Vayalar Ramavarma

Lyricist

Vayalar Ramavarma (March 15, 1928 - October 27, 1975) was a modern Malayalam poet and lyricist. His 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. He was awarded Kerala Sahithya Academy Award (Kerala literary academy award) in 1961--for Sargasangeetham, the President's gold medal for best movie song lyrics in 1974, and the Kerala state film award for best lyricist thrice. 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, many of which reflect the sorrows and happiness of common man. 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 openly associated with the leftist political movement in Kerala. Recently, his wife Bharathy Thamburatty wrote a book about the poet, Indradhanussin theerathu became controversial. Vayalar has contributed his life to music and now his son Vayalar Sharath Chandravarma is also considered a very talented lyricist.