Latest news with #Namboodiri
The Hindu
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
National award for literary illustration in memory of artist Namboodiri
The Artist Namboodiri Samman Trust, formed with an aim to preserve and promote the rich legacy of the legendary artist Namboodiri, has instituted a national award for literary illustration. The aim of the award is to recognise outstanding artists working in the realm of literary illustration across all Indian languages. It includes a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, a citation, and a specially crafted sculpture. The annual awards will be presented at ceremonies hosted in various cities across India to celebrate and spotlight diverse artistic talent, according to a release. The trust based in Kochi seeks to honour his legacy by fostering artistic excellence and encouraging creative expression in the fields he championed. It has plans to organise seminars, workshops, exhibitions, and other cultural events throughout the year to promote awareness of Namboodiri's contributions and to support the growth of the Indian illustration and visual arts community, it said.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Bahadoor Font, a typographical tribute to Malayalam film's evergreen comedian
Twenty-five years after Malayalam's beloved comedian Bahadoor took his final bow, his legacy has found a new form — not in film or theatre, but in script. A newly launched Malayalam ornamental typeface, Bahadoor Font, now carries forward the spirit of a man whose quiet smile and comic genius left an indelible imprint on generations. Crafted by Rachana Akshara Vedi, a collective devoted to preservation and development of Malayalam typography, Bahadoor Font is more than just a design— it's a remembrance. Rooted in the traditional structure of the Malayalam script, the font is a typographical tribute that honours not only Bahadoor's persona but also the deeper heritage of the language. The font's creator K.H. Hussain says it stands apart due to its comprehensive inclusion of all Malayalam conjunct characters, making it complete for classical Malayalam usage. But the story behind the font's creation reaches back decades. In 1977, on completing 25 years in cinema and reaching a milestone of 400 films, Bahadoor was honoured by friends and well-wishers in his hometown of Kodungalloor. The following year, a commemorative souvenir was published to capture the essence of the celebration. The cover of that souvenir, designed by Artist Namboodiri, caught the attention of Hussain. 'It captured every essence of Bahadoor's character — his quiet smile, his signature wit alive in every stroke,' Hussain says. 'But what captivated me most wasn't just the imagery — it was the typography. The way the word Bahadoor was written on the cover feels almost enchanted. Every time you look, it's as if Bahadoor himself lives inside each letter. The anatomy of his face and the rhythm of his expression somehow merge with the geometry of the characters. The letters don't just spell his name — they evoke his spirit.' That design became the seed for Bahadoor Font. Elegant, ornamental, and deeply expressive, the font is best suited for book titles and signage. It is a typographic ode not only to Bahadoor's legacy but also to the artistic brilliance of Namboodiri. The font was launched at Bahadoor Smriti, a commemorative event held at the Bahadoor Convention Centre at Edavilangu on Thursday on the occasion of Bahadoor's 25th death anniversary. Actor Indrans inaugurated Bahadoor Wall — a display that showcased the many awards and honours the actor received over his illustrious career. 'I have been trying to emulate Bahadoor's acting style ever since I first stepped into the world of cinema,' he says.
