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.


Allen Machado Returns to Lead Niraamaya Life as Interim CEO

Allen Machado Returns to Lead Niraamaya Life as Interim CEO

By Hariharan U

Published on October 11, 2025

Niraamaya Life has announced that Mr. Allen Machado has rejoined the organisation as Interim Chief Executive Officer, signalling a renewed phase of leadership and growth for the wellness hospitality brand. Alongside this role, he continues to lead Himalia Prime Assets Private Limited.

With almost three decades of experience across premium and ultra-luxury hospitality brands in India and the Middle East, Allen brings deep expertise in business strategy, hotel operations, leadership development, and fundraising. His vision for Niraamaya focuses on enhancing guest experiences, nurturing innovation, and driving sustainable growth across both domestic and international markets.

Speaking about his return, Allen said, “I am delighted to return to Niraamaya. I look forward to building upon the brand’s expansion trajectory and tradition of personalised wellness and luxury, while guiding its next phase of growth.”

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Supporting him at Himalia Prime Assets, Mr. Ramesh K serves as Chief Financial Officer, contributing to the company’s financial strategy and operational excellence as it broadens its investment portfolio across hospitality and real estate sectors.

Founded in 2012 and part of the Jupiter Capital portfolio, Niraamaya Life is recognised as one of India’s leading luxury wellness brands, celebrated for its award-winning retreats, holistic therapies, and curated wellness experiences. The brand currently operates six retreats and three private residences across India and the Seychelles, offering transformative programmes such as Ayurveda, Earth Yoga, and sustainable luxury wellness journeys.

About Niraamaya Life:

Niraamaya Life blends holistic well-being with contemporary luxury, offering retreats that celebrate India’s heritage of wellness through Ayurveda, mindful living, and bespoke experiences.

About Himalia Prime Assets:

Himalia Prime Assets Pvt. Ltd. manages a diverse portfolio across hospitality, real estate, and upcoming ventures in retail and infrastructure. With a focus on innovation and value creation, the company aims to expand into commercial real estate and industrial facilities in its next phase of growth.


Shambhavi Mishra Appointed Head of Marketing at Gourmet Investments

Shambhavi Mishra Appointed Head of Marketing at Gourmet Investments

By Hariharan U

Published on October 10, 2025

Gourmet Investments Pvt. Ltd. is pleased to announce the appointment of Shambhavi Mishra as Head of Marketing. Over the past two years, Shambhavi has led marketing for PizzaExpress and Chili’s American Grill & Bar, driving digital-first campaigns, consumer engagement, and high-impact initiatives.

In her expanded role, she will now oversee marketing across the company’s entire portfolio of global dining icons, including P.F. Chang’s, with a focus on strengthening brand presence and cultural relevance in India’s evolving dining landscape.

Previously, as AVP – Marketing at Impresario Handmade Restaurants, she led strategy for brands such as SOCIAL, antiSOCIAL, Smoke House Deli, Boss Burger, Lucknowee, and HungLi across 47+ locations. At SOCIAL, she redefined F&B marketing by blending community-building, culture-first partnerships, and workspace strategies, establishing the brand at the heart of India’s creative and entrepreneurial scene.

Shambhavi has also collaborated with marquee global brands like Amazon, Netflix, Spotify, Tinder, Bumble, Budweiser, Absolut, Flipkart, and cultural phenomena like Stranger Things, Game of Thrones, and Gully Gang, while creating original IPs such as Fresh Cuts, Satrangi Mela, Culture Chutney, and Deluxe Thali, celebrating art, music, sustainability, inclusivity, and diversity.

An alumna of ISB and MICA, with a degree from the Institute of Technology & Management, Shambhavi is known for her strategic clarity, entrepreneurial mindset, and digital-first approach. She is widely regarded as a dynamic voice in India’s F&B industry, shaping brand stories that resonate deeply with modern audiences.

Beyond marketing, she champions women’s safety, gender inclusivity, and diversity, embedding these values into workplace culture and consumer experiences.


Rubystone Hospitality Welcomes Manoj Sharma as Corporate General Manager

Rubystone Hospitality Welcomes Manoj Sharma as Corporate General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 10, 2025

Rubystone Hospitality has announced the appointment of Mr. Manoj Sharma as its new Corporate General Manager, marking another strong step in its leadership expansion. With over 25 years of experience in the hotel and travel industry, Manoj brings deep knowledge and operational expertise to the brand.

A results-driven professional, Mr. Sharma has a proven record in managing daily hotel operations with a clear focus on coordination across departments like reception, food and beverage, room service, bookings, budgets, and marketing. His strength lies in developing operational policies that balance efficiency and budget compliance, while also improving staff performance through skill-building and multi-task training.

Over the years, he has established strong business connections with AFMAC and FMGC across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi NCR, and Rajasthan. His extensive social network in Agra, Firozabad, Vrindavan, Aligarh, Lucknow, Kanpur, Delhi, and Ghaziabad highlights his ability to build relationships that drive collaboration and growth within the hospitality space.

Mr. Sharma is known for his approachable leadership style and his ability to foster a positive, professional, and inclusive workplace culture. His leadership philosophy is rooted in teamwork and creating an environment where both employees and guests feel valued.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Sandeep, Managing Director of Rubystone Hospitality, said, “Manoj has been a key to our growth and an ideal fit for the role, given his knowledge of our operations. We are confident that he will further strengthen Rubystone with his leadership and knowledge and enhance our service and guest satisfaction levels.”

Under Manoj Sharma’s guidance, Rubystone Hospitality aims to continue its path of steady growth while enhancing guest satisfaction and operational excellence across its properties in India.

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