Actor Madhu selected for inaugural Bichu Thirumala Award

Actor Madhu has been selected for the inaugural Bichu Thirumala Award, established in memory of the lyricist. The jury comprised George Onakkoor, Balu Kiriyath and M. R. Thampan. The award includes ₹1,00,001, a memento designed by artist Namboodiri and a traditional shawl.

The award is scheduled to be presented on November 26 at the Senate Hall in Thiruvananthapuram, during a memorial programme marking the fifth death anniversary of Bichu Thirumala. The programme is organised by the National Bala Tarangam with the cooperation of the Kerala Cultural Department.

Notable Points

• Bichu Thirumala’s Malayalam film lyrics: Bichu Thirumala’s lyricist debut was Bhaja Govindam (1972). Although the film was not released, “Brahma Muhoorthathil” became popular as lalitha ganam and was regularly broadcast by Radio Ceylon. He also wrote the lyrics for Yodha (1992), A. R. Rahman’s first Malayalam film soundtrack.
• Bichu Thirumala’s devotional music: His album Parishudha Gaanangal, released by Tharangini Records, included the Christmas song “Pulkudilil Kalthottiyil” and “Niranam Palayoor,” about Kerala’s seven-and-a-half ancient churches.