Veteran Malayalam poet and lyricist Anil Panachooran passed away after suffering a heart attack on Sunday night. The critically acclaimed poet was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kollam district. He was 55.

Anil was also tested positive for coronavirus earlier this month and was undergoing treatment for the same. Reportedly, his health condition deteriorated and fainted on Sunday morning. At around night at 8 p.m, Anil suffered a massive cardiac arrest and breathed his last. However, the exact reason for death is yet to be ascertained, said sources from the hospital.

Panachooran is known for his famous lyrics in movies such as 'Arabikadha', 'Kadha Parayumbol', 'Madambi', 'Marykkundoru Kunjaadu', 'Velipadinte Pusthakam' among many others. His superhit songs include Thirike Njan Varumenna Vaartha Kelkkanayi, Eeran Meghame, Chora Veena Mannil, and sensational Jimmiki Kammal. Anil Panachooran had written over 220 songs in a short span of time.

Anil's demise came as a shock to his colleagues in the Malayalam film industry. From Mammootty to Tovino Thomas, many celebrities have expressed their condolenes on their social media pages. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also expressed grief over his demise.'