KOZHIKODE: Popular Malayalam film lyricist Girish Puthenchery died at a private hospital here tonight following a cerebral haemorrhage, hospital sources said.

Puthenchery (48), admitted to the hospital a week back, was on ventilator support and the end came at around 2125 hours Wednesday, they said.

Rated on par with legendary lyricist P Bhaskaran and O N V Kurup, Puthenchery won the State award seven times for his lyrics in about 400 films in a over two decade career.

Penning his first lyrics in 1990 for 'Enquiry' he became a household name for Keralites all over the world for his hit songs in blockbuster movies like 'Ravana Prabhu', 'Nandanam', 'Vadakkum Nathan' and 'Ore Kadal'.

Gireesh rose to fame after he penned the songs in Mammootty-hit ‘Johnnie Walker’.

He also found an enviable stature in the Malayalam film industry as a story teller. He also wrote the story for the hit film ‘Melepparambil Aan Veedu’.

He entered into the world of writing when he worked for Aakasavaani. He also wrote songs for about 500 amateur dramas.

His lyrics first blossomed into Malayalam film through ‘Chakravaalathinappuram’ (1988).

He also published two anthology of poems—‘Shadjam’ and ‘Thanichalla’.

He is survived by his wife Beena and two sons, Jithin Krishnan and Dinanath.

Popular playback singer K J Yesudas, who rendered many of Puthenchery's songs, said he was at a loss for words on hearing the news. “I am more worried about his bereaved family, rather than speaking about his poetic genius," he said.

Veteran Malayalam film director Kamal said that he was fortunate to get all the best songs of Girish in his film.

'I am at a loss to say anything. He used to say that he kept a separate pen to write for my films,' said Kamal.

Girish hailed from Puthenchery village in Kozhikode district.

State Awards: 1995-Agnidevan; 1997-Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranaya Kaalathu; 1999- Punaradhivasam; 2001-Ravanaprabhu; 2002-Nandanam; 2003-Gowreeshankaram; 2004-Kathaavasheshan.