Sreekumaran Thampi – The legendary Malayalam lyricist and poet @80

Sreekumaran Thampi is a familiar name to Malayalis belonging to different generations. Though he is a great poet, he is best known among Malayalis for penning numerous evergreen Malayalam film songs representing the golden era, and also known as the contemporary of Vayalar Rama Varma and Bhaskaran. Legendary playback singers like K. J. Yesudas, P. Jayachandran, S. Janaki and P. Susheela have recorded countless film songs, originally penned by Thampi. He frequently associated with Arjunan Master for his works. He has also scripted, produced and directed films. In 2020, he celebrates his 80^th birthday. Through this column, I would like to give a humble tribute to the lyricist who provided hundreds of simple songs to Keralities, and contributed more than 50 years to cinema. 

A brief note about his family and early phase in cinema

Sreekumaran Thampi was born in Haripad, Alappuzha on 16 March 1940 as the son of Kalarikkal Krishna Pillai and Karimpalayathu Bhavanikutty Thankachi. His ancestors originally belong to Chirakkal in Kannur district, who later shifted to Haripad. He has 4 siblings. His brother P. Vasudevan Thampi was a renowned novelist. He was a brilliant student who graduated in Mathematics and also completed his civil engineering degree from Government Engineering College, Thrissur.

He was introduced to the Malayalam film industry in year 1966 by filmmaker P. Subramaniam through the movie, Kaattumallika. He penned all the 10 songs of the movie, composed by M. S. Baburaj. Since then for nearly 55 years, he penned lyrics for more than 3000 beautiful Malayalam film songs, apart from writing script of 85 films, producing 25 and directing 29 of them. He entered film scene when songs of Vayalar, Bhaskaran and O. N. V. Kurup were ruling the roost. Without disturbing any, he slowly established his career in Malayalam cinema, with his distinguished style and simplicity of lines. He managed to create a niche of his own through the countless romantic songs he penned for different composers, especially belonging to the golden era of music.  

Better known as the poet of romantic songs

He penned lyrics for numerous hit songs of 1960s, 1970s and later. He has been frequently associated with composers, M. S. Baburaj, Devaragan, V. Dakshinamoorthy, M. S. Viswanathan, M. K. Arjunan, Salil Chowdhury, Raveendran etc. Some of his famous songs are included in the movies, Bharyamaar Sukshikkuka, Vilaykku Vaangiya Veena, Priyathama, Chitralekha, Gaanam, Cochin Express, Kannur Deluxe, Midumidukki, Kadal, Velutha Katrina, Padunna Puzha, Danger Biscuit, Rahasyam, Ragam, Rest House etc. He also penned lyrics for Bandukkal Satrukkal, Nayaki etc in the new generation movies.

His role as a filmmaker and screenwriter

Though he is best known as a poet and writer, he has also scripted, produced and directed a few movies too. Chandrakaantham in 1974 marked his debut as a film director and screenwriter. He also wrote dialogues for the movie. Etho Oru Swapnam, Mohiniyattom, Puthiya Velicham, Naayattu, Ganam, Amme Bhagavathi, Yuvajanotsavam, Bandhukkal Sathrukkal, Thiruvonam, Venalil Oru Mazha etc are some of his best known directorial ventures. Ammakkoru Tharattu in 2015 was his last release.

He frequently associated with Arjunan Master

His association with M. K. Arjunan is quite famous in the industry. In fact it was Thampi who offered the second film project of Arjunan’s career, Rest House which established him as a leading composer of Malayalam cinema. When Dakshinamoorthy left the project, it was Thampi who suggested his name to the producer. When Arjunan was asked to tune ‘Paurnami Chandrika Thottu Vilichu’ in the presence of K. P. Kottarakara and producer Sasikumar, he tuned 1.5 hours to tune those lyrics penned by Thampi and impressed everyone present there, at the residence of K. P. Kottarakara at Chennai.  Arjunan tuned rest of the songs as well, which tuned to be huge hits. Thus the movie marked a successful beginning of a 5-decade long friendship and professional relationship. It’s so sad that Arjunan Master passed away a few days after Thampi celebrated his 80th birthday. Master also celebrated his 84th birthday in grand for the first time, just one month before his death in April. 

Popular songs of Sreekumaran Thampi recorded in the voice of K. J. Yesudas

1. Aakaasham Bhoomiye from Bharyamaar Sookshikkuka
2. Chandrikayilaliyunnu from Bharyamaar Sookshikkuka
3. Vaikkathashtami Naalil from Bharyamaar Sookshikkuka
4. Hridayasarassile from Padunna Puzha
5. Paadatha Veenayum Paadum from Rest House
6. Muthilum Muthaaya from Rest House
7. Pournami Chandrika Thottu Vilichu from Rest House
8. Ponveyil Manikkacha Azhinju Veenu from Nrithasaala
9. Akale Akale Neelakaasham from Midumidukki
10. Kuyilinte Maninaadam Kettu from Padmavyooham
11. Eeswaranorikkal from Lankaadahanam
12. Chettikkulangara Bharani Naalil from Sindhu
13. Thedithedi Njan Alanju from Sindhu
14. Vaal Kannezhuthi from Picnic
15. Kasthoori Manakkunnalo from Picnic
16. Chembakathaikal Pootha from Kaathirunna Nimiksham
17. Malarkodi Pole from Vishukkani
18. Utharaaswayamvaram from Danger Biscuit
19. Aashadam Mayangi Nin from Sathyavan Savithri
20. Mangalam Nerunnu Njaan from Hridayam Oru Kshethram
21. Oru Devan Vazhum from Hridayam Oru Kshethram
22. Orikkal Maathram Vili Kelkkumo from Driksakshi
23. Pavizham Konduru Kottaaram from Pushpanjali
24. Raakkuyilin Raajasadassil from Kalachakram
25. Madam Pottichirikkunna from Chithramela
26. Aavanipponpulari from Panchathanthram
27. Neelakkuda Nivarthi Vaanam from Rakthapushpam
28. Sree Mahaaganapathim from Gaanam
29. Aalaapanam Aalaapanam from Gaanam
30. Paalaruvikkarayil from Padmavyooham
31. Manassilunaroo Ushasandhyay from Marunaattil Oru Malayaali
32. Asokapoornima Vidarum from Marunaattil Oru Malayaali
33. Sindooram Thudikkunna from Chattambikalyani
34. Poovinu Kopam Vannaal from Chattambikalyani
35. Poomanam Puthulanje from Etho Oru Swapnam
36. Oru Mukham Mathram from Etho Oru Swapnam
37. Sreepadam Vidarnna from Etho Oru Swapnam
38. Aa Nimishathinte Nirvruthiyil from Chandrakantham
39. Swanthamenna Padathinenthartham from Mohiniyaattam
40. Aayiram Ajanthaa Chithrangalil from Sankhupushpam
41. Aval Chirichal from Vilaykku Vaangiya Veena
42. Sukhamevide Dukhamevide from Vilaykku Vaangiya Veena
43. Ilanjippoomanam from Ayalkkaari
44. Bhagavaan Bhagavathgeethayil from Sambhavami Yuge Yuge
45. Chandrabimbam from Pullimaan
46. Kuyilinte Maninaadham Kettu from Padmavyooham
47. Aarattinanakal Ezhunnalli from Sastram Jayichu Manushyan Thottu
48. Ezhilam Paala Poothu from Kaadu
49. Paadaam Namukku Paadaam from Yuvajanolsavam
50. Innumente Kannuneeril from Yuvajanolsavam
51. Orikkal Niranjum from Mrigaya
52. Hridayam kondezhuthunna from Aksharathettu
53. Megham Poothuthudangi from Thoovaanathumbikal
54. Bandhuvaaru Sathruvaru from Bandhuvaaru Sathruvaru
55. Malayali Penne Ninte Manass from Bandhuvaaru Sathruvaru
56. Chumbana Poo Kondu from Bandhuvaaru Sathruvaru
57. Alappuzha Pattanathil from Bandhuvaaru Sathruvaru

Popular songs of Sreekumaran Thampi recorded in the voice of P. Jayachandran

1. Sandhyakenthinu Sindooram from Maaya
2. Thiruvaabharanam Chaarthi from Lankaadahanam
3. Chandanathil Kadanjeduthoru from Sastram Jayichu Manushyan Thottu
4. Nin Maniyarayile from CID Nazeer
5. Pallavi Paadi from Sethu Bandhanam
6. Yamune Yadukula Rathidevanevide from Rest House
7. Hridayeswari Nin Neduveerppinaal from Panchamritham
8. Varmegha Varnante Maaril from Sagara Sangamam
9. Mounam Polum Madhuram from Sagara Sangamam
10. Thakida Thadhimi from Sagara Sangamam
11. Rajeeva Nayane Neeyurangu from Chandrakantham
12. Aswathynakshathrame from Danger Biscuit
13. Swarna Gopura Narthaki Silpam from Divyadharsanam
14. Nakshathramandala Nada Thurannu from Panchavadi
15. Nin Padangalil from Naazhikakkallu
16. Mallikapoovin Mahuragandham from Honey Moon
17. Onnaam Raagam Paadi from Thoovaanathumbikal
18. Nanayum Nin Mizhiyoram from Nayika

Popular songs of Sreekumaran Thampi recorded in the voice of other male playback singers

G. Venugopal – Unarumee Gaanam from Moonam Pakkam, Vasanthathin Manicheppu from Varthamaanakaalam

M. G. Sreekumar – Thaamarakkili Paadunnu from Moonam Pakkam (duet with Chithra), Urakkam kankalil from Mahaayaanam (a solo version of Chithra too), Orikkal Nee Chirichaal from Appu (duet with Sujatha), Koothambalathil Vecho from Appu

K. P. Brahmanandan – Neela Niseedhini from CID Nazir

Popular songs of Sreekumaran Thampi recorded in the voice of S. Janaki

1. Mounam Polum Madhuram from Sagara Sangamam
2. Malarkodi Pole from Vishukkani
3. Chirikkumpol Koode Chirikkum from Kadal
4. Govardhanagiri Kaiyil from Marunaattil Oru Malayaali
5. Akale Akale Neelakaasham from Midumidukki
6. Aa Nimishathinte Nirvruthiyil from Chandrakantham
7. Yamune Yadukula Rathidevanevide from Rest House
8. Vaikkathashtami Naalil from Bharyamaar Sookshikkuka
9. Varumallo Raavil from Kannur Deluxe
10. Madam Pottichirikkunna from Chithramela

Popular songs of Sreekumaran Thampi recorded in the voice of Vani Jayaram

1. Vaal Kannezhuthi from Picnic
2. Karuna Cheyvan Enthu Thaamsam from Gaanam
3. Thiruvona Pularithan from Thiruvonam
4. Kanakachilankachaarthum from Oru Raagam Pala Thaalam

Popular songs of Sreekumaran Thampi recorded in the voice of other female playback singers

P. Suseela – Ezhilam Paala Poothu from Kaadu

P. Madhuri – Varmegha Varnante Maaril from Sagara Sangamam, Naalukaalulloru from Chattambi Kalyani, Pallavi Paadi from Sethu Bandhanam

L. R. Eswari – Ayala Porichathundu from Venalil Oru Mazha

Minmini – Aarum paadaatha from Vaadakagunda

Chithra – Thaamarakkili Paadunnu from Moonam Pakkam, Urakkam Kankalil from Mahaayaanam

Sujatha – Orikkal Nee Chirichaal from Appu

Sreekumaran Thampi – Honours received by him

As a poet he is a recipient of the prestigious Vallathol Award in 2016. He won National Award for Best Book on Cinema for Kanakkum Kavitayum. In 2017 he was honoured with J. C. Daniel Award,  highest award given to the overall contributions of an artist in Malayalam cinema. Though almost every film song penned by Thampi is familiar to Keralities, he received only fewer honours.

He received first state film award for best lyricist for Vilakku Vangiya Veena in 1971, which included his songs, “Aval Chirichal“, “Sukhamevide Dukhamevide” and “Izhanonthu Thakarnnoru” sung by Yesudas, and “Devagaayakane” sung by K. P. Brahmanandan. P. Bhaskaran penned rest of its six songs apart from a traditional song. It took long 40 years to receive the honour in same category in year 2011, for the movie, Naayika. Nanayum Nin Mizhiyoram from Nayika was that particular song which received the honour. He penned all the 5 songs of the movie, composed by legendary M. K. Arjunan, which includes his famous song of 1970s movie ‘Picnic’ too – “Kasthuri Manakkunnallo“.

Two of his films have won Kerala State Film Award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic value Film – Mohiniyattam in 1976 and Gaanam in 1981. Mohiniyattam also bagged him Filmfare award for best director in Malayalam.

Sreekumaran Thampi – Some less-known and interesting facts

1. He is fondly called “Hrudaya Ragangaluday Kavi” which literally translates as “Poet of Love Songs”. Most of his popular and even green classic film songs belong to romantic genre. His songs fit well into the film situation, and he gives so much importance to the beauty of lyrics and the use of pure Malayalam.

2. Thampi and celebrated singer K. J. Yesudas were born exactly on same year – 1940. Yesudas was born on January 10 and Sreekumaran Thampi on March 16. In fact, Thampi owns maximum hit songs in Yesudas’ voice. They own a bonding relationship for many decades, and in 2020 both celebrated 80^th birthday.

3. “Thamarathoniyil Thalolamaadi” was the first song of Thampi recorded in Yesudas’ voice. Both were 26 years old when this particular debut song of Thampi was recorded for the movie, Kaattumallika. Since then they recorded more than 500 songs together. They recorded their 500^th song in year 2015 for the movie, Ammakkoru Tharattu directed by Thampi.

4. Though he is better known as a poet and lyricist, he published 4 novels too. He published numerous poetry works and a collection of 1001 selected songs titled Hridaya Sarassu has been republished multiple times.

5. A collection of his poems has been translated to Hindi and published as ‘Sreekumaran Thampi Ki Kavitayein’.

6. Prem Nazir Enna Prema Gaanam – is one of his popular works in Malayalam literature, related to cinema.

7. He made an appearance in the TV series, Nilavum Nakshathrangalum.

8. His elder brother P. Vasudevan Thampi best known as P. V. Thampi authored Sreekrishnaparinthu, the famous fantasy horror Malayalam novel, which was later made into a film starring Mohanlal. He authored many more horror novels in Malayalam.

9. In 2009 his son Rajakumaran Thampi (also known as Raj Aditya) was found hanging in a hotel in Secundarabad. He was an assistant director of Priyadarshan and a budding Telugu film director with “Ishtam” and “Pourudu” to his credit. Reportedly he committed suicide, just before the release of his Telugu flick, Malli Malli. After this incident, Thampi fully broke down.

10. Singer Vani Jayaram was to mark her Malayalam debut with Thiruvona Pularithan from Thiruvonam, penned by Thampi. Yet she marked her debut in Malayalam film industry through Saurayoodhathil Vidarnnoru – the title song of the movie, Swapnam, penned by O. N. V. Kurup.

11. In association with M. K. Arjunan, he has delivered numerous hit songs. They began their association with Prem Nazir-Sheela starrer Rest House. They did approximately 67 movies together. “Chempaka Thaikal Pootha Maanathu” from Kaathirunna Nimisham is the most favourable song of the composer penned by Thampi. Pootheri Raghunath who produced the movie tuned a tabla artist for this song and the tune was based on his rhythm on tabla. 

12. It was Thampi who recommended Arjunan’s name to the film producer of Rest House, when V. Dakshinamurthy turned away from the project. Arjunan was just one-film old in the industry and after the huge success of Rest House, M. K. Arjunan turned a busy composer. It also marked 5 decade old friendship and long-term professional association of the two legends. 

13. His dear friend M. K. Arjunan passed away in April, just a few days after Thampi celebrated his 80th birthday.