Gireesh Puthenchery
Biography
Gireesh Puthenchery: The Aristocratic Lyricist of Malayalam Cinema
Gireesh Puthenchery (May 1, 1961 – February 10, 2010) was a highly esteemed Indian lyricist, poet, scriptwriter, and screenwriter who made significant contributions to Malayalam cinema. Born in Puthenchery village near Kozhikode, Kerala, to Pulikkal Krishnapanicker, an expert in astrology, medicine, and grammar, and Meenakshiamma, a Carnatic music expert, Gireesh developed an early interest in literature and poetry. He received his education from local schools before graduating from Government Arts and Science College in Kozhikode. His literary journey began at the tender age of fourteen when his first poem was published, and before entering the film industry, he wrote songs for All India Radio Kozhikode and various cassette companies.
Throughout his illustrious career from 1989 to 2010, Gireesh penned lyrics for more than 2,500 songs across over 300 Malayalam films, holding the record for writing the highest number of songs in the Malayalam film industry in the shortest period. He made his cinematic debut with the film “Enquiry” in 1989. Beyond lyric writing, he showcased his versatility by writing screenplays for films like “Meleparambil Aanveedu,” “Vadakkumnathan,” and “Pallavoor Devanarayanan”. He collaborated with renowned music directors including Vidyasagar, Ouseppachan, Johnson, and Raveendran Master, and his lyrics were brought to life by celebrated singers such as K.J. Yesudas, K.S. Chithra, and M.G. Sreekumar. Gireesh also served as the director of the Indian Performance Rights Society’s Malayalam division and was a member of the governing councils of Kerala Kalamandalam and Kerala Lalithakala Academy.
Gireesh’s exceptional talent earned him numerous accolades, including seven Kerala State Film Awards for Best Lyricist for the films “Agnidevan” (1995), “Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu” (1997), “Punaradivasam” (1999), “Ravanaprabhu” (2001), “Nandanam” (2002), “Gourisankaram” (2003), and “Kathavasheshan” (2004), making him the second most awarded lyricist in this category after O.N.V. Kurup. He also received Asianet Film Awards for Best Lyricist for “Mambazhakalam” (2004), “Vadakumnadhan” (2006), and “Madambi” (2008). Tragically, at the age of 48, Gireesh passed away on February 10, 2010, due to a severe brain hemorrhage at a hospital in Kozhikode. The state honored his immense contributions to Malayalam cinema by according him full state honors at his cremation ceremony near Kozhikode Mavoor Road. His legacy lives on through his timeless lyrics that continue to resonate with Malayalam cinema enthusiasts.
Associated Songs
Kathirum kothi
Man of the Match
![Melleyonnu Paadi Ninne [D]](https://i0.wp.com/malayalam-lyrics.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/melleyonnu-paadi-ninne-d.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1)
Melleyonnu Paadi Ninne [D]
Manassinakkare
Marakudayaal mukham maraykkum
Manassinakkare
Chendaykkoru kolundeda
Manassinakkare
Chella thathe paaraan vaa (F)
Manassinakkare
![Melleyonnu Paadi Ninne [M]](https://i0.wp.com/malayalam-lyrics.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/melleyonnu-paadi-ninne-m.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1)
Melleyonnu Paadi Ninne [M]
Manassinakkare
![Chella thathe paaraan vaa [D]](https://i0.wp.com/malayalam-lyrics.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/chella-thathe-paaraan-vaa-d.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1)
Chella thathe paaraan vaa [D]
Manassinakkare
Thankathinkal Vaanil
Manassinakkare
Chemboove Poove
Kaalapaani
Aattirambile Kombile (D)
Kaalapaani
Kottum Kuzhalvili Thaalam
Kaalapaani
Aattirambile Kombile (F)
Kaalapaani
Maarikkoodinnullil
Kaalapaani
Manassiloru Poomala
Innathe Chinthavishayam
Kasthoorippottum Thottu
Innathe Chinthavishayam
Kando Kando Kaakkakkuyile
Innathe Chinthavishayam
Swaasathin Thaalam
Achuvinte Amma
Thaamarakkuruvikku
Achuvinte Amma
Enthu Paranjaalum [F]
Achuvinte Amma
Enthu Paranjaalum [M]
Achuvinte Amma