K Shekhar, iconic art director behind My Dear Kuttichathan, no more

Thiruvananthapuram: Renowned Malayalam art director K. Shekhar breathed his last at his home here on Saturday. He was 72. 

Shekhar was widely acclaimed for shaping the visual language of several landmark film and television projects across decades.

He is most remembered for his work in My Dear Kuttichathan (1984), India’s first 3D film, where he designed the much-discussed revolving room featured in the iconic song sequence ‘Alipazham Perukkaan’. The set remains one of the most technically ambitious art designs in Indian cinema of its time.

Shekhar entered the film industry after completing a postgraduate degree in journalism from Kerala University in 1979. His first major assignment was as costume publicity designer for Padayottam, Malayalam cinema’s first 70mm film, directed by Jijo. He later went on to establish himself as a leading art director.

His notable Malayalam film credits include Fazil’s Nokkethadoorathu Kannum Nattu (1984), Chanakyan (1989), and Onnamuthan Poojyam Vare (1986). Beyond cinema, Shekhar also worked on the Hindi television serial Bible Ki Kahaniyan, which aired on Doordarshan, expanding his contribution to visual storytelling beyond regional boundaries.

Apart from films and television, Shekhar was involved in the design of the Kishkinta amusement park in Chennai, reflecting his versatility in large-scale visual and spatial design.

He is survived by his wife, Jayanthi, a commerce teacher. His body was kept for public viewing at his residence in Statue Junction until 4 pm on Saturday, after which the last rites were held at Thycaud Shanthikavadam. K. Shekhar’s passing marks the loss of a pioneering visual craftsman whose work helped shape some of the most memorable images in Indian cinema.