‘She didn’t even know it was written for her’: Sathyan Anthikad on his song ‘Oru Nimisham Tharu...’

Renowned filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad has also proved his talent as a lyricist, though he never planned to become one. In an old interview with Kairali TV, he had revealed that his love for literature since childhood naturally led him to songwriting. One of his most personal songs, “Oru Nimisham Tharu”, was written for his wife—though she had no idea at the time.

Sathyan explained that his journey as a lyricist began when Dr Balakrishnan encouraged him to try writing a song. “I was not a professional lyricist. He told me that anyone who can write poetry can write songs and asked me to try for the film Love Letter,” Sathyan recalled. That film featured two songs written by him. Later, he was invited to write for the movie Sindhooram, where each song had to suit a particular situation. One of these songs became “Oru Nimisham Tharu”.
 

What makes this song truly special is its deeply personal nature. Sathyan wrote it for his future wife when he was just 21 years old. Though her real name was Nimmi, he used the name Nirmala in the song. At the time, she was a student at Kerala Varma College.

The iconic lines: “Aa neelamizhikalil oru navaswapnamay, Nirmalae ennuragam thaliruthuvekku” were written while picturing her in his mind, Sathyan explained. He believed she would understand and appreciate the song when she would hear it, but on returning home, there was no reaction from her. Everyone else, however, understood that the song was about her, Sathyan remembered with a smile.

Even today, “Oru Nimisham Tharu” remains one of Malayalam cinema’s most heartwarming love songs. Beyond its cinematic appeal, it is also one of the most intimate love poems of Sathyan Anthikad’s life, capturing his emotions with timeless simplicity.