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.


Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla Appoints Rajashekar P as Director of Revenue

Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla Appoints Rajashekar P as Director of Revenue

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 3, 2025

Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla has announced the appointment of Rajashekar P as its new director of revenue. With more than a decade of expertise in revenue management, Rajashekar has worked with leading hospitality brands including Park Hyatt, Hilton, Accor, Radisson Blu, and Le Meridien.

Throughout his career, he has successfully implemented strategic revenue initiatives, system integrations, and business growth across diverse markets. Known as a results-driven leader, Rajashekar has consistently delivered strong performance in MPI, ARI, and RGI metrics. He has also led important system transitions such as Hyatt PRO and EMMA, highlighting his ability to adapt and drive innovation in revenue management.

In his new role, he will be instrumental in shaping revenue strategies, forecasting, and maximizing yield opportunities, further strengthening the market positioning of Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Ritesh Sharma, general manager, Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla, said,
“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Rajashekar to our leadership team. His extensive expertise and proven track record in revenue management will play a pivotal role in driving our growth strategy and further positioning Crowne Plaza Okhla as a market leader in the region.”


The Den Bengaluru Appoints Priyanka Majumder as New Front Office Manager

The Den Bengaluru Appoints Priyanka Majumder as New Front Office Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 3, 2025

The Den Bengaluru has announced the appointment of Priyanka Majumder as its new Front Office Manager (FOM), bringing a wealth of expertise to the luxury hotel. With a strong career spanning over 13 years, Priyanka has excelled in guest services, team leadership, and front office operations.

She has previously worked with some of the most respected names in the hospitality sector, including Grand Mercure, Pride Hotels, Holiday Inn Express, Hyatt, Novotel, and The Lalit. Most recently, she served as the Learning & Development Manager at Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall, where she demonstrated her skills in performance coaching, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

In her new role, Priyanka will focus on streamlining front office operations, enhancing team engagement, and ensuring memorable guest experiences that align with The Den’s millennial luxury ethos.

Sharing her excitement about joining the property, Priyanka said, “I am thrilled to be part of The Den’s vibrant team. I look forward to creating memorable experiences for our guests and nurturing a motivated and empowered front office team.”

Welcoming her to the team, Mr. Vinesh Gupta, General Manager of The Den Bengaluru, remarked, “We’re excited to welcome Priyanka Majumder to The Den Bengaluru as our new Front Office Manager. Her rich experience, people-first leadership style, and dedication to guest satisfaction perfectly complement our commitment to millennial luxury. We’re confident she’ll elevate our front office operations and create exceptional guest experiences.”

With this appointment, The Den Bengaluru further strengthens its positioning as a leading millennial luxury hotel, setting new benchmarks in guest engagement and service excellence.


Four Points by Sheraton Nashik Appoints Siddharth Joshi as Hotel Manager

Four Points by Sheraton Nashik Appoints Siddharth Joshi as Hotel Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 2, 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Nashik has announced the appointment of Siddharth Joshi as its new Hotel Manager. Joshi brings with him over 23 years of extensive experience across operations, events, sales, and marketing. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions at prestigious hotels including Renaissance Mumbai (now Westin Powai), Goa Marriott, JW Marriott Dubai, Hyatt Regency Pune, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Nashik, The Leela Gandhinagar, and most recently W Goa, where he served as Director of Sales & Marketing.

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In his new role, Joshi will lead all aspects of hotel operations, guest experience, and team development, further enhancing the brand’s presence in Nashik. His comprehensive knowledge of the hospitality industry and holistic approach to hotel management make him a dynamic leader with a strong 360-degree perspective.

Beyond his professional expertise, Joshi is an avid traveler, food enthusiast, and a people-first hotelier who is passionate about creating memorable guest experiences. The team at Four Points by Sheraton Nashik looks forward to an exciting chapter under his leadership and vision.

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