First Bichu Thirumala Award: Veteran Malayalam actor and Padma Shri recipient Madhu has been selected for the inaugural Bichu Thirumala Award, instituted by Desiya Balatharangam in memory of legendary Malayalam lyricist Bichu Thirumala.
The award will be presented during Raagendu Kiranangal, a special memorial programme scheduled for November 26, 2026, at Senate Hall, Thiruvananthapuram, marking the fifth death anniversary of the celebrated lyricist.
The programme will feature a remembrance ceremony, musical tributes and dance performances inspired by Bichu Thirumala’s memorable songs.
Padma Shri Madhu to Receive the Inaugural Bichu Thirumala Award
The first Bichu Thirumala Award recognises the distinguished contribution of veteran actor Madhu to Malayalam cinema.
A jury comprising Dr. George Onakkoor, Balu Kiriyath and Dr. M. R. Thampan selected Madhu for the honour.
The award includes a cash prize of ₹1,00,001, a specially designed memento created by renowned artist Namboothiri and a traditional ceremonial shawl.
Instituted by Desiya Balatharangam, the award commemorates Bichu Thirumala, who was also a patron of the organisation.
The presentation ceremony will be held as part of a cultural evening celebrating the lyricist’s remarkable contribution to Malayalam film music and literature.
Bichu Thirumala Award 2026 – Event and Award Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Award Name | Bichu Thirumala Award |
| Edition | Inaugural Award |
| Award Recipient | Padma Shri Madhu |
| Organiser | Desiya Balatharangam |
| Memorial Programme | Raagendu Kiranangal |
| Event Date | 26 November 2026 |
| Venue | Senate Hall, Thiruvananthapuram |
| Occasion | Fifth Death Anniversary of Bichu Thirumala |
| Cash Prize | ₹1,00,001 |
| Memento | Designed by Artist Namboothiri |
| Additional Honour | Traditional Ceremonial Shawl |
| Selection Jury | Dr. George Onakkoor, Balu Kiriyath, Dr. M. R. Thampan |
| Programme Director | T. S. Suresh Babu |
| Music Coordinator | Rakesh Brahmanandan |
| PRO | Ajay Thundathil |
Raagendu Kiranangal – A Musical Tribute to Bichu Thirumala
The memorial programme, titled Raagendu Kiranangal, will bring together personalities from Malayalam cinema, music, literature and cultural organisations.
Desiya Balatharangam is organising the event in association with the Cultural Department.
According to the programme announcement, the remembrance ceremony will be inaugurated by V. D. Satheesan, with K. Muraleedharan, P. C. Vishnunadh and C. P. John among the announced dignitaries.
The organisers have planned a special evening celebrating Bichu Thirumala’s artistic achievements and the enduring popularity of his songs.
Madhu Balakrishnan, Krishnachandran and Other Singers to Perform
A major attraction of Raagendu Kiranangal will be a musical tribute featuring selected popular songs written by Bichu Thirumala.
The musical performances will feature Madhu Balakrishnan, Krishnachandran, Kallara Gopan, Rakesh Brahmanandan, Pandalam Balan, Akhila Anand, Preetha, Lakshmi Rangan, Aparna Rajeev, Vrinda Menon and Alka Ashkar.
The event will also include a dance presentation choreographed under the leadership of Regatta Girija Teacher.
Through music and dance, the organisers aim to revisit the songs that established Bichu Thirumala as one of Malayalam cinema’s most celebrated lyricists.
Bichu Thirumala’s Contribution to Malayalam Cinema and Music
Bichu Thirumala was a prolific Malayalam lyricist whose career extended across cinema, theatre, poetry and radio.
He wrote more than 5,000 songs for over 400 films, according to the organisers.
His first released film was Akkaldama. He gained wider recognition through the song “Neelakashavum Meghangalum”, composed by A. T. Ummer and sung by Brahmanandan.
Beyond lyric writing, Bichu Thirumala composed music for the film Sathyam and contributed stories and screenplays to films including Shakthi and Ishtapraneeshwari.
His creative interests extended to theatre from his student years. He received a Central Government award for writing songs and directing the play Vallatha Duniyavu.
He also wrote numerous light music compositions for Akashvani and published literary works including Anusaranayillatha Manassu, Punyaham and Kalathinte Kanakkupusthakam.
His songs remain an important part of Malayalam cinema’s musical heritage.
Raagendu Kiranangal Organising Committee
The organising committee for Raagendu Kiranangal has been formed with K. Muraleedharan as Chairman and Desiya Balatharangam Chairman Adv. T. Sarathchandra Prasad as General Convener.
Film director T. S. Suresh Babu serves as Programme Director, while Kalliyoor Sasi is the Programme Coordinator.
Rakesh Brahmanandan is responsible for music coordination, and Ajay Thundathil serves as the Public Relations Officer.
The programme is being organised with the cooperation of the Cultural Department.
First Bichu Thirumala Award Presentation on November 26
The inaugural Bichu Thirumala Award will be presented to Padma Shri Madhu on November 26, 2026, at Senate Hall, Thiruvananthapuram, during the Raagendu Kiranangal memorial evening.
The ceremony will honour Madhu’s contribution to Malayalam cinema while remembering the life, music and literary achievements of Bichu Thirumala.
With performances by prominent playback singers and a special dance presentation, the event is expected to be a significant cultural tribute to one of Malayalam cinema’s most influential lyricists.
PRO: Ajay Thundathil.
