Dr. Saju Thuruthil: The Master Muralist of Modern India

Dr. Saju Thuruthil: The Master Muralist of Modern India

By Author

Published on June 12, 2025

In the quiet village of Kalady, Kerala, resides Dr. Saju Thuruthil—one of India’s most revered mural artists, who has spent over 35 years redefining Kerala’s traditional art form. While he stays away from the mainstream art market, his influence resonates globally, with over 2,000 artworks in private collections across 38 countries. His murals grace every airport in Kerala, blending heritage with modern public spaces.

A Life Dedicated to Mural Art

Dr. Thuruthil holds India’s first Ph.D. in mural painting, has authored a textbook on the subject, and has led the Mural Painting Department at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, for 27 years. As Director of the Kerala Mural Heritage Conservation Centre, he has restored ancient murals in over a dozen temples, including the famed Padmanabhaswamy Temple. He has received numerous national and state awards and fellowships.

Almost three decades ago, he turned his home into Kerala’s first residential art gallery—an act of devotion that brought mural art closer to people, making it both personal and accessible.

Reimagining the Mural Form

Though rooted in traditional temple art, Dr. Thuruthil revolutionized the mural format by adapting it to canvas. This evolution expanded its reach into hotels, airports, corporate spaces, and homes, while his themes began to reflect deeper emotional and social undertones.

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Iconic Series and Signature Works

His most acclaimed works include:

  • "Chayamukhi": A series of over 500 pieces exploring nostalgia, femininity, and longing—collected by names like the Tata Group, Union Bank, and TVS.
  • "Sri Chakra Kundalini": A spiritual series inspired by tantric philosophy and Kerala’s color traditions.
  • "Lady with Bird": 250 charcoal works with poetic stillness, often adorning hotel suites.
  • "Yakshi": A visual ode to feminine divinity in 85 expressive paintings.
  • "Vastraapaharanam": A 6x4 ft reimagining of Krishna and the gopis, focused on purity and beauty.
  • "Three Girls": A tender portrayal of childhood, beloved for its emotional intimacy.
  • "Radhika": A 12x4 ft mural capturing Radha’s longing, housed in Hotel Royal Resoi, Mumbai.

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Monumental Projects and Conservation

Dr. Saju’s commitment extends beyond canvas. He led the restoration of several historic temples and completed massive mural works, including:

  • A 140-ft-long mural narrating the Mughal dynasty
  • A 140-ft Ramayana mural in Kerala style
  • The world’s largest Vishnumurti Theyyam mural (5,000+ sq. ft) at Kannur International Airport
  • A 70-ft mural at Cochin Airport portraying Kerala’s cultural richness

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A Living Legacy

With nearly 2,000 students trained, Dr. Thuruthil’s legacy is not just in his art but in his role as a mentor and movement leader. His works echo a timeless beauty—free from protest or anger, filled instead with grace, love, and reflection.

In a world rushing forward, Dr. Saju stands still—his brush rooted in tradition, his vision forever evolving. Through his silent dedication, he has given mural art a powerful voice, ensuring that Kerala’s visual heritage continues to thrive on a global canvas.

For collaborations or inquiries, please feel free to get in touch via www.sajuthuruthil.com.


Kashif Masood Takes Charge as General Manager at Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites, Bengaluru

Kashif Masood Takes Charge as General Manager at Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites, Bengaluru

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 19, 2025

Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites, Bengaluru, has appointed Mr. Kashif Masood as its new General Manager, bringing onboard a seasoned professional with more than two decades of experience in hospitality operations and leadership.

Mr. Masood’s career spans across top hotel brands including Jaypee Hotels, Taj Hotels, ITC Hotels, and Radisson Hotel Group, along with international exposure from his stint in East Africa. A valued member of the Sarovar Group for over six years, he previously led operations at Radisson Blu Outer Ring Road, managed by Sarovar, before stepping into this larger leadership role in Bengaluru.

A graduate of the Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Mr. Masood is celebrated for his hands-on leadership style, team-building skills, and a strong guest-first philosophy. His core strengths lie in hotel operations and food & beverage management, with a proven track record in aligning teams towards shared goals and elevating guest satisfaction.

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Speaking on his new role, Mr. Masood said,
"Taking on the role of General Manager at Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites is a privilege and a responsibility I value deeply. My focus will be on building a culture of accountability and genuine hospitality, strengthening the hotel’s market presence, and creating long-term value through thoughtful leadership."

As General Manager, he will be responsible for overseeing the hotel’s strategic direction, driving business growth, and ensuring operational excellence across departments. His leadership will also be key in mentoring the internal teams and nurturing relationships with guests and stakeholders alike.

Outside the boardroom, Mr. Masood enjoys traveling, reading, and swimming—interests that reflect his curiosity, focus, and discipline, which also shine through in his professional journey.

HospitalityNews extends its best wishes to Mr. Kashif Masood as he begins this exciting new chapter with Davanam Sarovar Portico Suites.


Kajal Chandan Launches Newzy Room LLP to Give Hospitality a Voice of Its Own

Kajal Chandan Launches Newzy Room LLP to Give Hospitality a Voice of Its Own

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 18, 2025

The hospitality industry just got its own dedicated voice. Kajal Chandan, a seasoned hospitality professional, has co-founded Newzy Room LLP—a specialized communications studio based in Andheri, Mumbai. With this launch, Kajal aims to bridge the gap between operational know-how and brand storytelling, bringing insider-driven communication strategies to the forefront.

Kajal brings with her over 15 years of experience, having worked with renowned hospitality brands such as IHCL’s Ginger Hotels, Mira Hospitality, Pride Hotels & Resorts, Lords Hotels, Sayaji Hotels, and Kamats Legacy. Her deep-rooted industry understanding positions Newzy Room to offer finely-tuned strategies that resonate with both media and guests.

Newzy Room will offer a bouquet of services including traditional PR (print & digital), influencer engagement, FAM trips, advertorials, industry awards, celebrity interactions, and creative brand storytelling—crafted specifically for the hospitality ecosystem.

"We are dedicated to hospitality—because that's where we come from, and that's what we understand best," shares Kajal. "Our aim is to give the hospitality industry the kind of focused visibility and voice it truly deserves."

At a time when meaningful narratives and brand identity are key to differentiation, Newzy Room arrives with the right mix of media insight and sector expertise—ready to redefine how hotels and hospitality brands communicate their stories.


Kajal Chandan Launches Newzy Room LLP to Give Hospitality a Voice of Its Own

Kajal Chandan Launches Newzy Room LLP to Give Hospitality a Voice of Its Own

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 18, 2025

The hospitality industry just got its own dedicated voice. Kajal Chandan, a seasoned hospitality professional, has co-founded Newzy Room LLP, a specialized communications studio based in Andheri, Mumbai. With this launch, Kajal aims to bridge the gap between operational know-how and brand storytelling, bringing insider-driven communication strategies to the forefront.

Kajal brings with her over 15 years of experience, having worked with renowned hospitality brands such as IHCL’s Ginger Hotels, Mira Hospitality, Pride Hotels & Resorts, Lords Hotels, Sayaji Hotels, and Kamats Legacy. Her deep-rooted industry understanding positions Newzy Room to offer finely-tuned strategies that resonate with both media and guests.

Newzy Room will offer a bouquet of services including traditional PR (print & digital), influencer engagement, FAM trips, advertorials, industry awards, celebrity interactions, and creative brand storytelling—crafted specifically for the hospitality ecosystem.

"We are dedicated to hospitality—because that's where we come from, and that's what we understand best," shares Kajal. "Our aim is to give the hospitality industry the kind of focused visibility and voice it truly deserves."

At a time when meaningful narratives and brand identity are key to differentiation, Newzy Room arrives with the right mix of media insight and sector expertise, ready to redefine how hotels and hospitality brands communicate their stories.

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