Soorya Krishnamoorthy, the Indian artist and founder of the Soorya Festival, died on September 23, 2026, at the age of 78. His death was confirmed by associates familiar with his work in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Krishnamoorthy, also known as Nataraja Krishnamoorthy, left a mark on India’s cultural landscape through his long-standing involvement with the arts. He founded the Soorya Festival in 1977, a major annual event that has become a fixture for performing arts in Kerala. He established the festival after joining the Indian Space Research Organisation as a scientist and engineer in the 1970s.
His influence extended beyond the festival circuit. Krishnamoorthy was associated with the Soorya Stage and Film Society and served as chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy. His work earned him the National Award for Stage Craft and Direction in 1996. Over the years, he received honours from the governments of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. In 2023, he was awarded the Kerala Prabha Award for his contributions to the arts.
Born in Kerala, Krishnamoorthy’s career bridged science and culture. He joined the Indian Space Research Organisation in the early 1970s, but his passion for the arts led him to create the Soorya Festival. The event has since grown into one of the longest-running cultural festivals in the region, drawing performers and audiences from across India and abroad. Its programming spans theatre, dance, music and film.
Krishnamoorthy’s approach to arts management combined a scientific precision with a deep respect for tradition. Friends and colleagues described him as a dedicated organiser who believed in nurturing local talent. His efforts helped elevate Kerala’s reputation as a hub for performing arts.
He held the position of chairman at the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy, a state body promoting arts and culture. The academy confirmed his death and expressed condolences. His passing leaves a void in Kerala’s cultural scene, where he was a familiar figure for nearly five decades.
The awards Krishnamoorthy received reflect his wide recognition. The 1996 National Award for Stage Craft and Direction was seen as a milestone. His 2023 Kerala Prabha Award was among the last honours he received, acknowledging his lifetime contributions.
The Indian arts community has begun paying tribute. The Kerala government issued a statement calling his death a significant loss. The festival he founded continues to operate, and friends say it will carry on his vision.
Krishnamoorthy’s death comes at a time when Kerala’s cultural institutions are grappling with change. His legacy includes a commitment to promoting arts as a means of cultural dialogue. He maintained that arts should be accessible and rooted in local traditions while also embracing modern forms.
His family has yet to release details about funeral arrangements. The artist’s passing underscores how a scientist turned cultural pioneer shaped Kerala’s artistic identity over nearly fifty years. His work blurred the lines between science, tradition and creative expression.
Krishnamoorthy’s influence extended beyond Kerala’s borders. His efforts helped place the Soorya Festival on the national calendar, making it a key event for India’s arts scene. Friends said he remained active in organizing even into his late seventies. His death marks the end of an era that saw arts flourish under his guidance and leadership.
According to Dead-People.