Poet, lyricist and actor Mullanezhy Neelakanthan died at a private hospital after suffering a major heart attack here on Saturday. He was 63.
The poet, who had attended the remembrance meeting of poet A. Ayyappan at the Kerala Sahitya Akademi auditorium on Friday evening, complained of chest pain soon after he got home at Avinissery. He was rushed to the hospital, but the doctors could not save his life. The end came around 3 a.m. on Saturday.
Mullanezhy, popularly known as ‘Mullan Mushu’ among his friends, colleagues and disciples, firmly believed that poetry was not just for literary appreciation but should act as a catalyst for social reform.
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His poems were mostly celebrated on the stage and in social campaigns than books or literary gatherings. Their oeuvre exuded the aroma of folk culture and tradition.
A two-time Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award Winner, his simple and rhythmic verses were a huge inspiration for myriad social campaigns across the State.
Mullanezhy's social commitment led to his association with great social reformers like V.T. Bhattathirippad and Premji. He entered theatre through Premji’s ‘Chaverpada’.
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When Malayala Nataka Vedi celebrated its anniversary, Mullanezhy played the role of ‘Cherumi’ in ‘Adukkalayilninnu Arangathekku’, the path-breaking drama of V.T. Bhattathirippad.
After retirement from a government high school, he had actively participated in social work and literary activities.
As a successful lyricist, Mullanezhy penned songs for 64 films, which included yesteryear’s hits like Jhaval Pazhanagal and Lakshmi Vijayam and Mela to the latest Ranjith-film Indian Rupee .
He presented many hit songs for Malayalam cinema including, Karukaruthoru Pennane ; Ambili Kombathe Ponnoonjhalil ; Manasworu Manthrika Kuthirayayi ; and Kodanadan Malayile… He had worked with veterans like G. Devarajan, M. B. Sreenivasan and Jerry Amaldev. He had also acted in many films.
His noted works included Naranathubranthan ; Hrudayam Pushpikkunna Hrithu ; Mohappakshi ; Raapattu ; Penkoda ; Samathalam and Aanaval Mothiram .
A Left follower, Mullanezhy had a huge friends circle, beyond politics and literature.
Albeit short-tempered in nature, he never hesitated to patch up after a heated argument or showdown. His sharp wit and child-like innocence made him popular among friends and colleagues.
He had had won the Kerala Sahitya Academy’s awards for his play Samathalam in 1995 and his anthology of poems in 20l0.
His body was kept at the Kerala Sahitya Academy hall for the public to pay homage. Mullanezhy was laid to rest at his family compound on Saturday evening. He is survived by wife and three children.