Omchery N. N. Pillai | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1924-02-01)1 February 1924 |
| Died | 22 November 2024(2024-11-22) (aged 100) New Delhi, India |
| Occupation(s) | Playwright, novelist, poet |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2, includingDeepti Omchery Bhalla |
| Parent(s) | Narayana Pillai (Sr.) Pappi Amma |
| Relatives | Kamukara Purushothaman (Brother-in-law) |
| Awards | Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award; 1972, 2010 Sahitya Akademi Award for Malayalam; 2020 |
Omchery Narayana Pillai Narayana Pillai (1 February 1924 – 22 November 2024) was an IndianMalayalam–language playwright, novelist and poet fromKerala. He wrote nine full-length plays, more than 80 one-act plays and a few novels. His plays are noted for their bold experiments in form and technique as well as the uncommon vision inherent in many of the themes. Pillai won theKerala Sahitya Akademi Award twice: in 1972 for the playPralayam and in 2010 for his overall contribution toMalayalam literature. In 2022, he was honoured withKerala Prabha Award, second highest civilian award given by the Kerala Government.
Pillai was born inVaikom inTravancore, on 1 February 1924, as the son of Omchery Narayanan Pillai and Pappikkutty Amma.[1] He started writing poems at a very young age. After completing his education fromUniversity College, Thiruvananthapuram, he joined the news department ofDelhiAll India Radio in 1951 and later promoted as Editor in their publication department. He pursued his higher studies inMass Communication from Pennsylvania University, Watten school andNew Mexico State University and worked in theIndian Institute of Mass Communication.[1]
After working in the Chief Censors Office and the Food Corporation of India, Pillai retired from the Central Service on February 1, 1989.[1] He later joined the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and worked there till December 2019.[1]
Pillai wrote his first playEe Velicham Ningaludethakunnu (This Light is Ours) at the behest ofA. K. Gopalan who was then theLeader of Opposition inthe Indian parliament. Members of Parliament K. C. George, P. T. Ponnoose,E. K. Imbichi Bava, V. P. Nair etc. acted in the play. Omchery has written nine full-length plays and more than 80 one-act plays. He founded the theatrical organisation 'Experimental Theatre' in 1963.DC Books published a collection of his 26 selected plays on 27 November 2011. Besides being a regular presence in Kerala's literary and cultural fields, Omchery was the Principal of the DelhiBharatiya Vidya Bhavan's College of Communication Management. He was married toLeela Omchery, a well-known singer and sister of famous Malayalam singer,Kamukara Purushothaman.[2] Leela Omcheri was from the Mankoyikkal Nair Tharavadu in Thiruvattar, near the Aadhikeshava Permual Temple. The couple had a son, S. D. Omchery and a daughter, famous classical dancer,Deepti Omchery Bhalla.[3]
Pillai died in New Delhi on 22 November 2024, aged 100.[4]
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