Thiruvananthapuram: Noted Malayalam lyricist and poet Bichu Thirumala passed away at the age of 80, following a heart attack at a private hospital here at 3.15 am. He was undergoing treatment for breathing trouble and was placed under the ventilator after his condition worsened.

Bichu Thirumala was notable for his eloquent writing pedigree that brought a sense of life to the Malayalam film industry. Often placed alongside his contemporary ONV Kurup, Bichu Thirumala is recognized for bringing forth finesse in the usage of beautiful words in Malayalam film songs.

Bichu Thirumala was born to late CG Bhaskaran Nair and Sasthamangalam Pattanikkunnu Veettil Parukutty Amma on February 13, 1942, as their eldest children.

As a lyricist, he has penned lyrics for more than 3000 songs down the years after making his debut in the 1972 Malayalam film Bhaja Govindam. As a poet, he has published a collection of poems titled ‘Kalathinte Kanakku Pusthakam’. He also wrote the story and screenplay for the films Shakthi and Ishta Praneshwari.

He is a recipient of prestigious awards including Kerala State Film Award for the best lyricist in 1981 for the films ‘Thrishna’ and ‘Thenum Vayambum’ and again in 1991 for the film ‘Kadinjool Kalyanam’.

He is survived by wife Prasanna and son Suman Bichu who is also a music director.