ALAPPUZHA: Renowned poet O.N.V. Kurup, who died on Saturday, was associated with KPAC (Kerala People’s Arts Club), which popularised the leftists ideas through its dramas in the fifties. During his college days, O.N.V. wrote memorable lyrics for its most successful play ‘Ningalennne Communistakki’ (You made me Communist), by Thopil Bhaasi, which was tuned by Devarajan and it captured the imagination of every Malayali.
His song ‘Ponnarivalambiliyil...’ was included as one of the 26 songs in the play in 1952. The lyrics with the music of Devarajan master helped the communist party to spread its ideology.
“ONV’s golden era was with KPAC between 1952 and 1960 when he dedicated himself to taking it to the hearts and minds of the common people,” said Mr A. Shajahan, secretary, KPAC. He wrote lyrics for 30 KPAC plays and the first song he penned was ‘Deeepangal Mangi.. Koorirul thingi…’
in Ningalennne Communistakki. From then on he wrote for a string of hit plays, including Sarvekallu, Puthiya Akasham Puthoya Bhoomi and Mudiyanaya Puthran.
Though he was away for over two decades owing to his teaching stint, he returned to KPAC in the last decade. Every play presented in the last decade had his lines. “He was always an advisor to the KPAC administration,” he said.
Dr. Vallikkavu Mohandas, author of “KPACyude Charithram’ (History of KPAC) says it was ONV- Devarajan master team that popularised KPAC among the people.
The bond between ONV and KPAC was born in 1950 when KPAC’s first play ‘Ente Makananu Sari’ (My Son is Right) was presented in Kollam where Thoppil Bhasi invited him and Devarajan master to see the play.
