'I am blessed to have lived in the times of ONV Kurup,' says Mohanlal

The three letters ONV, are inseparable from

Malayalam

literature and Mollywood cinema.

ONV Kurup

is fondly called ONV. The poet, lyricist, and scholar, who has won the Jnanpith Award, has worked to reshape Malayalam literature and art. Today marks the birth anniversary of the late poet. Talking to a daily, Mohanlal said that he is blessed to have lived in the times of such a legend.

Mohanlal fondly recollected that he was fortunate enough to work with the late poet for ‘Thiranottam’ (Mohanlal's debut). The actor also received the opportunity to work with the prominent poet for movies like ‘Panjagni’, ‘Sukhamo Devi’, ‘Deshadanakkili Karayarilla’, ‘Rajashilpi’, ‘Mithunam’, ‘

Pavithram

’, ‘Mizhikal Sakshi’, and ‘Pranayam’ among others.

Mohanlal also shared that he has grown up reading ONV’s work and later getting an opportunity to work with him was one of the greatest blessings he received as an actor. Mohanlal further added it was for

Thampi Kannanthanam

and Venu Nagavally's movies that ONV had worked numerous times, which also happen to be Mohanlal-starrers! 'Kunjikkiliye koodevide', 'Poykayil', 'Aalila Manjalil', 'Sagarangale' and 'Sree Raagamo' are some of the hit songs penned by ONV Kurup for Mohanlal.

Walking down the memory lane, Mohanlal reminisced the poet's last days and how he met the poet for the last time. "He received me with his usual heartwarming smile," Mohanlal said. ONV Kurup passed away on February 13, 2016, due to age-related ailments.

ONV Kurup who was honoured with Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan has also won the National Award for best lyricist for the movie 'Vaishali'. He has won the Kerala State award for best lyricist for over 10 times for movies like 'Gulmohar', '

Nakhakshathangal

', Radha Madhavam' and others.