It was Artist Namboothiri’s craft that gave life and form to the ‘Gandharvan’ that was conceived in Padmarajan’s mind. ‘Njan Gandharvan’ was filmmaker P Padmarajan’s last film. The first ‘Gandharva’ idol that artist Namboothiri created for the film still adorns Padmarajan’s Poojapura home. 

Padmarajan spoke to Namboothiri about his last film in Kozhikode. ‘Give form to my Gandharvan’, he requested. Following discussions, Namboothiri sculpted the figure in wood, crowned by fireflies and seductive to maidens. Nitish Bharadwaj’s character in the film was sketched based on this sculpture. 

Padmarajan’s wife Radha Lakshmi placed this sculpture in the showcase of their new home. Padmarajan passed away while he was visiting Kozhikode during the promotional events for ‘Njan Gandharvan’. 

The master illustrator’s brilliance is visible on Padmarajan’s Poojapura home’s threshold itself. The front door that depicts scenes from the Ramayana was gifted by the artist during their housewarming ceremony in 1979. 

Namboothiri was the art partner for Padmarajan’s first film, ‘Peruvazhiyambalam’ as well. The artist who brought finesse to Padmarajan’s stories like ‘Aparan’ also went on to provide illustrations for the filmmaker’s son, P Ananthapathmanabhan’s stories. 

Artist Namboothiri passed away in the early hours of 7 July. He was one of the most prolific illustrators in the country and is known for his unique representations.