Thrissur: Noted folk songwriter Arumughan Venkitangu passed away on Tuesday. He was 65. Popularly known as the ‘Nadanpattukalude Mudichoodamannan’ (uncrowned king of folk songs), he has penned around 350 folk songs. 

Arumughan’s songs played a major role in the rise of late actor-singer Kalabhavan Mani to popularity. He is the man behind the lyrics of some of the actor’s widely sung songs such as ‘Chalakudy Chandaku Pokumbol’, ‘Pakalu Muzhuvan Pani Eduthu’, ‘Varikka Chakkede Chola Kanakkinu,’ and many more. 

Apart from folk songs, Arumughan has also wrote lyrics for movie songs, including ‘Kodungallur Ambalathil’ from the 1998 film ‘Meenakshi Kalyanam’, among others. He is also known for his works in movies such as ‘Udayon’, ‘The Guard’, 'Savithriyude Aranjanam’, ‘Chandrolsavam’, ‘Rakshakan’ and several devotional songs and albums. 

He is survived by wife and children. The funeral will be held at 3 pm on Tuesday at the public cemetery in Mullassery, Thrissur.