Veteran art director K. Shekhar, known for his innovative set designs in Malayalam cinema, has passed away at the age of 72 in Thiruvananthapuram. Shekhar gained acclaim for his work in films like My Dear Kuttichathan, India’s first 3D feature film, where his creative vision reshaped the visual landscape of Malayalam cinema. Starting his career as a costume designer in Padayottam, Shekhar’s meticulous attention to detail and inventive spatial design set him apart in the industry.
Shekhar’s contribution to films like Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu and Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare showcased his ability to blend realism with stylization, enhancing storytelling through visual environments. His most iconic work on My Dear Kuttichathan, particularly the famous revolving room in the song “Aalippazham Perukkam,” highlighted his technical prowess and creativity. Colleagues remember Shekhar as a professional with a strong aesthetic sense, emphasizing how his art direction was integral to storytelling in cinema.
With Shekhar’s demise, Malayalam cinema mourns the loss of a visionary artist who played a pivotal role in shaping its visual narrative during a transformative era.
