Pazhavila Rameshan – Malayalam poet and film lyricist

Pazhavila Rameshan (1936 – 2019) was a writer of Malayalam literature best known for his simple poems. Pazhavila Rameshante Kavithakal, Njan Ente Kadukalilekk, Mazhayude Jalakom etc are among his famous poetry anthologies. He has also penned lyrics for a few Malayalam movies since 1970s. He was also a journalist who served as an editor of Kaumudi Weekly in the 1960s, after which he joined Kerala Bhasha Institute in 1968, and retired as its director in 1993. He was also known as a Communist poet, with left ideologies.

Pazhavila Rameshan hailed from Perinad, Kollam district. His parents separated a few months after his birth, and he was brought up by his grandfather Pazhavila Neelakandan. Later he accepted the initials of his grandfather, instead of using his parents’. He started off writing songs for dramas at the age of 14, and later published many books. He became popular among the masses for the use of simple language. His film songs also made him popular. He joined film industry through 1979 film, Njattadi, where he penned lyrics for the song – Agniyavanmennikualikathanam. Some of his popular songs were included in Malayalam movies such as Njattadi, Aashamsakalode, Uncle Bun, Malootty, Vasudha etc.

Pazhavila Rameshan – Some interesting and less-known facts

1. He was settled in Pazhavila, Thiruvananthapuram district.

2. His full name is Pazhavila N. Rameshan and N stands for Pazhavila Neelakandan, name of his grandfather.

3. He received Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 2017 for his immense contributions towards the field of Malayalam literature.

4. He was influenced by Narayana Guru, well-known social reformer as well as communist ideologies.

5. He was initially associated with Communist publication, Janayugam, before he joined Kaumudi. He was deeply hurt with the split of Communist party and when he felt that some of its leaders were adapted to Congress mind set, he left Janayugam.

6. He criticized many social customs associated with Hindus, such as untouchability and also the custom of hurling Prasad to devotees by Hindu priests in temple.

7. Apart from literature and films, he was associated with politics, culture and social spheres of Kerala.

8. He got introduced to Communist principles by C. Krishna Pillai, who stayed in his house for a short period.

9. In 2001, following health issues related to diabetics his leg was amputated.

10. He was associated with the literary group, ‘Nikunjam’ of capital city which had members from both film and literal circles.

11. Ormayude Varthamanam, Mayatha Varakal and Nervara are his essay collections.

12. He has played a brief role in less-known Malayalam film, Sraadham directed by V. Rajakrishnan.

Popular Malayalam film songs of Pazhavila Rameshan

1. Mounathin Idanaazhiyil from Malootty

2. Swargangal Swapnangal Kaanum from Malootty

3. Shruthimadhura Swaramurangum from Aashamsakalode

4. Ambilikkalayoru from Uncle Bun

5. Kurukuthikannulla from Uncle Bun

6. Vrindaavana Geetham from Vasudha