Renowned Poet and lyricist Mullanezhi Neelakandan, 63, passed away at a private hospital here on 22.10.2011. Mullanezhi Neelakandan, called Mullanezhi, was born in Ollur Avanasseri Mullanezhi Mana of Thrissur. Mullanezhi made his mark as a lyricist with the film ‘Lakshmi Vijayam’ in 1976. He started is career as a teacher in Ramavarmapuram Government High School and worked for a long time. He was also a member of Kerala Sangeeth Nadaka Academy from 1980 to 1983. A gifted poet as well, Mullanezhi was the recipient of several literary awards like the N V Krishna Warrier Memorial Award - 2010 for ‘Kavitha’, an anthology of poems.
He had proved his talent at acting too, debuting in the movie ‘Piravi’ and doing cameo but noted roles in ‘Kazhakam’ and ‘Chaverpata’. He recieved Kerala Sahithya Akademi Award in 1995 and 2010 and Ulloor Award in 1977.. Mullanezhi has also appeared in films Uppu, Piravi, Kazhakam and Neelathamara. His last lyrics were for the Malayalam film ‘Indian Rupee’. He has written lyrics of more than 60 songs for about 25 films.
