Celebrated Malayalam poet and writer Ashita has died at the age of 63

Ashita had been battling cancer for a number of years

Malayalam poet and writer Ashita has died at the age of 63. Courtesy Saikatham Books

Malayalam poet and writer Ashita has died at the age of 63 after a prolonged battle with cancer.

In a celebrated career, Ashita wrote 20 books, including poetry collections, translations and children's literature. Her best-known titles include Apoorna Viramangal, Vismaya Chhihnangal and Ashithayude Kathakal.

Ashita, who was born in Thrissur in 1956, won a series of prestigious literary awards, including the Padmarajan Award – Thathagatha (2000), Lalithambika Antharjanam Award (1994) and Edaserri Award (1986).

She is survived by her husband KV Ramankutty and daughter Uma Praseeda.