Jnanpith winner and celebrated Malayalam poet, lyricist and environmentalist ONV Kurup passed away on Saturday evening at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram due to age-related ailments. He was 84. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.
In addition to his tremendous contribution to the Malayalam literature with his poems and other writings, he was perhaps the most popular contemporary lyricist in the Malayalam film industry. He had also penned songs for many drams and music albums. Ottaplakkal Nambiyadikkal Velu Kurup, popularly known as ONV, also contributed to Kerala’s progressive movement through his theatre songs and writings.