Yusufali Kechery

Yusufali Kechery (Yūsaphali Kēccēri; 16 May 1934 – 21 March 2015) was a poet, film lyricist, film producer, and director from Kerala, India. He wrote during the modern era of Malayalam poetry and won the Odakkuzhal Award, the Kerala Sahitya Academy Award and the Vallathol Award.

Career

K. P. Narayana Pisharody was Kechery's Sanskrit teacher and taught him free of cost for four years. Kechery's poetic works include Sainaba, Aayiram Navulla Mounam, Anchu Kanyakakal, Nadabhramam, Amrithu, Kecheri Puzha, Anuragagaanam Pole, Aalila, Kadhaye Premicha Kavitha, Perariyatha Nombaram and Ahaindavam. He was a lawyer by profession

Kechery died on 21 March 2015 at Amrita Hospital in Kochi, aged 80.

Awards

Literary awards 1985: Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award — Aayiram Naavulla Maunam 1987: Odakkuzhal Award — Kechery Puzha 1988: Asan Smaraka Kavitha Puraskaram — Kechery Puzha 1990: Asan Smaraka Kavitha Puraskaram 2001: Deviprasadam Trust Award 2012: Vallathol Award 2012: Balamani Amma Award 2013: Kerala Sahitya Akademi Fellowship

Film awards 1993: Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyrics - Ghazal 1994: Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyrics - Parinayam 1998: Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyrics - Sneham 1999: Asianet Film Award for Best Lyricist -Deepasthambham Mahascharyam 2000: National Film Award for Best Lyricist - Mazha Prem Nazir Award Kunchacko Memorial Award