Rinil Gowtham dies at 50; music director, screenwriter and actor active in Malayalam cinema

TRIPUNITHURA: Music director and screenwriter Rinil Gowtham, who worked across Malayalam cinema, television and devotional music, died on Monday at the age of 50. Rinil Gowtham collapsed while playing badminton on Monday morning. He was rushed to hospital but could not be saved.

Rinil had made his presence felt in the Malayalam entertainment industry through music for films, television serials and other projects. He composed music for films including Janapriyan, Vaadhyaar, Pigman, Sand City, Vadu, Kanthari, Najass and Velukkakka.

Among his better-known works was the popular devotional song “Padmahaarapriya Padmanabhaprabho...” associated with the Poornathrayeesa Temple in Tripunithura. He also composed title songs for Jaya Ho Radio, Kudumbashree’s Radio Sree and Radio Nallikka of the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

Rinil Gowtham had also composed music for television serials and worked on background scores for films. He was an executive member of the FEFKA Music Directors’ Union and was active as a screenwriter as well. Rinil Gowtham wrote the screenplay for a completed film featuring director Lal Jose as an actor.

Rinil's association with cinema was not limited to writing and music. He also appears in Ruha, directed by Benny P. Thomas, in a lead role.

The son of Sukumaran and Devaki, who hailed from Pozhuthana in Wayanad, Rinil Gowtham had been living in Kopparambu, Eroor, for several years.

His body will be kept for public viewing at the Ayyankali Memorial Hall at Kopparambu in Eroor from 10 a.m. on Tuesday. The funeral will be held at the Irimpanam public crematorium at noon.