Gireesh Puthenchery

Biography

Gireesh Puthenchery was a renowned Indian lyricist, poet, and screenwriter who worked primarily in Malayalam cinema. Born on 23 September 1959 in Puthenchery, Kozhikode, Kerala, he became one of the most prolific and respected lyricists in Malayalam film history.

He entered the film industry with Enquiry (1990) and went on to write lyrics for hundreds of Malayalam films. His songs became especially popular during the 1990s and 2000s, with notable films including Johnny Walker (1992), Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu (1997), Meesamadhavan (2002), Valliettan (2000), Nandanam (2002) and Twenty:20 (2008).

Apart from lyric writing, Gireesh also worked as a screenwriter and story writer. His credits include Meleparambil Aanveedu, Kinnaripuzhayoram, Pallavur Devanarayanan and Vadakkumnadhan. He also contributed to the screenplay and dialogue of several films.

Gireesh Puthenchery won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyricist seven times, including four consecutive awards from 2001 to 2004. His award-winning films included Agnidevan (1995), Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu (1997), Punaradhivasam (1999), Ravanaprabhu (2001), Nandanam (2002), Gourisankaram (2003) and Kathavasheshan (2004).

He died on 10 February 2010 in Kozhikode, following a brain hemorrhage, at the age of 48. He was survived by his wife Beena and two sons, Jithin Puthenchery and Dinanath Puthenchery.

Gireesh Puthenchery is remembered as one of the most accomplished lyricists of Malayalam cinema, celebrated for his poetic language, emotional depth and lasting contribution to Malayalam film music.