Renowned poet and lyricist Poovai Senguttuvan passed away in Chennai on Thursday. He was 90 years old and had been suffering from age-related health issues.
Born as Murugavel Gandhi in Keelapungudi village, he later took the name Poovai Senguttuvan, inspired by the play Saran Senguttuvan and his native place.
Senguttuvan made his literary debut in 1967 and went on to write over 1,000 film songs, 4,000 poems, and nearly 5,000 devotional songs. He was also known for his plays, TV and radio scripts, and screenwriting.
Some of his well-known works include Naan Ungal Veetu Pillai, Thayir Sirandha Kovilum Illai, Thirupparankundrathil Nee Sirithaal Muruga, and Iraivan Pataitha Ulagai.
His death has led to an outpouring of tributes. Political leaders, writers, and film personalities remembered him as a poet who brought devotion and depth into Tamil literature and cinema. Many recalled that his verses carried both simplicity and spiritual richness, making them resonate across generations.