Thiruvananthapuram has lost one of its most distinctive cultural personalities. Soorya Krishnamoorthy, renowned theatre personality, cultural organiser and founder of the Soorya Stage and Film Society, passed away in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, while undergoing treatment.

For decades, Krishnamoorthy was closely associated with the cultural identity of the capital city. Through the Soorya Festival, he created a major platform for classical dance, music, theatre, cinema and other performing arts, bringing artists from across India and abroad to audiences in Thiruvananthapuram.

From ISRO to the World of Art

Born as Nataraja Krishnamoorthy, he began his professional career as an engineer at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) after completing his mechanical engineering degree. He joined ISRO in 1972 and later took voluntary retirement to dedicate himself entirely to arts and cultural activities.

His journey from science and technology to the performing arts was unusual. His passion for theatre, cinema and Indian classical arts eventually became the driving force behind a cultural movement that grew far beyond the boundaries of Thiruvananthapuram.

A Festival That Became a Cultural Institution

Founded in 1977, the Soorya Stage and Film Society became the foundation for Krishnamoorthy's extensive cultural activities. The Soorya Festival subsequently developed into a major annual celebration featuring dance, music, theatre, cinema and other art forms.

Over the years, some of India's most celebrated artists appeared on Soorya's stages. The festival gave audiences in the capital opportunities to experience a wide range of Indian classical and contemporary performing arts.

Krishnamoorthy also established Ganesham, a mini-theatre that provided a dedicated space for theatre artists and performances.

A Life Devoted to the Performing Arts

Krishnamoorthy was not only a cultural organiser but also a playwright and theatre director. His notable works include Melvilasam, Pulari, Thudakkam, Thudarcha, Neelavelicham, Avatharam and Sthree Parvam.

He was also associated with innovative theatre formats, including Theatre of Freedom, and pioneered light-and-sound productions in Malayalam.

His contributions earned several recognitions, including the Kerala Prabha and the Kalaimamani honour from the Tamil Nadu government. He also served as Chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, Vice-Chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy and Director of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation on multiple occasions.

An Enduring Presence in Thiruvananthapuram

For generations of artists and art lovers, the name Soorya became synonymous with the cultural life of Thiruvananthapuram.

From Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, Kathak and Odissi to theatre, music and cinema, the platforms he created brought diverse artistic traditions to the city and connected audiences with performers from across India.

His passing marks the end of an important chapter in the cultural history of Thiruvananthapuram. But the stages he built, the artists he brought together and the audiences he inspired remain part of the city's cultural memory.

“The cultural lights may have dimmed, but the legacy of Soorya Krishnamoorthy continues to illuminate Thiruvananthapuram.”