Lyricist GK Pallath passes away 

THRISSUR: Renowned lyricist GK Pallath (Pallath Veetil Govindan Kutty, 82), who penned ten film songs and about 60 theatre songs, including the hit song 'Kaatu Vannu, Ninte Kaamukan Vannu' sung by P Jayachandran, passed away. The funeral will take place tomorrow at 4 pm at Shanthi Ghat Crematorium in Paramekkavu.

He was born on May 19, 1942, as the son of Narayanan Nair and Amminiyamma in Thrissur. He lived at his home in Ayyanthole. He retired as Deputy Tehsildar in the Revenue Department in 1997. Wife: N. Rajalakshmi (Asst. Taluk Supply Officer). Children: Nayana (UK), Suhas and Radhika (Chicago).

Pallath first wrote the song 'Raktathirakal Neenthivarum', which was sung by KS George and Sulochana at the plenum of the Communist Party in Thrissur in 1958. The song was very much popular in all the election rallies and venues in the state. He made his film debut in 1978 by penning the song 'Kaatu Vannu Ninte Kamukan Vannu' composed by G Devarajan master and sung by P Jayachandran for the film 'Paadasaram'.

He became noted for writing amateur dramas like Dhoorthuputhri and Kudumbavilakku and writing drama songs. He penned songs for films such as Chora Chuvanna Chora, Chaakara, Amrita Geetham, Kattuthee, Kaleechakram, Veerashrinkhala, Kumkumapottu and Vaalkannadi.

He also wrote election campaign songs. Pallath wrote songs for Congress as well when the Congress faced elections under the leadership of Indira Gandhi.