Veteran poet and film personality Yusufali Kechery died at a private hospital in Kochi yesterday, said family sources. He was 80. A poet of the modern era, he won several awards for his poetry which include the Odakkuzhal, Kerala Sahitya Academy and Vallathol awards. He also wrote film lyrics, produced and directed Malayalam films. A multifaceted personality, he began his career as a lawyer and also did freelance writing. He also won a National Award for a Sanskrit song written for the Malayalam film Mazha in 2000.
