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{{Short description|Indian journalist, poet and television presenter}}
{{Short description|Indian journalist, poet and television presenter (born 1959)}}

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| pseudonym =
| pseudonym =
| other_name =
| other_name =
| image = Prabha_varma_at_Kavyaprabha.jpg
| image = https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2241327436076422&set=a.108447136031140

| caption = Varma at Thiruvananthapuram.
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1959|08|02}}
| caption =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1959|05|30}}
| education = MA, LL.B.
| education = MA, LL.B.
| occupation = Poet, lyricist, journalist, television presenter, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister of Kerala
| occupation = Poet, lyricist, journalist, television presenter, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister of Kerala
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| website =
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'''Prabha Varma''' (born 2 August 1959) is a poet, lyricist, journalist and television presenter.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/11/stories/2008111154730500.htm |title=The Hindu : Kerala / Pathanamthitta News : Imperialist forces behind Chengara stir: Poet |website=www.hindu.com |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727094427/http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/11/stories/2008111154730500.htm |archive-date=27 July 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He has published ten collections of poems, three novels in verse, six books on the contemporary socio-political milieu and literature, six collections of essays in criticism, a study on media, a travelogue and a novel in english.
'''Prabha Varma''' (born 30 May 1959) is a poet, lyricist, journalist and television presenter known for his works in [[Malayalam cinema]]. He has published ten collections of poems, three novels in verse, six books on the contemporary socio-political milieu and literature, six collections of essays in criticism, a study on media, a travelogue and a novel in English.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/11/stories/2008111154730500.htm |title=Imperialist forces behind Chengara stir: Poet |website=www.hindu.com |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727094427/http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/11/stories/2008111154730500.htm |archive-date=27 July 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Early years and personal life ==
== Early years and personal life ==
Prabha Varma was born in 1959 at Kadapra, Thiruvalla as the youngest son of T. K. Narayanan Namboothiri and N. Pankajakshi Thampuratty. Varma has a master's degree and a degree in law. He studied at the Devaswom Board College, Parumala, [[NSS Hindu College, Changanassery]], and [[Kerala Law Academy Law College|Kerala Law Academy Law College, Trivandrum]]. He was a student activist and was elected to the executive of the Kerala University Union during the academic year of 1979–80.
Prabha Varma was born in 1959 at [[Kadapra]], Thiruvalla as the youngest son of late T. K. Narayanan Namboothiri and late N. Pankajakshi Thampuratty. He had four siblings - two brothers and two sisters. Varma has a master's degree and a degree in law. He studied at the Devaswom Board College, Parumala, [[NSS Hindu College, Changanassery]], and [[Kerala Law Academy Law College|Kerala Law Academy Law College, Trivandrum]]. He was a student activist and was elected to the executive of the Kerala University Union during the academic year of 1979–80. Varma's family comprises Manorema (wife), Jyotsna (daughter), Col. K.V Mahendra (son-in-law) and Jahnavi (Grand Daughter).

Varma's family comprises Manorema (wife), Jyotsna (daughter), Col. K.V Mahendra (son-in-law) and Jahnavi (Grand Daughter).


==Career==
==Career==
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Varma's first collection of poems was ''Sourparnika'', published in 1990. It won him the Vyloppilli Award and also the Ankanam Award. His second anthology ''Arkkapoornima'' won the [[Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Poetry]]. This was followed by poetical collections like ''Chandananazhi, Aaardram, Kalaprayaga, Avicharitham, Manjinotu Veyil Enna Poleyum, Aparigraham'' and ''Ponnin Kolus''. He has also published collections of his poems.
Varma's first collection of poems was ''Sourparnika'', published in 1990. It won him the Vyloppilli Award and also the Ankanam Award. His second anthology ''Arkkapoornima'' won the [[Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Poetry]]. This was followed by poetical collections like ''Chandananazhi, Aaardram, Kalaprayaga, Avicharitham, Manjinotu Veyil Enna Poleyum, Aparigraham'' and ''Ponnin Kolus''. He has also published collections of his poems.


His magnum opus ''Shyama Madhavam'' is a novel in verse (''kaavyakhyayika'') in 15 chapters. It revolves around Lord Krishna and the lives of those who came across him during his earthly sojourn, which the poet says is not a series of ecstasies as many believe, but agonies. It portrays the travails of a solitary soul and the rare courage with which Krishna deals with life. The work begins in a dramatically poignant and pensive mood and culminates in his ''swargaarohana'', between which he lapses into a series of confessions and repentance. ''Shyama Madhavam'' offers a wide spectrum of Chhandas, Alankaaras and metric patterns such as Dandakas on the one hand and brings out the genuine concern of the lonely inner voice of the legendary hero against the backdrop of changing times. Varma received the [[Vayalar Award]] (2013), Malayattoor Award (2013) and the [[Sahitya Akademi Award|Central Sahitya Akademi Award]] for this work. ''Shyama Madhavam'' waa adjudged as the best book of the decade by the Kerala State Library Council in the year 2020. ''Shyama Madhavam'' has been published in English with the title ''Lament of the Dusky Lord''.
His magnum opus ''Shyama Madhavam'' is a novel in verse (''kaavyakhyayika'') in 15 chapters.<ref name="Shyama Madhavam The Hindu">{{cite news |last1=Meena T. Pillai |title=Lament of a mortal god |url=https://www.thehindu.com/books/books-reviews/Shyama-Madhavam-Prabha-Varma%E2%80%99s-novel-in-verse-is-an-interesting-poetic-suffix-to-the-Gita/article17352811.ece |access-date=3 February 2023 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=24 February 2017}}</ref> It revolves around Lord Krishna and the lives of those who came across him during his earthly sojourn, which the poet says is not a series of ecstasies as many believe, but agonies.<ref name="Shyama Madhavam The Hindu"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Shyama Madhavam gets a Sanskrit version |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/shyama-madhavam-gets-a-sanskrit-version/article23404125.ece |access-date=4 February 2023 |work=The Hindu |date=31 March 2018}}</ref> It portrays the travails of a solitary soul and the rare courage with which Krishna deals with life. The work begins in a dramatically poignant and pensive mood and culminates in his ''swargaarohana'', between which he lapses into a series of confessions and repentance. ''Shyama Madhavam'' offers a wide spectrum of Chhandas, Alankaaras and metric patterns such as Dandakas on the one hand and brings out the genuine concern of the lonely inner voice of the legendary hero against the backdrop of changing times. Varma received the [[Vayalar Award]] (2013), Malayattoor Award (2013) and the [[Sahitya Akademi Award|Central Sahitya Akademi Award]] for this work.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rohini Swamy |title=Kerala poet accused of calling Lord Krishna 'immoral with no conscience' gets award, sparks row |url=https://theprint.in/india/lord-krishna-immoral-with-no-conscience-award-to-kerala-poet-who-wrote-this-triggers-row/372756/ |access-date=4 February 2023 |work=The Print |date=28 February 2020}}</ref> ''Shyama Madhavam'' was adjudged as the best book of the decade by the Kerala State Library Council in the year 2020. ''Shyama Madhavam'' has been published in English with the title ''Lament of the Dusky Lord''.
Varma's another work is ''Kanal Chilambu'' which is a novella in verse. The story, told in seven chapters of around five thousand words, is about love, lust, intrigue, power, revenge and incest. In short, all the elements that go into the making of tragedies are at full play here. Most importantly this poignant story of love and revenge answers an age-old riddle that posits the question: "why did the milkmaid laugh when her earthen pot of milk fell to doom?" This is the second narrative poem written by Prabha Varma after ''Shyama Madhavam''. The professional drama based on ''Kanal Chilambu'' was staged on more than 500 stages all over Kerala. ''Shyama Madhavam'' was also repeatedly staged as a musical drama. The English version of ''Kanal Chilambu'' has been published with the title "Anklet of Fire".
Varma's another work is ''Kanal Chilambu'' which is a novella in verse. The story, told in seven chapters of around five thousand words, is about love, lust, intrigue, power, revenge and incest. In short, all the elements that go into the making of tragedies are at full play here. Most importantly this poignant story of love and revenge answers an age-old riddle that posits the question: "why did the milkmaid laugh when her earthen pot of milk fell to doom?" This is the second narrative poem written by Prabha Varma after ''Shyama Madhavam''. The professional drama based on ''Kanal Chilambu'' was staged on more than 500 stages all over Kerala. ''Shyama Madhavam'' was also repeatedly staged as a musical drama. The English version of ''Kanal Chilambu'' has been published with the title "Anklet of Fire".
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*''Souparnika''
*''Souparnika''
*''Arkkapoornima''
*''Arkkapoornima''
*''Chandana nazhi''
*''Chandana Nazhi''
*''Aardram''
*''Aardram''
*''Kalaprayaga''
*''Kalaprayaga''
*''Avicharitham''
*''Avicharitham''
*''Manjinodu Veyil Ennapoleyum''
*''Manjinodu Veyil Ennapoleyum''
*''Shyama Madhavam'' (Novel in Verse )
*''Shyama Madhavam'' (Novel in verse)
* Aparigraham
*''Aparigraham''
* Kanal chilambu (Novel in verse)
*''Kanal Chilambu'' (Novel in verse)
* Roudra Satwikam (Novel in verse)
*''Roudra Satwikam'' (Novel in verse)
* Ponninkoluss
*''Ponninkoluss''


===Others===
===Others===
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==Awards==
==Awards==
; Poetry
; Poetry
*1987: [[Abu Dhabi Sakthi Award]] – ''Mrithyumjayam''<ref name="1987Award">{{cite book |title=Malayalam Literary Survey Vol. 10 |publisher=[[Kerala Sahitya Akademi]] |date=1988 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3pBkAAAAMAAJ |page=113 |quote=The literary awards instituted by the Abudabi Malayala Samajam were given to K. M. Raghavan Nambiar for his drama 'Kalakootam', Pangil Bhaskaran for his novel 'Bhrityanmar' and Prabhavarma for his poem 'Mrithyumjayam'.}}</ref>
*[[List of Sahitya Akademi Award winners for Malayalam|Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award]] for ''Shyama Madhavam'' (2016)<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/article16919199.ece "Sahitya Akademi award for poet Prabha Varma"]. ''[[The Hindu]]''. 21 December 2015. Retrieved 25 December 2015.</ref>
*1987: [[List of Malayalam literary awards#V. T. Kumaran Award|V. T. Kumaran Award]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mathrubhumi.com/books/awards.php?award=39 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801171515/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/books/awards.php?award=39 |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 August 2012 |title= വി.ടി. കുമാരന്‍ മാസ്റ്റര്‍ പുരസ്‌ക്കാരം |date= |work=[[Mathrubhumi]] |language=ml |access-date=4 April 2024}}</ref>
*[[Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award]] for ''Arkkapoornima'' (1995)
*1990: Vyloppilli Award
*[[Vayalar Award]] for ''Shyama Madhavam'' (2013)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/vayalar-award-for-prabha-varma/article5205113.ece|title=Vayalar award for Prabha Varma|date=6 October 2013|work=The Hindu|accessdate=8 October 2013}}</ref>
*1993: Kunjupilla Award
*[[Malayalam Literary Awards#P. Kunhiraman Nair Award|P. Kunhiraman Nair Award]]
*1995: [[Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Poetry]] ''Arkkapoornima''
*[[Asan Smaraka Kavitha Puraskaram|Asan Poetry Prize]] (2014)
*1995: Mooloor Award
* State Library Council's Best Book of the decade Award 2020 for shyamamadhavam
*1997: Changampuzha Puraskaram
* [[Vallathol Award]] (2017)<ref>{{cite news|title=Vallathol Award for Prabha Varma|url=http://kaumudiglobal.com/innerpage1.php?newsid=97155|newspaper=[[Kerala Kaumudi]]|date=25 September 2017|accessdate=30 September 2017}}</ref>
*1998: [[List of Malayalam literary awards#P. Kunhiraman Nair Award|P. Kunhiraman Nair Award]] – ''Chandana Nazhi''
* [[P. Kesavadev Literary Award]] (2018)<ref>[https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2018/jul/12/had-kesavadev-been-alive-today-his-speeches-would-have-invited-intolerance-prabha-varma-1841934.html "Had Kesavadev been alive today, his speeches would have invited intolerance: Prabha Varma"]. ''The New Indian Express''. 12 July 2018. Retrieved 2 March 2021.</ref>
*[[Ulloor Award]]
*1999: Kadavanad Award
*Malayattoor Award
*2003: Vennikkulam Award
*Vyloppilli Puraskaram
*2006: Kadathanadu Udayavarmma Puraskaram
*2006: A.P. Kalakkad Award
*Changampuzha Puraskaram
*Mahakavi P Puraskaram
*2011: Kannassa Puraskaram
*2012: Premji Puraskaram
*2012: Mullanezhi Puraskaram
*2013: [[Vayalar Award]] ''Shyama Madhavam''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/vayalar-award-for-prabha-varma/article5205113.ece|title=Vayalar award for Prabha Varma|date=6 October 2013|work=The Hindu|accessdate=8 October 2013}}</ref>
*2013: [[List of Malayalam literary awards#Malayattoor Award|Malayattoor Award]] – ''Shyama Madhavam''<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/221216/poet-prabha-varma-wins-kendra-sahitya-akademi-award.html |title=Poet Prabha Varma wins Kendra Sahitya Akademi award |newspaper=Deccan Chronicle |date=22 December 2016 |access-date=2 March 2021}}</ref>
*2014: [[Asan Smaraka Kavitha Puraskaram|Asan Poetry Prize]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/prabha-varma-wins-asan-award/article6579562.ece|title=Prabha Varma wins Asan award|newspaper=The Hindu|date=9 November 2014|access-date=30 September 2017}}</ref>
*2016: [[List of Sahitya Akademi Award winners for Malayalam|Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award]] ''Shyama Madhavam''<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/article16919199.ece "Sahitya Akademi award for poet Prabha Varma"]. ''[[The Hindu]]''. 21 December 2015. Retrieved 25 December 2015.</ref>
*2016: [[Padmaprabha Literary Award]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Prabha Varma selected for Padmaprabha Literary Award |url=https://englisharchives.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/padmaprabha-foundation-1.2310594 |access-date=4 February 2023 |work=[[Mathrubhumi]] |date=14 October 2017}}</ref>
*2016: Mahakavi Pandalam Keralavarma Poetry Award – ''Aparigraham''<ref>{{cite news |title=Pandalam Kerala Varma awards |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/Pandalam-Kerala-Varma-awards/article14020753.ece |access-date=4 February 2023 |work=The Hindu |date=26 January 2016}}</ref>
*2017: [[Vallathol Award]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Vallathol Award for Prabha Varma|url=http://kaumudiglobal.com/innerpage1.php?newsid=97155|newspaper=[[Kerala Kaumudi]]|date=25 September 2017|accessdate=30 September 2017}}</ref>
*2017: [[Ulloor Award]] – ''Aparigraham''<ref>[https://books2820.rssing.com/chan-6795380/article11263.html "പ്രഭാവര്‍മയുടെ ‘അപരിഗ്രഹം’എന്ന കവിതാസമാഹാരത്തിന് മഹാകവി ഉള്ളൂര്‍ സ്മാരക പുരസ്‌കാരം"]. [[DC Books]] (in [[Malayalam]]). 17 February 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2021.</ref>
*2017: Bahrain Kerala Samajam Award<ref>{{cite web |title=ബഹ്‌റൈന്‍ കേരളീയ സമാജം സാഹിത്യ പുരസ്‌കാരം പ്രഭാവര്‍മയ്ക്ക് |url=https://www.dcbooks.com/award-for-prabhavarma.html |publisher=DC Books |language=ml |date=25 January 2018}}</ref>
*2018: [[P. Kesavadev Literary Award]]<ref>[https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2018/jul/12/had-kesavadev-been-alive-today-his-speeches-would-have-invited-intolerance-prabha-varma-1841934.html "Had Kesavadev been alive today, his speeches would have invited intolerance: Prabha Varma"]. ''The New Indian Express''. 12 July 2018. Retrieved 2 March 2021.</ref>
*2019: J. K. V. Literary Award – ''Kanal Chilambu''<ref>{{cite news |title=ജെ കെ വി അവാര്‍ഡ് പ്രഭാവര്‍മയ്ക്ക് |url=https://www.deshabhimani.com/news/kerala/prabhavarma/778843 |work=[[Deshabhimani]] |access-date=4 February 2023 |language=ml |date=29 January 2019}}</ref>
*2020: State Library Council Award – ''Shyama Madhavam''<ref>{{cite web |title=ലൈബ്രറി കൗണ്‍സില്‍ സാഹിത്യ പുരസ്‌കാരം പ്രഭാ വര്‍മയുടെ ശ്യാമമാധവത്തിന് |url=https://www.dcbooks.com/library-council-literature-award.html |publisher=[[DC Books]] |access-date=4 February 2023 |language=ml |date=18 March 2020}}</ref>
*2020: Kunchan Nambiar Award<ref>{{cite news |title=Renowned poet Prabha Varma bags Kunchan Nambiar Award |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/books-and-literature/renowned-poet-prabha-varma-bags-kunchan-nambiar-award-7197173/ |access-date=3 February 2023 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |agency=[[Press Trust of India]] |date=20 February 2021}}</ref>
*2023: [[Saraswati Samman]] – ''Roudra Sathwikam''<ref>{{cite news |title=Saraswathi Samman for Prabha Varma |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/saraswathi-samman-for-prabha-varma/article67964521.ece |access-date=2 April 2024 |work=[[The Hindu]] |agency= |date=18 March 2024}}</ref>
*Mar Gregorius Award
*Mar Gregorius Award
*Krishnageethi Puraskaram
*Krishnageethi Puraskaram
*Kannassa Puraskaram
*Vennikkulam Award
*Premji Puraskaram
*Mooloor Award
*Kadavanad Award
*T S Thirumumpu Puraskaram
*T S Thirumumpu Puraskaram
*Kadathanadu Udayavarmma Puraskaram
*Mullanezhi Puraskaram
*Venmani Award
*Venmani Award
*[[Abu Dhabi Sakthi Award]] (1987)
*Sreekanteswaram Puraskaram
*Sreekanteswaram Puraskaram
*Ankanam Award
*Ankanam Award
*Kunjupilla Award
*Ezhumangalam Puraskaram
*Ezhumangalam Puraskaram
*Kuwait Kala Puraskaram
*Kuwait Kala Puraskaram
*Kerala University Youth Festival Prize
*Mahakavi Pandalam Keralavarma Poetry Award (2016)
*Bahrain Kerala Samajam Award (2007)
*PadmaPrabha Puraskaram
*J K V Literary Award
*Sidhartha Sahitya Puraskaram
*Sidhartha Sahitya Puraskaram
*J C Daniel literary award-2020
*Kunchan Nambiar Award- 2020<ref>{{cite news |title=Renowned poet Prabha Varma bags Kunchan Nambiar Award |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/books-and-literature/renowned-poet-prabha-varma-bags-kunchan-nambiar-award-7197173/ |access-date=3 February 2023 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |agency=[[Press Trust of India]] |date=20 February 2021}}</ref>
* Upasana Malayattoor Award 2021 for Total literary Contribution.


; Journalism
; Journalism

*Kerala State Journalism Award for Best General Reporting
*Kerala State Journalism Award for Best General Reporting
*K. Madhavankutty Award for the Best English Feature
*K. Madhavankutty Award for the Best English Feature
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; Film
; Film
* 2000: [[Kerala Film Critics Association Award]] for Best Lyricist – ''Nagaravadhu''<ref name="Kerala Film Critics Association Awards"/>
* National Film Award For Best Lyrics 2019[[67th National Film Awards]] for the song "Arodum Parayuka Vayya" of the film: Kolambi
* 2003: [[Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Malayalam]] (Nominated) – "Oru Chempaneer Pooviruthu" from ''[[Sthithi]]''
* [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyrics]](Thrice) – "Ethu Sundara Swapna Yavanika" from ''[[Nadan]]'' (2013), Poovin Ithalcheppil from ''Out of Syllabus'' (2008) and Olathin Melathal from ''Clint'' (2017)
* 2006: [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyrics]] – "Poyi Varuvan Koode Varu" from ''[[Out of Syllabus]]''<ref name="2000-12">{{Cite web |url=http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/stateawards4.htm |title=State Film Awards (2000–12) |publisher=[[Kerala State Chalachitra Academy]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707210332/http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/stateawards4.htm |archive-date=7 July 2015 |url-status=dead |access-date=26 September 2015}}</ref>
*Filmfare Nomination for the song "Oru Chempaneer poo iruthu..." from Sthithi
* 2013: [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyrics]] – "Ethu Sundara Swapna Yavanika" from ''[[Nadan]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Fahad-Lal-Ann-Shyamaprasad-Take-State-Laurels-CR-No.89-is-Best-Film/2014/04/20/article2178594.ece |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140420053855/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Fahad-Lal-Ann-Shyamaprasad-Take-State-Laurels-CR-No.89-is-Best-Film/2014/04/20/article2178594.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 April 2014 |title=Fahad, Lal, Ann, Shyamaprasad Take State Laurels; CR No.89 is Best Film |work=The New Indian Express |date=20 April 2014 |access-date=20 April 2014}}</ref>
*Film Critics Award for best Lyrics (Twice)
* 2013: [[Kerala Film Critics Association Award]] for Best Lyricist – ''Nadan''<ref>{{cite news |title='Drishyam' Bags Kerala Film Critics Association Awards |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/Drishyam-Bags-Kerala-Film-Critics-Association-Awards/2014/01/30/article2027269.ece |access-date=28 January 2023 |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=30 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305011939/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/Drishyam-Bags-Kerala-Film-Critics-Association-Awards/2014/01/30/article2027269.ece |archive-date=5 March 2016}}</ref>
* Prem Nazeer Award for the best film lyrics. 2018
* 2017: [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyrics]] – "Olathin Melathal" from ''[[Clint (2017 film)|Clint]]''<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/parvathy-indrans-and-lijo-jose-win-big-kerala-state-film-awards-2017-77624 | title=Parvathy, Indrans and Lijo Jose win big at Kerala State Film Awards 2017 | date=8 March 2018 | access-date=8 March 2018}}</ref>
* Adoor Bhasi Literary Excellence Award.2018
* 2019: [[National Film Award for Best Lyrics]] – "Arodum Parayuka Vayya" from ''[[Kolaambi]]''<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-22|title=67th National Film Awards|url=https://cinematicillusions.com/news/67th-national-film-awards/|access-date=4 February 2023|website=Cinematic Illusions|language=en-US}}</ref>
* Sangeetha Nataka Academy Awards for the Best Lyrics of Drama (twice)
* 2018: Adoor Bhasi Award<ref>{{cite news |title=Remembering the 'Charlie Chaplin of Kerala' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/kochi/remembering-the-charlie-chaplin-of-kerala/articleshow/64806977.cms |access-date=4 February 2023 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=30 June 2018}}</ref>

* 2021: Prem Nazir Film Award for Best Lyrics – ("Ilaveyil" from ''[[Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham]]'' and "Kanneer Kadalil" from ''Uru'')<ref>{{cite news |title=Prem Nazir Film Awards: Indrans, Nimisha Sajayan win top honours; 'Vellam' bags best film |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/prem-nazir-film-awards-indrans-nimisha-sajayan-win-top-honours-vellam-bags-best-film-1.7065900 |access-date=4 February 2023 |work=[[Mathrubhumi]] |date=14 February 2022}}</ref>
; Other
* [[Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi]] Awards for the Best Lyrics of Drama (twice)
*Dr. N A Karim Award-2020


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Malayalam poets]]
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[[Category:Malayalam-language lyricists]]

Latest revision as of 17:44, 5 October 2024

Prabha Varma
Born (1959-05-30) 30 May 1959 (age 65)
OccupationPoet, lyricist, journalist, television presenter, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister of Kerala
LanguageMalayalam, English
NationalityIndian
EducationMA, LL.B.
Alma materDevaswom Board College, Parumala
NSS Hindu College, Changanassery
Kerala Law Academy Law College, Trivandrum
Notable awardsSahitya Akademi Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, Vayalar Award, Asan Prize, Ulloor Award, Vallathol Award
SpouseManorema

Prabha Varma (born 30 May 1959) is a poet, lyricist, journalist and television presenter known for his works in Malayalam cinema. He has published ten collections of poems, three novels in verse, six books on the contemporary socio-political milieu and literature, six collections of essays in criticism, a study on media, a travelogue and a novel in English.[1]

Early years and personal life

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Prabha Varma was born in 1959 at Kadapra, Thiruvalla as the youngest son of late T. K. Narayanan Namboothiri and late N. Pankajakshi Thampuratty. He had four siblings - two brothers and two sisters. Varma has a master's degree and a degree in law. He studied at the Devaswom Board College, Parumala, NSS Hindu College, Changanassery, and Kerala Law Academy Law College, Trivandrum. He was a student activist and was elected to the executive of the Kerala University Union during the academic year of 1979–80. Varma's family comprises Manorema (wife), Jyotsna (daughter), Col. K.V Mahendra (son-in-law) and Jahnavi (Grand Daughter).

Career

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Literary career

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Varma's first collection of poems was Sourparnika, published in 1990. It won him the Vyloppilli Award and also the Ankanam Award. His second anthology Arkkapoornima won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Poetry. This was followed by poetical collections like Chandananazhi, Aaardram, Kalaprayaga, Avicharitham, Manjinotu Veyil Enna Poleyum, Aparigraham and Ponnin Kolus. He has also published collections of his poems.

His magnum opus Shyama Madhavam is a novel in verse (kaavyakhyayika) in 15 chapters.[2] It revolves around Lord Krishna and the lives of those who came across him during his earthly sojourn, which the poet says is not a series of ecstasies as many believe, but agonies.[2][3] It portrays the travails of a solitary soul and the rare courage with which Krishna deals with life. The work begins in a dramatically poignant and pensive mood and culminates in his swargaarohana, between which he lapses into a series of confessions and repentance. Shyama Madhavam offers a wide spectrum of Chhandas, Alankaaras and metric patterns such as Dandakas on the one hand and brings out the genuine concern of the lonely inner voice of the legendary hero against the backdrop of changing times. Varma received the Vayalar Award (2013), Malayattoor Award (2013) and the Central Sahitya Akademi Award for this work.[4] Shyama Madhavam was adjudged as the best book of the decade by the Kerala State Library Council in the year 2020. Shyama Madhavam has been published in English with the title Lament of the Dusky Lord.

Varma's another work is Kanal Chilambu which is a novella in verse. The story, told in seven chapters of around five thousand words, is about love, lust, intrigue, power, revenge and incest. In short, all the elements that go into the making of tragedies are at full play here. Most importantly this poignant story of love and revenge answers an age-old riddle that posits the question: "why did the milkmaid laugh when her earthen pot of milk fell to doom?" This is the second narrative poem written by Prabha Varma after Shyama Madhavam. The professional drama based on Kanal Chilambu was staged on more than 500 stages all over Kerala. Shyama Madhavam was also repeatedly staged as a musical drama. The English version of Kanal Chilambu has been published with the title "Anklet of Fire".

The third novel in verse is Roudra Sathwikam which deals with the perennial conflict that exists between art and power. It is placed against the backdrop of the erstwhile Soviet Union and in it, the poet addresses the binary opposites such as violence/non-violence, poetry/power, environment/development, etc.

Other works he has penned include a travelogue titled Diary of Malaysia, Paarayanathinte Reethibhedangal (essays in criticism), Kevalathwavum Bhavukathwavum (Poetics), Rathiyude Kaavyapadangal Thanthree Laya Samanvitham (Analytical Study of Poems), Innilekku Oru Jaalekam (Political Essays), Drishyamadhyamangalum Samskaravum (Media Study), Sandehiyude Ekanthayaathra and Dala Marmaram (Reminiscences).

Jnanpith Award O. N. V. Kurup complimented Varma saying, "He has inherited the subtle poetic richness of the eminent poet Vyloppilly Sreedhara Menon, who himself picked up the quality from Kumaranasan'. Literary critic M. Krishnan Nair wrote that "Prabha Varma is a born poet". Varma's poems are composed of a confluence of tradition and modernity. They have soft romantic emotions, a plethora of poetic images, original and innovative narrative skill, philosophical insights, and a deep understanding of the meaning of life.

Varma is a recipient of numerous awards. They include the Vayalar Award, Asan Prize, Ulloor Award, Vallathol Award, Vyloppilli Award (1990), Kunchupillai Award (1993), Krishnageethi Puraskar (1994), Mooloor Award (1995), Changampuzha Award (1997), Mahakavi P Puraskaram (1997), Kadavanad Award (1999), Abu Dhabi Sakthi Award (1987), Vennikulam Award (2003), A.P. Kalakkad Award (2006), Kannassa Puraskaram (2011), Kadathanad Udayavarma Puraskaram (2006), Mullanezhi Award (2012), Premji Puraskaram (2012), Malayattoor Award (2013) Mahakavi Pandalam Keralavarma Kavitha Puraskaram (2016), Padmaprabha Award (2016), Kesavadev Award (2018), Edasseri Award (2020), JKV Award, Mar Gregorious Award, and Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam Award.

Lyricist

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Varma is a lyricist in Malayalam cinema and bagged 'the National Film Award for Best Lyrics in 2019. He also won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyricist three times (2006, 2013, 2012). Nadan, Sheelabathi, Saayahnam, Sthithi, Kalaapam, Gramapanchayath, Nagravadhu, Ee Puzhayum Kadannu, Varsha, Hareendran Oru Nishkalankan, Odiyan, Thakkol, Thelivu, Clint, Kolambi, Kunhalimarikkar etc. are some of the films for which he has written lyrics. He won the Kerala Film Critics Association Awards for Best Lyricict for the songs of Nagaravadhu in 2000 and Nadan in 2013.[5] He won the State Government Awards for Best Lyrics for Professional Dramas in the years 2009 and 2017. His film songs "Oru Chembaneer Pooviruthu" (Sthithi, 2003), "Poonthen Nermozhi" were hits. When Varma bagged the 67th National Film Award for the best lyrics in 2019 for his song "Aarodum Parayuka Vayya" it was widely noted as he was bringing the national award for lyrics to Malayalam after a gap of two decades.[6]

Varma has written many padams for Mohiniyattam, which is a classical dance form of Kerala. Pranab Mukherjee, the former President of India, honoured him at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan with a citation and shawl for his lyrical contribution to performing arts in the year 2016. He has composed more than a dozen classical kritis which are set to ragas and sung profusely in Carnatic music concerts.

Journalist

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Varma has been a media personality for the last 40 years. All these years, he has been contributing articles to various journals, both in Malayalam and English. He won the State Government Award for the best general reporting in 1996. In 1988–90, the Trivandrum Press Club conferred on him the K. C. Sabastian Award. He also received the K. Madhavan Kutty Award for the best feature in English and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Award. He also won the Media Trust award and K C. Daniel Award.

Varma presented a paper on 'Emerging Democracies', at the Doha International Meet, held under the auspices of the United Nations. He attended the world youth festival held in Pyongyang, North Korea in the 80s and addressed the North American journalist's conference held in New York in 2009. He has covered both the houses of the Indian Parliament, the Non-aligned Summit, Commonwealth Meet, etc. for more than a decade.

Varma was the Director (News) of People TV, Kairali TV from 2001– 2010, and has won the State Government award, Drishya TV Award etc. The weekly programme 'India Inside,' presented by him was an in-depth analysis of the socio-political labyrinth of the present-day world. He has also published a book on the social influence of electronic media, titled Drishyamadhyamangalum Samskaravum.

Positions held

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Varma worked as the Press Secretary to the Chief Minister of Kerala for a period of five years from 1996 to 2001 and as the Resident Editor of Deshabhimani, the third largest circulated daily in Kerala. Other public offices he has held are as a member of the General Council of the Kendra Sahitya Academy Delhi between 2007 and 2012, and as the Vice-President of the Kerala Sahitya Academy between 2008 and 2010.

Presently he is the Media Advisor to the Chief Minister of Kerala, Executive member of the Sahithya Academy, Delhi (National Academy of Letters) convener of the South Indian board of Kendra Sahithya Academy, member of Kerala Sahithya Academy and the convener of Malayalam advisory council of Kendra Sahithya Academy. He is a member of the final jury of Jnanpith Award.

Works

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Poetry

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  • Souparnika
  • Arkkapoornima
  • Chandana Nazhi
  • Aardram
  • Kalaprayaga
  • Avicharitham
  • Manjinodu Veyil Ennapoleyum
  • Shyama Madhavam (Novel in verse)
  • Aparigraham
  • Kanal Chilambu (Novel in verse)
  • Roudra Satwikam (Novel in verse)
  • Ponninkoluss

Others

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  • Rethiyude Kaavyapadam (Study)
  • Kevalathwavum Bhavukathwavum (Study)
  • Drishya Maadhyamangalum Samskaaravum (Study)
  • Enthukondu Fascism? (Study)
  • Innilekku Oru Jaalakam (Essays)
  • Sandehiyude Ekantha Yaathra (Reminiscences)
  • Parayanathinte Reethibhedangal (Essays)
  • Malaysian Diary Kurippukal (Travelogue)
  • Thanthree Laya Samanvitham
  • After the Aftermath (English novel)

Awards

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Poetry
Journalism
  • Kerala State Journalism Award for Best General Reporting
  • K. Madhavankutty Award for the Best English Feature
  • Media Trust Award For Journalism
  • K. C. Sebastian Puraskaram
  • Special Mention in State TV Awards
Film

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Imperialist forces behind Chengara stir: Poet". www.hindu.com. Archived from the original on 27 July 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  2. ^ a b Meena T. Pillai (24 February 2017). "Lament of a mortal god". The Hindu. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  3. ^ "Shyama Madhavam gets a Sanskrit version". The Hindu. 31 March 2018. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
  4. ^ Rohini Swamy (28 February 2020). "Kerala poet accused of calling Lord Krishna 'immoral with no conscience' gets award, sparks row". The Print. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
  5. ^ a b "കേരള ഫിലിം ക്രിട്ടിക്‌സ് അവാര്‍ഡ് 1977 - 2012". Kerala Film Critics Association. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  6. ^ Sajin Shrijith (22 March 2021). "Malayalam cinema wins big at the 67th National Film Awards". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 22 March 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  7. ^ Malayalam Literary Survey Vol. 10. Kerala Sahitya Akademi. 1988. p. 113. The literary awards instituted by the Abudabi Malayala Samajam were given to K. M. Raghavan Nambiar for his drama 'Kalakootam', Pangil Bhaskaran for his novel 'Bhrityanmar' and Prabhavarma for his poem 'Mrithyumjayam'.
  8. ^ "വി.ടി. കുമാരന്‍ മാസ്റ്റര്‍ പുരസ്‌ക്കാരം". Mathrubhumi (in Malayalam). Archived from the original on 1 August 2012. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  9. ^ "Vayalar award for Prabha Varma". The Hindu. 6 October 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2013.
  10. ^ "Poet Prabha Varma wins Kendra Sahitya Akademi award". Deccan Chronicle. 22 December 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  11. ^ "Prabha Varma wins Asan award". The Hindu. 9 November 2014. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
  12. ^ "Sahitya Akademi award for poet Prabha Varma". The Hindu. 21 December 2015. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
  13. ^ "Prabha Varma selected for Padmaprabha Literary Award". Mathrubhumi. 14 October 2017. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
  14. ^ "Pandalam Kerala Varma awards". The Hindu. 26 January 2016. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
  15. ^ "Vallathol Award for Prabha Varma". Kerala Kaumudi. 25 September 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
  16. ^ "പ്രഭാവര്‍മയുടെ ‘അപരിഗ്രഹം’എന്ന കവിതാസമാഹാരത്തിന് മഹാകവി ഉള്ളൂര്‍ സ്മാരക പുരസ്‌കാരം". DC Books (in Malayalam). 17 February 2017. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  17. ^ "ബഹ്‌റൈന്‍ കേരളീയ സമാജം സാഹിത്യ പുരസ്‌കാരം പ്രഭാവര്‍മയ്ക്ക്" (in Malayalam). DC Books. 25 January 2018.
  18. ^ "Had Kesavadev been alive today, his speeches would have invited intolerance: Prabha Varma". The New Indian Express. 12 July 2018. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  19. ^ "ജെ കെ വി അവാര്‍ഡ് പ്രഭാവര്‍മയ്ക്ക്". Deshabhimani (in Malayalam). 29 January 2019. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
  20. ^ "ലൈബ്രറി കൗണ്‍സില്‍ സാഹിത്യ പുരസ്‌കാരം പ്രഭാ വര്‍മയുടെ ശ്യാമമാധവത്തിന്" (in Malayalam). DC Books. 18 March 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
  21. ^ "Renowned poet Prabha Varma bags Kunchan Nambiar Award". The Indian Express. Press Trust of India. 20 February 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  22. ^ "Saraswathi Samman for Prabha Varma". The Hindu. 18 March 2024. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
  23. ^ "State Film Awards (2000–12)". Kerala State Chalachitra Academy. Archived from the original on 7 July 2015. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
  24. ^ "Fahad, Lal, Ann, Shyamaprasad Take State Laurels; CR No.89 is Best Film". The New Indian Express. 20 April 2014. Archived from the original on 20 April 2014. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  25. ^ "'Drishyam' Bags Kerala Film Critics Association Awards". The New Indian Express. 30 January 2014. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  26. ^ "Parvathy, Indrans and Lijo Jose win big at Kerala State Film Awards 2017". 8 March 2018. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  27. ^ "67th National Film Awards". Cinematic Illusions. 22 March 2021. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
  28. ^ "Remembering the 'Charlie Chaplin of Kerala'". The Times of India. 30 June 2018. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
  29. ^ "Prem Nazir Film Awards: Indrans, Nimisha Sajayan win top honours; 'Vellam' bags best film". Mathrubhumi. 14 February 2022. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
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