He is an extraordinary artist. I have more than fifty years of association with him, even before being a colleague at Mathrubhumi. We are practically neighbors. After completing his painting studies in Madras, he came to the Poomully mana to create murals there. Learning about his arrival, I went to meet him. I was informed that he wasn’t there but would come back soon as the artwork will be continued. This was a time when the ‘Aaram thamburan’ was still there. I could meet Namboothiri in person only later.

During our time together in Mathrubhumi, we remained close. His artistry renders itself not just on paper but on any medium, be it wood or stone. 

Once during the Surasu drama festival held in Kozhikode where I was a convener, Thikkodiyan, AP Balakrishnan, G Aravindan, Pattathuvila, Puthukkudi  Balettan and were also there. At the closing ceremony, Thikkodiyan mused whether the prize winners would only be awarded certificates. Shouldn't they get a sculpture or something as a keepsake? If so, seven sculptures would be needed at immediate notice. 

Namboothiri was a colleague from Mathrubhumi then. Puthukkudi Balettan went to him with the demand. By the next evening, Namboothiri created seven identical sculptures of masks that represent the muses of theater. 

His sketches done at Mathrubhumi have many admirers. Once, the famous cartoonist Abu Abraham who was also a Rajya Sabha member, visited Kozhikode. We met when he came to the Mathrubhumi office. He then expressed his interest to meet Namboothiri.  However, Namboothiri was not in the office. "I’d be very happy to get a few sketches from Naboothiri before I leave. I would like to keep them in my private collection," Abraham said. Three pictures that were published in the Mathrubhumi Illustrated Weekly were gifted to him. 

When the renowned cartoonist RK Laxman visited Mathrubhumi, he also requested Namboothiri’s illustrations. Since the publication has a practice of saving its artists’ sketches, this demand could also be met. Many others from Mumbai also came seeking Namboothiri’s work.

Namboothiri usually draws upon being asked by anyone provided it piques his interest. His big-eared depictions of Thunchathu Ezhuthachan can be seen adorning many places in Thunchan Parambu. He drew for the love of the craft and not for money.

When he was illustrating ‘Randamoozham’, I would patiently await his sketches every week. Amalgamating his own dimensions to the words I authored, Namboothiri gave form to my characters. I have often enthrallingly watched him hammer engravings into a copper plate at his home in Edappal. I fold my hands in reverence and awe at his cognitive mastery and discipline.

(Originally appeared on Mathrubhumi daily)