Well known painter and sculptor Namboothiri passed away at a private hospital in Kottakkal in Malappuram district around midnight last. He was 97. A prolific literary illustrator, famous for his line art and copper relief works,  Namboothiri illustrated for several frontline Malayalam writers including Thakazhi Shivashankara Pillai, MT Vasudevan Nair, Uroob and SK Pottakkad among others.

His works characterised a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, seamlessly bridging the past and the present, and offered an elevated and enriching experience.

He was the recepient of the Raja Ravi Varma Award of the Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi and the Kerala State Film  Award for Best Art Director. The mortal remains will be kept at the Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi in Thrissur and at his residence in Edappal for the public to pay last respects. The funeral will take place this evening.