Student politics, sannyasa and law…. These are the varied paths that Anil Panachooran took before he became known as a poet and lyricist.
Anil Panachooran used to say that he encountered surprises at every turn in his life. But when death came calling on Sunday night, there was only shock and pain.
From SFI member to law student
Panachooran, who was an SFI Alappuzha district committee member, abandoned politics in 1991, and took the path of sannyasa and walked the length and breadth of India. However, he renounced that life and joined the evening batch of the Law Academy in Thiruvananthapuram. The woman, who was swayed by his poems, became his life partner.
He did not write even a single line of poetry in periodicals. Instead his poems reached the people through cassettes. Five poetry collections were released thus.
His works
His works from 'Pravasiyude pattu' to ‘Mahaprasthanam' made Panachooran a fiery presence at poetry venues. ‘Anaadhan’ from this collection was included in the film ‘Makalkku’ by director Jayaraj. Noted poet Balachandran Chullikkad had rendered the poem 'Idavamasaperumazha peytha ravil'.
Director Lal Jose decided to pick Panachooran as the lyricist for ‘Arabikkatha’ as per the suggestion of screenwriter M Sindhuraj. Panachooran penned 'Thirike njan varumenna vartha kelkkaanayi…', marking his debut as a lyricist. Legendary singer K J Yesudas rendered the song, which was composed by Bijibal.
Movies and staying away from film world
The songs written for ‘Arabikkatha’, especially the poem ‘Chora veena mannil...', garnered much attention. Even before the film released, Panachooran was called for other movies. The poet also acted as himself in the movies. From then on, he became busy in the film world. He even wrote 16 songs in a year.
When his mother became ill, he stayed away from movies for a year. But by then, he had contributed over 150 songs for more than 100 movies.
Some of his popular songs - ‘Annarakanna vaa…’ and ‘Kuzhaloothum poonthennalle…’ (Brahmaram), ‘Cheruthinkal thoni...’ (Swa le), ‘Vyathyasthanamoru Barbaram Balane...’ (Katha Parayumpol), 'Othorumichoru gaanam padan…’ (Makante Achan), 'Arikathayaro...’ (Bodyguard), 'Neeyam thanalinu thazhe...' (Cocktail), 'Entadukke vannadukkum..., and 'Kunjade Kurumbanade...' (Marykkundoru Kunjaadu), 'Changazhi muthumaayi kooni kooni… (Loud Speaker), 'Chembarathi Kammalittu... (Manikyakkallu), 'Chenthamara Theno... (916), and 'Oru Kodi thaarangal ee...' (Vikramadithyan).
