Noted Malayalam director and screenwriter Lohithadas, who died in Kochi on Sunday morning at 10:50 a. m. in Lisy Hospital Eranakulam following a cardiac arrest, was cremated on Monday morning at 11 a. m. at his house at Amaravathy, Palakkad.

Thousands of people paid homage when Lohi's body was kept at the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Hall in Trichur on Sunday evening. People from different walks of life including writers, political leaders and film personalities paid their last tributes to one of the finest writers of Malayalam cinema.

Among those who were present at this occasion were: film personality's actors Dileep and Kalabhavan Mani, directors Sathyan Anthikad, Madhupal, Priyananda, Jayaraj, Blessy and some ministers and MP's.

Speaking on Lohi, Kerala Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan said: "The state had lost a valuable person who understood the problems of the common man, which was reflected in his writings".

Lohi, an eminent film director, started his career from writing short stories and later dramas.

He won the Kerala State award for the best playwright in 1985 for his drama 'Sindhu Shanthamayozhukunnu'.

On the recommendations of actor Thilakan, he was brought into the films by director Sibi Malayil.

In 1987, Lohi made a mark with the debut film, 'Thaiyavarathanam'. The film directed by Sibi Malayil won many awards. The 'Sibi-Lohi' pair was very successful in Malayalam cinema, creating nonstop block-buster hits in the 90's which include Kireedom, His Highness Abdullah, Bharatham and Kamaladalam to name a few.

The famous Mollywood screenwriter is survived by his wife Sindhu and sons Harikrishnan and Vijayasankar.

We extend our condolences to the brokenhearted family members.