Soorya Krishnamoorthy, who left ISRO to promote the arts, dies at 78

Dubai: Theatre director and former ISRO scientist Soorya Krishnamoorthy passed away at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday after being critically ill for about two weeks. Renowned as a cultural icon, Krishnamoorthy founded the Soorya Stage and Film Society, a significant figure in Kerala's cultural landscape. Born as Nataraja Krishnamoorthy, he originally graduated in electrical engineering from TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, in 1972.

His initial career was as a scientist-engineer with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), but he eventually devoted his career to cultural activities.

In 1977, Krishnamoorthy founded the Soorya Festival, which evolved into a major platform for Indian and international performers. The Soorya organization expanded its activities to include music, dance, theatre, cinema, workshops and other art forms, with chapters in 36 countries. This festival is recognized as one of Asia's longest-running cultural festivals.

Apart from his cultural endeavors, Krishnamoorthy held significant positions in major cultural and film institutions, including chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, director of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation, and member of several award committees and committees related to film and Doordarshan. His contributions in stagecraft and direction earned him the National Award for Stage Craft and Direction in 1996.

Moreover, Krishnamoorthy penned the screenplay for the 2011 Malayalam courtroom drama Melvilasom, based on his popular stage play, and served on several film award juries. His work extended beyond theatre, showcasing mass appeal through large-scale light-and-sound productions. As a pioneer in this field, Krishnamoorthy utilized technology and stagecraft to present Indian culture to a wider audience, thereby establishing Soorya as an enduring platform and creating opportunities for both established performers and emerging artists.

Throughout his life, Krishnamoorthy remained a distinctive presence in Kerala's cultural life, combining his scientific background with his passion for performing arts. The institutions and festivals he built, particularly Soorya, continue to remain central to his legacy.