Gafoor Arakkal

Gafoor Arakkal (1969-2023) was an accomplished novelist and screenwriter in the South Indian film industry. He was renowned for his significant contributions to the Malayalam literature and cinema. He was born and brought up in Petta, Feroke. He graduated from Farook College and after completing his completing his education he moved to Pootheri Valapp, Chelari, in the Mallapuram district with his family. Gafoor’s expertise in writing spanned a wide range of genres including novels, anthologies, and children’s fiction. Some of his famous books include Horthusukalude Chomi, Oru Bhoothathinte Bhavi Jeevidham, Ara Piri Loose Aaya Kattadi Yanthram and Rathrincharanaya Branch Secretary.

He also wrote several anthologies like Amoeba Ira Pidikkunnath Engane and Nidra Nashtappetta Suryan and children’s books like Nakshatra Janmam and Matsyagandikalude Dweep. In addition to his profession as a novelist and writer, he was also a skilled screenwriter. He has crafted screenplays for several recognized Malayalam movies like Lukka Chhuppi (2015) and Kottayam (2020). Apart from his literally pursuits he had also served as state council member of the Purokamana Kala Sahitya Sangam. Unfortunately, Gafoor passed away at the age of 54 on 17 Aug 2023, leaving his wife, Asha P Krishnan, a teacher at Petta GMLP School and their children, Ritwik Lal and Abhirami behind, but his legacy as a writer continues to inspire the young readers and filmmakers.