Soorya Krishnamoorthy passes away at 78

Soorya Krishnamoorthy passes away at 78; former ISRO scientist who built Soorya Festival; championed.

Soorya Krishnamoorthy, the renowned performing arts expert, playwright, screenwriter and cultural organiser, has passed away at the age of 78. He passed away in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday while undergoing treatment for a liver-related illness, as reported by Asianet News.

Soorya Krishnamoorthy's journey from ISRO to the arts

Born Nataraja Krishnamoorthy, he came from a family of engineers in Kerala. He completed his engineering studies before joining the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as a scientist in 1972. During his time at ISRO, he worked alongside several prominent scientists, including former President of India A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.Reportedly, Krishnamoorthy continued his work at ISRO for 27 years. In 1999, he took voluntary retirement and devoted himself completely to the arts and cultural activities.

Soorya Stage and Film Society became his cultural legacy

As reported by Kerala Kaumudi, Krishnamoorthy founded the Soorya Stage and Film Society in Thiruvananthapuram in 1977. What began as an initiative centred on cinema later expanded into music, dance, theatre, photography, painting and other forms of artistic expression.

Soorya Festival brought artists to Kerala

The Soorya Festival became the most recognised cultural initiative associated with Soorya Krishnamoorthy. Over the years, the festival presented artists from India and abroad across different disciplines.

The event grew into one of Kerala's major cultural programmes. It also helped establish Thiruvananthapuram as an important destination for performing arts. The festival was scheduled to begin its 2026 edition on October 1, just days after his death.

Soorya Krishnamoorthy's contribution to theatre and cinema

Krishnamoorthy worked across theatre, cinema and stagecraft. He wrote and directed several productions and was among the early practitioners to introduce light-and-sound shows in Malayalam.He served as director of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation on three occasions. He was also chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi and served on several film-related committees, including the National Film Award Committee, Kerala State Film Award Committee, NFDC Script Committee and Indian Panorama selection committee.His screenplay credits included the Malayalam film 'Melvilasom', directed by Madhav Ramadasan and released in 2011.

The courtroom drama featured Suresh Gopi, Parthiban and Ashokan in key roles.

Awards, honours and final journey

Krishnamoorthy received several honours for his contribution to the arts. He won the National Award for Stagecraft and Direction in 1996. He was also associated with the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi as its chairman and received recognition from the Limca Book of Records.Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan paid tribute to Krishnamoorthy. He wrote on X, "A multifaceted genius who placed Kerala's cultural map at the world's crossroads. The immortal founder of the 'Soorya' cultural collective. His life was a rare and beautiful synthesis of science and art."Krishnamoorthy's mortal remains will be taken to his residence in Thycaud. The public viewing is scheduled to be held at his home from 7 am. His cremation will take place at Shanthi Kavadam in the evening.