Noted Malayalam writer and actor, 81-year-old Madampu Sankaran Namboothiri, popularly known as Madampu Kunjukuttan, died on May 11. He was under treatment in a private hospital after he tested positive for the COVID 19 infection.

Kunjukuttan, who also had other age-related complications, got admitted to hospital on May 9 night, following fever and breathing difficulties.

He had written several screenplays for movies including Makalkku, Gourishankaram, Saphalam, Karunam and Deshadanam. He had won the National Award for the Best Scriptwriter for the film Karunam, directed by Jayaraj, in 2000.

His novel Bhrashtu, that won Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award portrayed the ill practices of patrirchal system in the Namboodiri community. The novel told the real-life story of Kuriyedathu Thathri, who was expelled from Namboodiri community.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his condolences and said that the writer's demise will be a great loss to Malayalam literature and culture.

His funeral will be held on May 11 evening at Madampu Mana, Kizhanelloor, Thrissur. Kerala Government has ordered that police honours be given at his funeral.

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