of the Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Academy and Advisory committee member of All India Radio, Thrissur. His mortal remains will be kept at the Kerala Sahitya Academy Hall from 11 am to 1 pm for the public to pay their last respects. The funeral will be held at Thrissur Pattikkara Juma Masjid at 4 pm on Sunday.
Also read: CM Condoles Yusufali's Demise