Vayalar

Vayalar Ramavarma often known as Vayalar, was a modern Malayalam language poet and lyricist from the southern Indian state of Kerala. His famous works include Sargasangeetham, Mulankaadu, Padamudrakal, Aayisha, Oru Judas janikkunnu.

Born in the village of Vayalar, in Alappuzha district, Kerala, Vayalar belonged to an aristocratic family but became a poet of the proletariat inspired by revolutionary ideals. His parents were Vellarappally Kerala Varma and Vayalar Raghavaparambil Ambalika Thamburatty. He was awarded Kerala Sahithya Academy Award (Kerala literary academy award) in 1961 for Sargasangeetham, the President's gold medal for best lyricist in 1972, and the Kerala state film award for best lyricist three times. The Vayalar award for Malayalam literature, given on October 27 each year, was instituted in his memory.

Vayalar wrote about 2000 songs for 223 Malayalam movies and for several plays. Decades past his death, the movie songs he wrote are still popular among Malayalis. Among his most popular songs is the one he wrote for theatre, the KPAC naatakagaanam, "Balikudeerangalae".

Many of his poems contain romantic notions about "revolution" and about the triumph of science over religion. He was associated with the leftist political movement in Kerala.

The "Vayalar-Devarajan" was a prolific lyricist-composer combination which lasted till the death of Vayalar.

Vayalar was married to Bharathy Amma. The couple has four children: Sarath Chandran, Indulekha, Yamuna and Sindhu. Vayalar's elder son Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma is now a popular lyricist in Malayalam film industry. Recently, his wife Bharathy Thamburatty wrote a book about Vayalar, Indradhanussin Theerathu, which became controversial.

Published works

Poetry collections:
Paadamudrakal (1948)
Konthayum Poonoolum
Enikku Maranamilla (1955)
Mulankaadu (1955)
Oru Judas Janikkunnu (1955)
Ente Maattolikkavithakal (1957)
Sargasangeetham (1961)

Khandakaavyam: Aayisha

Collected songs: Ente Chalachitragaanangal in 6 parts

Stories collection:
Raktham Kalarnna Mannu
Vettum Thiruthum

Essays: Purushaantharangaliloode

Collected works:
Vayalar Krithikal
Vayalar Kavithakal

Awards:

Kerala Sahithya Academy Award: 1961 - Sargasangeetham (poetry collection)

National Film Award: 1972 - Best Lyrics (Song: "Manushyan mathangale srishtichu"; Film: Achanum Bappayum)

Kerala State Film Awards:

1969 - Best Lyricist
1972 - Best Lyricist
1974 - Best Lyricist
1975 - Best Lyricist - Chuvanna Sandhyakal, Swami Ayyappan

Prepared by: Winston Morris