Thiruvananthapuram: Theatre doyen Kavalam Narayana Panicker, who successfully blended the classical tradition and folk elements in the format of contemporary theatre, passed away at his home here.
He was 88. He is survived by his wife Saradamani and singer-son Kavalam Sreekumar.
He had been unwell for some time due to age related ailments, family sources said.
A multi-faceted personality who carved his niche in divergent fields, Panicker, popularly known as Kavalam, was a well-established poet, lyricist and theatre director.
Untouched by the western influence in dramas, Kavalam had evolved a unique theatre training system with Indian perspective.
His plays were known for its Indian narrative mode, usage of ethnic languages and rural flavour.
Famous for his own dramas like Avanavan Kadamba, Daivathar and Sakshi, which are considered milestones in the history of contemporary Malayalam theatre, he also translated Sanskrit plays of classical masters like Kalidasa and Bhasa and brought them into the stage.
Shakunthalalam, Karnabharam and Vikramorvasheeyam were among Sanskrit dramas which he adapted and gave life on the stage.
Hailing from scenic Kavalam in Alappuzha district, the veteran was the founder director of 'Sopanam', a theatre group.
Kavalam, who served as secretary of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy in the 1960s, was accorded with Padma Bhushan in the year 2007.
He also won a number of honours, including Sangeeth Natak Akademy award, Sangeeth Natak Fellowship and Kerala State Film Award for the best lyricist.
Expressing grief over his unexpected demise, state cultural affairs minister A.K. Balan said his contributions to the contemporary theatre was unique.
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Theatre doyen Kavalam Narayana Panicker, who successfully blended the classical tradition and folk elements in the format of contemporary theatre, passed away at his home in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. Photo: Manorama
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Narayana Panicker, popularly known as Kavalam, was a well-established poet, lyricist and theatre director. Photo: Manorama
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O. Rajagopal (L), Kavalam Narayana Panicker (C) and Mata Amritanandamayi at a book launch. Photo: Manorama
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A group photo taken during a reception for Sahitya Akademi award winner held at Malayala Manorama office, Kottayam, in 1969. (Front row, from left) Punathil Kunhabdullah, Perumbadavam Sreedharan, ONV Kurup, chief editor K.M. Mathew, V.P. Mohammed, K.M. Tharakan. (Back row) Toms, Uroob (PC Kuttikrishnan), Mammen Varghese and Kavalam Narayana Panicker. Photo: Manorama
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Kavalam Narayana Panicker and Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai at a function. Photo: Manorama
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Kavalam Narayana Panicker receiving state award. Photo: Manorama
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An old image of Kavalam Narayana Panicker. Photo: Manorama
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An old image of Kavalam Narayana Panicker (L) with Congress leader A.K. Antony. Photo: Manorama
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Actor Mohanlal in his 'Karna' attire hugs Kavalam Narayana Panicker after his performance in 'Karnabharam', a drama directed by the veteran stage director and his theatre troupe Sopanam as part of the National School of Drama festival on March 27, 2000 in New Delhi. File photo: Manorama
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Kavalam Narayana Panicker directs a drama. File photo: Manorama
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