VAYALAR RAMAVARMA

VAYALAR RAMAVARMA

Vayalar Ramavarma, born on March 15, 1928 and died on October 27, 1975 was a modern Malayalam poet and lyricist. His works include Sargasangeetham, Mulankaadu, Padamudrakal, Aayisha, Oru Judas janikkunnu. Born in the village of Vayalar, in Aalappuzha district, Kerala, Vayalar belonged to an aristocratic family but became a poet of the proletariat inspired by revolutionary ideals. He was awarded Kerala Sahithya Academy Award (Kerala literary academy award) in 1961--for Sargasangeetham, the President's gold medal for best movie song lyrics in 1974, and the Kerala state film award for best lyricist thrice. The Vayalar award for Malayalam literature, given on October 27 each year, was instituted in his memory.

Vayalar wrote about 2000 songs for Malayalam movies, many of which reflect the sorrows and happiness of common man. Decades past his death, the movie songs he wrote are still popular among Malayalis. Among his most popular songs is the one he wrote for theatre, the KPAC naatakagaanam, "Balikudeerangalae" Malayalam cinema, or movies in Malayalam language, forms a significant component of the Cinema of India, both as a form of art and as mass medium. Many of his poems contain romantic notions about "revolution" and about the triumph of science over religion. He was openly associated with the leftist political movement in Kerala Born in the village of VAYALAR, in Alappuzha district district, Kerala, Vayalar belonged to an aristocratic family but became a poet of the proletariat inspired by revolutionary ideals. His parents were Vellarappally Kerala Varma and Vayalar Raghavaparambil Ambalika Thamburatty. He was awarded Kerala Sahithya Academy Award (Kerala literary academy award) in 1961 for Sargasangeetham, the President's gold medal for best lyricist in 1974, and the Kerala State film award for best lyricist three times. The Vayalar award for Malayalam literature, given on October 27 each year, was instituted in his memory.

Vayalar wrote about 2000 songs for 223 Malayalam movies and for several plays. Decades past his death, the movie songs he wrote are still popular among Malayalis. Among his most popular songs is the one he wrote for theatre, the KPAC naatakagaanam, "Balikudeerangalae"Many of his poems contain romantic notions about "revolution" and about the triumph of science over religion. He was associated with the leftist political movement in Kerala. The "Vayalar-Devarajan" was a prolific lyricist-composer combination which lasted till the death of Vayalar. Vayalar was married to Bharathy Amma. The couple has four children: Sarath Chandran, Indulekha, Yamuna and Sindhu. Vayalar's elder son Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma is now a popular lyricist in Malayalam film industry. Recently, his wife Bharathy Thamburatty wrote a book about Vayalar, Indradhanussin Theerathu, which became controversial.

Born in a famous royal family but later joined the communist movement and fought against discrimination on the basis of caste religion and creed which was prevalent in Kerala during that period. Though basically a poet he became well known as a lyricist writing inumerable golden melodies for Malayalam cinema. He has penned about 2300 songs for over 238 malayalam films. Has also wrote drama songs for the famous drama company K P A C. He is considered a legend in the field of malayalam film song writing in Kerala. He has produced a number of hit songs with music directors like Devarajan (with whom he has a world record for associating with a music director in 134 films), Salil chaudary, Dakshina murthy and singers like yesudas,Jayachandran,P suseela, P leela Awards and honors: . Won the National award forBest Lyricist in India 1974. won the kerala state award for best lyricist three times

Sahitya Pravarthaka Cooperative Society (SPCS) award 2010 given postumously

Won the Kerala Sahitya academy award in 1961 for his work Sargasangeetham. .

Literary worksHis poetic works include Oru Judas Janikunnu, Mullankadu, EnikkuMaranamilla, KonthayumPoonulum.DiedonOctober27th1975.

                                                  Prof. John Kurakar