Girish Puthenchery

Girish Puthenchery (1961–2010) was a noted Malayalam Lyricist, Poet, Scriptwriter and Screenwriter. He was always referred to as the aristocratic lyricist of malayalam who had a distinctive writing style of his own. He also served as the director of Indian Performance Rights Society Malayalam division (I.P.R.S) and governing council member of the Kerala Kalamandalam and Kerala Lalithakala Academy. He debuted with the movie 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 within the briefest period of time. He died on 10th February, 2010 at a private hospital in Kozhikode.

Personal life
Girish 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, while his mother was a Carnatic musician. Girish learned the basic lessons of music from his mother and knowledge of Sanskrit from his father. He completed his primary education at GLP School Puthenchery, AUP School Modakkallur, and Palora HSS Ulliyeri after that he pursued a degree in literature at Govt arts and science college, Meenchantha.

From a very young age, Girish was drawn towards the language and literature of malayalam, at the age of 14 his first poem named Mochanam (ml:മോചനം) is published in a weekly magazine. During his childhood days he is an active member of Balasangam (an Indian children's organization wing of the CPIM ) and later he became a noted artist of Chenthara Arts Club (a cultural club located in Puthenchery) by writing and directing many dramas and songs along with his brother Mohanan puthenchery and natives.

He is married to Beena and they have two children, Jitin Puthenchery and Din nath Puthenchery. His elder son Jithin started off as an assistant director, working on films Breaking News, Money Rathnam, Rock On 2 and Tharangam. Jithin 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 and copywriter who has penned many songs for Malayalam films including Meow Meow Karimpoocha, Matinee, Aasha Black, Money Ratnam, Gunday, Chennai Koottam, Seconds, Moonu Wickettinu 365 Runs, Olappeeppi, Mangalyam Thanthunanena, and is currently working as an assistant director in Malayalam film industry, most recently on the movie Trance.

Prior to joining the malayalam film industry, He worked as a collection agent in Kozhikode RTO office and copywriter at All India Radio, Kozhikode. At the same time, he continued to write songs and Lalitha Ganams for popular cassette Recording Companies include Akashvani, HMV, Magnasounds and Tharangini and he also penned many hit songs for Dooradarshan and Asianet.

Film career
In 1989 malayalam movie Director Vijayan Karote introduced Girish to the malayalam film industry. Girish penned lyrics and screenplay for Vijayan karot's movie named Bhramarakashassu, but due to some reasons the initial release of the film was delayed, at the same year Girish got an opportunity to write songs for another movie named Enquiry which was directed by U.V Raveendranath and with Rajamani as the music composer through this film Girish's first song "Janmantharangalil" released and it was his debut movie, But the songs didn't gain much popularity. After that director Ranjith scripted for the movie Georgootty C/O Georgootty turned Girish to the lyrics writing. Ranjith's recommendation brought him the chance to write songs for director Jayaraj's movie Johnnie Walker which was his breakthrough film, whose track Shanthamee Rathriyil has become iconic and had brought him critical acclamation, which reflects his career in Malayalam film industry. He was also one of the most honoured lyricists having won the Kerala State Award for best lyricist seven times.

Other works
Besides writing lyrics, Girish had also written the screenplay for the films Brahmarakshassu, Pallavur Devanarayanan, Vadakkumnadhan, and Kinnaripuzhayoram, and the story for Meleparambil Aanveedu, Adivaram, Ikkareyanente Manasam, Oro Viliyum Kathorthu and Kerala House Udan Vilpanakku. Girish has also published two poetry collection.He also composed music for a devotional album. He was also scripting a film by the name of Raman Police, in which Mohanlal was expected to play the lead role.

Filmography
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Death
Girish was a chronic diabetic and hypertensive patient. He was admitted to MIMS hospital near his home on 6 February 2010 after he suffered a massive stroke. He was writing a eulogy on the popular actor and director Cochin Haneefa, who had died four days earlier, when he suffered a stroke. He slipped into a coma soon after reaching hospital. He was twice operated upon, but his condition did not improve and he suffered a brain hemorrhage. Finally he died at the hospital at 8:30 PM on 10 February 2010, aged 48. He was cremated with full state honors at the Mavoor Road crematorium on the next day.