Soorya Krishnamoorthy: From ISRO Scientist to Arts Icon

Arts stalwart Soorya Krishnamoorthy, aged 78, passed away recently in Thiruvananthapuram due to a liver-related illness. Krishnamoorthy, originally named Nataraja Krishnamoorthy, transitioned from a 27-year career as a scientist at ISRO, where he worked with notable figures like A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, to a full-time dedication to the arts.

In 1977, he established the Soorya Stage and Film Society, which expanded beyond cinema to encompass music, dance, theatre, and visual arts. This initiative culminated in the Soorya Festival, a major cultural event that showcased artists from India and abroad, significantly boosting Thiruvananthapuram's profile as a center for performing arts.

Krishnamoorthy's contributions spanned theatre and cinema, including writing and directing productions and pioneering light-and-sound shows in Malayalam. He held directorial positions at the Kerala State Film Development Corporation and chaired the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi. His screenplay for the 2011 film 'Melvilasom' was critically acclaimed. He received the National Award for Stagecraft and Direction in 1996 and was recognized by the Limca Book of Records.

The Kerala Chief Minister paid tribute, calling him a "multifaceted genius" who synthesized science and art. Krishnamoorthy's mortal remains were to be viewed at his residence before his cremation.