O. N. V. Kurup (Ottaplakkal Neelakandan Velu Kurup)

O. N. V. Kurup ( Ottaplakkal Neelakandan Velu Kurup) was a renowned Malayalam poet, lyricist.

He is a leading figure celebrated for his contributions to Malayalam cinema, penning lyrics for over 800 songs.

His literary journey began when he was just 15 years old; his first published poem "Munnottu" ("Forward") was published in 1946.

He was also a Professor, he taught at various colleges across Kerala and retired as Head of Malayalam at Government Women’s College, Thiruvananthapuram, in 1986.

ONV Kurup died on 13 February 2016, due to age-related ailments at KIMS Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram

He completed his bachelor's degree in economics at Sree Narayana College, Kollam.

Later, he obtained a master's degree in Malayalam literature from the University of Kerala.

ONV Kurup's literary excellence earned him numerous accolades:​

• Jnanpith Award (2007), India's highest literary honor

• Padma Shri (1998) and Padma Vibhushan (2011), among India's top civilian awards

• Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Poetry (1972) for his collection "Agni Salabhangal"

• Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyricist 14 times, the most by any lyricist

O.N.V. Kurup lived in Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, with his wife Sarojini, a former student.

They had two children, Rajeevan and Mayadevi.

His parents were O.N. Krishna Kurup and K. Lakshmikutty Amma.