Poovachal Khader

Poovachal Khader (25 December 1948 – 22 June 2021) was a Malayalam lyricist from Kerala who worked mainly in Malayalam film industry. His first movie as a lyricist was Kaattuvithachavan but his first released movie was Chuzhi (1973). His last movie was Mothathi Kozhappa (2023).

Biography Khader was born on Christmas day in 1948, in a village named Poovachal in the present-day Thiruvananthapuram district. His original name is Muhammed Abdul Khader. His parents are Aboobacker Pillai and Rabiyathul Adabiya Beevi. Chuzhi released in 1973 under the musical direction of M. S. Baburaj was the first movie released after Poovachal Khader entered the industry as a lyricist and was proud of having written lyrics for more than 900 songs in the Malayalam film industry. He, along with Bichu Thirumala, dominated the Malayalam film industry for more than a decade. Peter Reuben, A. T. Ummer, Shyam, K. V. Mahadevan, G. Devarajan, K. Raghavan, M. K. Arjunan, Raveendran, Johnson, MG Radhakrishnan, Gangai Amaran, Raghu Kumar, Jerry Amaldev, Ilayaraja and Shankar–Ganesh have set tunes to his lyrics whereby his works have been musically voiced by vocal maestros like K. J. Yesudas, P. Jayachandran, Vani Jairam, S. Janaki, K. S. Chithra, P. Susheela, P. Madhuri, Unni Menon and Lathika. In 2006, Khader received the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award.

Khader died from a heart attack on 22 June 2021, at the age of 72. He also had tested positive for COVID-19 and was undergoing treatment for it at the time of death. He also suffered from numerous comorbidities. He was buried with full state honours at the Juma Masjid in his birthplace. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Complete Discography Year Movie Musician1973 Kattuvithachavan Peter Rueben1973 Chuzhi M. S. Baburaj 1973 Kavitha K Raghavan 1975 Criminals (Kayangal) M. S. Baburaj 1975 Utsavam A. T. Ummer 1977 Sooryakanthi Jaya Vijaya 1978 Iniyaval Urangatte MK Arjunan 1978 Kadalkkaakkakal A. T. Ummer 1979 Aadipaapam Shyam 1979 Choola Raveendran 1979 Iniyaathra Shyam 1979 Kaayalum Kayarum KV Mahadevan 1979 Lillyppookkal Kottayam Joy 1979 Maanavadharmam G Devarajan 1979 Ottapettavar Shyam 1979 Pathinaalam Raavu K Raghavan 1979 Thakara MG Radhakrishnan 1979 Thuramukham MK Arjunan 1980 Aarohanam Shyam 1980 Chaamaram MG Radhakrishnan, Raveendran 1980 Lorry M. S. Viswanathan 1980 Malankaattu K Raghavan 1980 Oru Varsham Oru Maasam Raveendran 1980 Prakadanam G Devarajan 1980 Sishirathil Oru Vasantham Shyam 1981 Agniyudham A. T. Ummer 1981 Attimari KJ Joy 1981 Greeshmajwaala A. T. Ummer 1981 Ithaa Oru Dhikkaari A. T. Ummer 1981 Kalopaasana K Raghavan 1981 Karimpoocha KJ Joy 1981 Maniyan Pilla Adhava Maniyan Pilla G Devarajan 1981 Oothikkaachiya Ponnu MK Arjunan 1981 Pinneyum Pookkunna Kaadu Shyam 1981 Poochasanyaasi KJ Yesudas 1981 Swapnaraagam Raveendran 1981 Thira K Raghavan 1981 Urukku Mushtikal Shyam 1981 Veliyettam MK Arjunan 1981 Veshangal Shyam 1981 Visham Raghu Kumar 1982 Aa Raathri Ilayaraja 1982 Aarambham Shankar–Ganesh, AT Ummer, Shyam, KJ Joy 1982 Aattakkalam Shyam 1982 Anuraagakkodathi A. T. Ummer 1982 Beedikkunjamma A. T. Ummer 1982 Chilanthivala Guna Singh 1982 Deepa Raghu Kumar 1982 Ente Sathrukkal (Porattam) M. K. Arjunan 1982 Enthino Pookkunna Pookkal Shyam 1982 Football Johnson 1982 Ivan Oru Simham AT Ummer 1982 Jambulingam M. K. Arjunan 1982 Kaaliyamarddanam KJ Joy 1982 Kaliman Prathimakal M. K. Arjunan 1982 Kallimullu Mohammed Subair 1982 Kanmanikkorumma (Ushnabhoomi) Shyam 1982 Kayam M. K. Arjunan 1982 Maruppacha AT Ummer 1982 Mazhu Shyam 1982 Naagamadathu Thampuraatti M. K. Arjunan 1982 Naalathe Sandhya (Malayorangalil Chuvappu) M. K. Arjunan 1982 Novemberinte Nashtam MG Radhakrishnan, KC Varghese 1982 Paalangal Johnson 1982 Pooviriyum Pulari Jerry Amaldev 1982 Postmortem KJ Joy 1982 Premaabhishekam Gangai Amaran 1982 Raagadeepam Ilayaraja 1982 Saravarsham Shyam 1982 Sree Ayyappanum Vaavarum AT Ummer 1982 Thadaakam AT Ummer 1982 Theeraatha Bandhangal K Raghavan 1982 Thuranna Jail Johnson 1982 Vidhichathum Kothichathum (Kasthoori) Raveendran 1983 Aashrayam MB Sreenivasan 1983 Aattakkalaasham Raveendran 1983 Arabikkadal M. K. Arjunan 1983 Asthi G Devarajan 1983 Asthram Shyam 1983 Belt Mathai Raveendran 1983 Deepaaradhana AT Ummer 1983 Ee Yugam AT Ummer 1983 Eettappuli G Devarajan 1983 Ente Kadha AT Ummer 1983 Gurudakshina KJ Joy 1983 Hello Madras Girl Gangai Amaran 1983 Himavaahini G Devarajan 1983 Justice Raja Gangai Amaran 1983 Kaathirunna Divasam PS Divakar 1983 Kaikeyi MS Viswanathan 1983 Kodunkaattu KJ Joy 1983 Mazhakkaalamegham Rangan 1983 Mazhanilaavu Raveendran 1983 Mortuary KJ Joy 1983 Onnu Chirikkoo Johnson 1983 Oru Mukham Pala Mukham AT Ummer 1983 Paalam AT Ummer 1983 Passport KJ Joy 1983 Ponthooval Raghu Kumar 1983 Prathijnja Ben Surendran 1983 Rathilayam AT Ummer, MG Radhakrishnan 1983 Samrambham KJ Joy 1983 Snehabandham Gangai Amaran 1983 Thaavalam Johnson 1983 Yudham Shankar–Ganesh 1984 Aagraham AT Ummer 1984 Alakadalinnakkare Gangai Amaran 1984 Amme Naaraayana AT Ummer 1984 Anthichuvappu AT Ummer 1984 Ariyaatha Veedhikal MS Viswanathan 1984 Attahaasam (Tharunyam) MG Radhakrishnan 1984 Bullet Guna Singh 1984 Chakkarayumma Shyam 1984 Chandragirikkotta Sathyam 1984 Ente Upaasana Johnson 1984 Idavelaykku Shesham Raveendran 1984 Inakkili Shyam 1984 Ivide Ingane Shyam 1984 Ivide Thudangunnu Johnson 1984 Jeevitham Gangai Amaran 1984 Kadamattathachan AT Ummer 1984 Karimbu Shyam 1984 Kodathi Shyam 1984 Kooduthedunna Parava AT Ummer 1984 Krishna Guruvaayoorappa V Dakshinamoorthy 1984 Kurishuyudham KJ Joy 1984 Makale Maappu Tharoo MK Arjunan 1984 Manassariyaathe Raghu Kumar 1984 Manasse Ninakku Mangalam Raveendran 1984 Minimol Vathikkaanil MS Viswanathan 1984 Mynaakam Raveendran 1984 NH 47 Shyam 1984 Niraparaadhi Shankar–Ganesh 1984 Oru Thettinte Kadha AT Ummer 1984 Paavam Krooran AT Ummer 1984 Piriyilla Naam KV Mahadevan 1984 Sandarbham Johnson 1984 Swanthamevide Bandhamevide Johnson 1984 Theere Pratheekshikkathe AT Ummer 1984 Thirakal Shankar–Ganesh 1984 Umaanilayam Shyam 1985 Aa Neram Alpa Dooram Johnson 1985 Akkacheede Kunjuvava Johnson 1985 Ambada Njaane MK Arjunan 1985 Aram+Aram=Kinnaram Raghu Kumar 1985 Archana Aaradhana Shyam 1985 Chillukottaram AT Ummer 1985 Choodaatha Pookkal KJ Joy 1985 Chorakku Chora Guna Singh 1985 Ee Shabdam Innathe Shabdam Shyam 1985 Ee Thalamura Ingana G Devarajan 1985 Ee Thanalil Ithiri Neram Shyam 1985 Ente Ponnumol Shankar–Ganesh 1985 Ezhumuthal Onpathuvare KJ Joy 1985 Iniyum Kadha Thudarum Shyam 1985 Jeevante Jeevan Shyam 1985 Kaattuthee G Devarajan 1985 Kadha Ithuvare Johnson 1985 Kanakachilanka Kilungikilungi KJ Yesudas 1985 Maanyamahaajanangale Shyam 1985 Madhuvidhu Theerum Munpe KJ Joy 1985 Makan Ente Makan Johnson 1985 Mounanombaram Johnson 1985 Muhoortham 11:30 Shyam 1985 Nirakoottu Shyam 1985 Njaan Piranna Naattil AT Ummer 1985 Nullinovikkaathe Rajamani 1985 Onathumbikkoroonjal AT Ummer 1985 Onningu Vannenkil Shyam 1985 Orikkal Oridathu Raveendran 1985 Ormikkaan Omanikkaan Raveendran 1985 Oru Kudakkeezhil Johnson 1985 Parannuyaraan Jerry Amaldev 1985 Prathikaarajwaala Ilayaraja 1985 Priye Priyadarshini KV Mahadevan 1985 Puzhayozhukum Vazhi Raveendran 1985 Randum Randum Anchu Shankar–Ganesh 1985 Shaantham Bheekaram Shyam 1985 Shathru AT Ummer 1985 Soundaryappinakkam Rajasenan 1985 Telephonil Thodaruthu Raveendran 1985 Thammil Thammil Raveendran 1985 Ushasse Unaroo Kannur Rajan 1985 Uyarthezhunelpu AT Ummer 1985 Vannu Kandu Keezhadakki Shyam 1985 Vasanthasena Shyam 1986 Aalorungi Arangorungi Jerry Amaldev 1986 Aarundivide Chodikkaan AT Ummer 1986 Ariyaatha Bandham MS Viswanathan 1986 Atham Chithira Chothi Shyam 1986 Aval Kaathirunnu Avanum Shyam 1986 Bhagavaan MS Viswanathan 1986 Chila Nimishangalil Rajasenan 1986 Ente Shabdam AT Ummer 1986 Ice Cream Johnson 1986 Karinaagam AT Ummer 1986 Kshamichu Ennoru Vaakku Shyam 1986 Love Birds (Oru Vettayude Kadha) G Devarajan 1986 Moonnu maasangalku Munpu Shyam 1986 Onnu Randu Moonnu Rajasenan 1986 Padayani AT Ummer 1986 Pournami Raathriyil Raveendran 1986 Priyamvadakkoru Pranayageetham MS Viswanathan 1986 Railway Cross AT Ummer 1986 Shyaama Raghu Kumar 1986 Somayaagam Shyam 1986 Thaalavattam Raghu Kumar, Rajamani 1987 Aadyaraathrikkumumbu (Irupatham Noottandu) G Devarajan 1987 Aankiliyude Thaarattu Shyam 1987 Athinumappuram Johnson 1987 Avalude Kadha AT Ummer 1987 Cheppu Raghu Kumar 1987 Dheeran AT Ummer 1987 Four Plus Four Guna Singh 1987 Ithente Neethi Johnson 1987 Ivare Sookshikkuka Guna Singh 1987 Jaithrayaathra Shyam 1987 Jungle Boy SP Venkitesh 1987 Kaalaraathri AT Ummer 1987 Kalathinte Shabdam SP Venkitesh 1987 Kurukkan Raajaavaayi AT Ummer 1987 Mangalyachaarthu (Thennale Ninneyum Thedi) KV Mahadevan 1987 Nee Allengil Njan AT Ummer 1987 Oru Sindoorapottinte Ormakku Shyam 1987 Samarppanam Vijay Anand 1987 Swaralayam KV Mahadevan 1987 Veendum Lisa Raghu Kumar 1987 Verukal Thedi Sathyam 1988 Abkaari Shyam 1988 Agnichirakulla Thumpi Shyam 1988 Bheekaran G Devarajan 1988 Chaaravalayam SP Venkitesh 1988 Inquilabinte Puthri AT Ummer 1988 Ithaa Oru Penkutti AT Ummer 1988 Janmaantharam SP Venkitesh 1988 Karate Girls Shankar–Ganesh 1988 Maanasaputhri Guna Singh 1988 Mrigashaalayil Rajan Nagendra 1988 Mrithyunjayam Ouseppachan 1988 Onninu Purake Mattonnu Kannur Rajan 1988 Oru Swapnam Pole Raveendran 1988 Prathikaaram Chakravarthy 1988 Production No 1 Rajamani 1988 Rahasyam Paramarahasyam SP Venkitesh 1988 Samhaaram Chakravarthy 1988 Vida Parayaan Maathram MK Arjunan 1989 Ancharakkulla Vandi Navas 1989 Aval Oru Sindhu Rajamani 1989 Chakkikkotha Chankaran Shankar–Ganesh 1989 Dasaratham Johnson 1989 Jeevitham Oru Raagam Rajamani 1989 Kalpana House Anu Malik 1989 Lal Americayil Johnson 1989 Lillyppookkal Chuvannappol Cochin Alex 1989 Mizhiyorangalil Gangai Amaran 1989 Monchulla raavu (Samhara Thaandavam) AT Ummer 1989 My Dear Rosy Rajamani 1989 New Year Shyam 1989 Praayapoorthiyaayavarku Maathram AT Ummer 1989 Prabhaatham Chuvanna Theruvil AT Ummer 1989 Puthiya Karukkal SP Venkitesh 1989 Rathi Navas 1989 Suprabhaatham AT Ummer 1989 Varnatheru (Radham) Johnson 1990 101 Raavukal Jerry Amaldev 1990 Aadithaalam AT Ummer 1990 Aalasyam AT Ummer 1990 Avalkkoru janmam koodi AT Ummer 1990 Avasaanathe Raathri Rathnasoori 1990 Beauty Palace MK Arjunan 1990 Chuvanna Kannukal Jerry Amaldev 1990 Chuvappunaada SP Venkitesh 1990 Eenam Thettaatha Kaattaaru (Kaattile Pennu) Navas 1990 Enquiry Rajamani 1990 Guest House AT Ummer 1990 Iyer The Great MS Viswanathan 1990 Judgement SP Venkitesh 1990 Kadannalkkoodu Kannur Rajan 1990 Mindaapoochakku Kalyanam (Ellaam Angayude Ishtam)Raveendran 1990 Mouna Daham SP Venkitesh 1990 Niyamam Enthucheyyum Johnson 1990 Paadatha Veenayum Paadum Raveendran 1990 Raagaveena Kannur Rajan 1990 Raajavaazhcha Johnson 1990 Shesham Screenil Jeevan Prakash 1990 Sthreekku Vendi Sthree MS Viswanathan 1990 Sunday 7 PM Johnson 1990 Veena Meettiya Vilangukal Shyam 1990 Wait a minute Krishnathej 1991 Inapraavukal Ram Lakshman 1991 Kaadambari Manoharan 1991 Kadhaanaayika SP Venkitesh 1991 Miss Stella Raveendran 1991 Mookkilla Raajyathu Ouseppachan 1991 Naagam Raghu Kumar, SP Venkitesh 1991 Nagarathil Kallanmar Manoharan 1991 Orutharam Randutharam Moonnutharam SP Venkitesh 1991 Poonthenaruvi Chuvannu Guna Singh 1991 Premolhsavam Raveendran 1991 Teenage Love Vasudevan 1991 Vashyam AT Ummer 1991 Veendum Oru Aadyaraathri Navas 1992 Annu Good Friday Sivan 1992 Annu Muthal Innu Vare Ravi Yogendran 1992 Ente Tuition Teacher Raveendran 1992 Maanthrikacheppu Johnson 1992 Mayangunna Manassukal Krishnathej 1992 Omanikkaanoru Shishiram TK Moorthi 1992 Pramaanikal AT Ummer 1992 Rishi SP Venkitesh 1992 Start Immediately Krishnathej 1993 Neelachithrangalkethire (Thiraseelakku Pinnil) MG Radhakrishnan 1994 Avalude Janmam AT Ummer 1994 Gandheevam AT Ummer 1995 Pushpamangala Manoharan 1995 Sundarimaare Sookshikkuka AT Ummer 1996 Elam G Devarajan 1996 Sangamasandhya Chandrabose 1999 Devi I.P.S Kumar Ganesh 2000 Indulekha Samji Aaraattupuzha 2000 Monisha Ente Monalisa T Rajendar 2000 Neelathadaakatthile Nizhalppakshikal Aji Sharas 2001 Aayilyam Naalil Raveendran, Kaithapram 2001 Ee Raavil SP Venkitesh 2001 Malaramban SP Venkitesh 2001 Swargavaathil Darsan Raman 2002 Jagapoga MG Radhakrishnan 2002 Level Cross SP Venkitesh 2002 Naarmadippudava M Jayachandran 2005 Mounam Sammatham (1990) Ilayaraja 2006 Pathaaka Thej Mervin 2009 Parayaan Marannathu Arun Siddharth 2010 Naaleyaanu Thaalimangalam Jayesh Stephen, Nawas Rahman 2011 Meghamalhar (Album) Damodar Narayanan