THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Poet Sreekumaran Thampi, who filled the hearts of Malayalis with poetry-filled film songs, is turning 84 today. Sreekumaran Thampi who saw the light of a thousand full moons, will have a birthday special sadya with the inmates and fans at Sree Chitra Poor Home today.

Sreekumaran Thambi's birth star is Rohini which is today. Unlike his usual schedule, he will arrive for the function organized by Sreekumaran Thambi Foundation after visiting the temple in the morning.

Sreekumaran Thambi was born on March 16, 1940 in Haripad in Alappuzha district as the third of the five children of Kalarikkal Krishna Pillai and Karimpalayathu Bhavaniamma Thangachi. He used to write stories and poems since his childhood. In 1966, he entered songwriting through the movie 'Kaattumallika'. Later, everything that was born from that pen became a hits. More than 3000 Malayalam movie songs. His songs in the 1967 movie Chithramela got noticed and he found his own niche in the film industry. He also excelled as a screenwriter, producer and director. 'Mohiniyattam' (1976) directed by him is considered to be the first feminist film in Malayalam.

Apart from poetry and film songs, Sreekumaran Thambi also made his mark in drama songs, light music songs, festival songs etc. His poetry collections are Engineerude Veena, Neelathamara, En Makan Karayumpol, Sheershakamillaattha Kavithakal etc. He has received many honours such as JC Daniel Award for his overall contribution to the Malayalam film industry, Vayalar Award and Takazi Award.