National award-winning lyricist, poet and novelist Na Muthukumar passed away on August 14. He was 41.
He was reportedly suffering from high fever and succumbed to jaundice.
Na Muthukumar worked as an assistant director to legendary filmmaker Balu Mahendra for over four years before starting his journey as a lyricist in the Seeman's Veeranadai in 2000.
Since then, he has worked with top music directors from the industry, penning the lyrics for over 2,000 songs. He holds a special record for writing 103 songs in 2012.
Na Muthukumar won his first National Award for the song Aanandha Yazhai Meetugiraai from Ram's Thanga Meengal and his second National Award for Azhage Azhage from 2014's Saivam.
He has won numerous Filmfare Awards and has been honoured with the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Lyricist for AR Murugadoss' Ghajini.
Married at the age of 31, Na Muthukumar is survived by his wife, young son and eight-month old daughter.
Shocked by the sudden demise of the lyricist, the Tamil film industry took to Twitter to express their grief.
Kamal Haasan: 'Na Muthukumar died at 41. An important Tamil poet who also wrote for cinema. If he lived a little he'd have made the above intro redundant.'
Dhanush: 'Rest in peace na.muthukumar. Very shocked and saddened. Strength to the family.'
Director Selvaraghavan: 'My friend you were taken away from me too soon. In these dark hours I take solace from the immortal words you left behind. RIP na Muthukumar.'
Producer Dhananjayan Govind: 'This is unbelievable & totally shocking. A gem of a person & a great writer #Na.Muthukumar is no more is a devastating news to me & everyone. Worked with #Na.Muthukumar sir in many films including a Hindi dubbed one. Great memories. He had childlike enthusiasm to write. Very Sad.'
Music composer GV Prakash: 'Can't believe this #namuthukumar is no more ...He's written more than 200 songs in my films A huge loss May god give strength to his family.'
Actress Keerthy Suresh: 'Your words gave us so much to remember and words are not enough to express the pain. Condolences to the family.'
Samantha Ruth Prabhu: 'A terrible loss . Gone too soon . RIP Na Muthukumar.'
Radikaa Sarathkumar: 'Again another death and a loss to Tamil Cinema Na.Muthukumar, may he rest in peace.'
Siddharth: 'I cannot believe Na.Muthukumar is no more. Too young to die. God give his family strength. What a loss! Sad sad day.'
Jayam Ravi: 'Still in shock.. RIP brother #NaMuthukumar. Gone too soon.. Strength and prayers to the family.'
Vishal: 'OMG.#NaMuthukumar is no more.feelin disturbed.2 young 2 go.wat a talented lyricist. gna miss u bro.RIP .high time 4 med camps.'
