Theatre veteran who trained many stars, including Vijay Sethupathi, no more

Na Muthuswamy, a doyen of theatre, who founded the theatre group Koothu-P-Pattarai, passed away in the city on Wednesday. The 82-year-old was known for avant-garde theatre and was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 199. He was bestowed the Padma Shri in 2012.
Muthuswamy, who hailed from Punjai, a village near Thanjavur, became a notable name of the theatre circuit following the staging of his experimental play Kaalam Kaalamaaga in 1969.He founded Koothu-P-Pattari in 1977, which soon became an institution that moulded actors. Actors like Vijay Sethupathi, Pasupathy, Guru Somasundaram, Vemal, Vitharth, Vinodhini, and Kalairani are some of its well-known products. The UNESCO has identified the theatre group as one among the five learning centers for theatre.
Muthuswamy has also made appearances in films, making his acting debut in Seeman’s 2008 romantic drama Vaazhthugal, starring Madhavan and Bhavana.
“Sharing this with a heavy heart… The father of Koothu-P-Pattarai, our mentor Muthuswamy ayya passed away today,” tweeted Vijay Sethupathi.