Peerless line artist Namboothiri passes away at 98
The Hindu
Namboothiri, one of India’s most gifted and loved painters has passed away. He was primarily known, especially in his native Kerala, for his line art, in which he had few peers
Namboothiri, one of India’s most gifted and loved painters, died at a private hospital in Kottakkal late on the night of July 6. He was 98-years-old.
Though he was a versatile artist — he sculpted, and was a State Film Award winner for art direction, too — he was primarily known, especially in his native Kerala, for his line art, in which he had few peers.
Malayalam has a strong tradition in literature and literary magazines, and Namboothiri played a starring role with his beautiful drawings, which were among the major attractions in publications, like Mathrubhumi, Kalakaumudi and Samakalika Malayalam.
He brought to life some of the best-known short stories and novels of Malayalam, such as Randamoozham (M.T. Vasudevan Nair), Enippadikal (Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai), Pithamahan (VKN) and Smarakasilakal (Punathil Kunhabdulla).
Writers wanted him to illustrate their stories , which the readers loved. It was a double delight.
Born at Ponnani, which was part of Madras Presidency in British India, he was encouraged to pursue his talent in drawing. He studied at the Govt. School of Fine Arts in Chennai.
He returned to Kerala and joined Mathrubhumi as a staff illustrator in 1960.
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