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.


Chef Kailash Singh Joins BarNaan Brookfield as Sous Chef

Chef Kailash Singh Joins BarNaan Brookfield as Sous Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on September 23, 2025

BarNaan Brookfield, a dynamic destination for authentic and modern Indian dining, has appointed Chef Kailash Singh as its new Sous Chef. With international experience and a deep-rooted passion for Indian cuisine, Chef Kailash is set to bring creativity, precision, and contemporary flair to the restaurant’s culinary offerings.

Most recently, he served as Chef de Partie at ROOH San Francisco, refining his expertise in progressive Indian cuisine. His international journey also includes creating Indian-inspired menus in Warsaw, Poland, and specializing in tandoor-based dishes at Namak by Chef Kunal Kapoor, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi.

Chef Kailash’s earlier career spans prestigious Indian and Middle Eastern dining destinations, including Oven Hot Bakery & Sweets L.L.C Abu Dhabi, Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra, Café Out of the Box (Khan Market), Trinity Residency (Gurgaon), and Mojo Blu (Cyber Green). He has also contributed to several pre-opening projects, focusing on kitchen setup, menu development, and team training.

Speaking about his new role, Chef Kailash Singh said, “Joining BarNaan Brookfield is a significant milestone in my career. I am excited to contribute to the restaurant’s vision and look forward to creating new dishes that celebrate Indian flavors with a modern twist.”

With Chef Kailash on board, BarNaan Brookfield continues to position itself as a premier destination for Indian fine dining in the US, offering guests memorable experiences that blend authenticity, innovation, and world-class hospitality.


Chef Saurabh Sharma Sarswat Joins Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar, Dallas

Chef Saurabh Sharma Sarswat Joins Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar, Dallas

By Hariharan U

Published on September 23, 2025

Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar, a premier destination for authentic Indian dining in Dallas, has announced the appointment of Chef Saurabh Sharma Sarswat as its new Executive Sous Chef. Bringing years of global culinary experience across luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, and private kitchens, Chef Sarswat is set to elevate the restaurant’s offerings with his expertise in Indian cuisine.

Chef Sarswat’s journey spans multiple countries and prestigious establishments. Most recently, he served as Sous Chef at Sanjh Restaurant – Las Colinas, Dallas, overseeing daily kitchen operations, menu execution, and maintaining top-quality standards. He also contributed to menu planning and kitchen management at Rixos Premium Hotel in Antalya, Turkey, and served as Personal Head Chef to Shaikh Azzam Al Mannai at a private resort in Doha, Qatar, creating Indian and Pakistani dishes for exclusive events.

His international experience further includes working with OYO Hotels across China, Japan, and Hong Kong as Sous Chef (Indian cuisine), specializing in menu development, banquet catering, and tandoor preparations. Earlier in India, Chef Sarswat honed his skills at AnnaMaya at Andaz (Hyatt), Eros Hotel New Delhi, Courtyard by Marriott Gurugram, and Jaypee Siddharth New Delhi, gaining a deep understanding of Indian ingredients, spices, and cooking techniques.

Speaking about his new role, Chef Sarswat said, “Joining Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar is an exciting chapter in my journey. I look forward to bringing my experience and creativity to Dallas’s vibrant food scene and sharing the richness of Indian cuisine with our guests.”

With Chef Sarswat on board, Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar continues to offer authentic Indian flavors with a contemporary twist, further establishing itself as Dallas’s go-to destination for fine Indian dining.


Manoj Kumar Appointed General Manager of WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa

Manoj Kumar Appointed General Manager of WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa

By Hariharan U

Published on September 23, 2025

WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa has announced the appointment of Manoj Kumar as its new General Manager. With more than 14 years in the Indian hospitality sector, Manoj is known for creating memorable guest experiences, strengthening operations, and driving sustainable growth.

Over the years, Manoj has worked with some of the country’s most respected hospitality names including JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, The Westin Hyderabad, Taj Hotels, Caravela Beach Resort Goa, and Inner Living Hotels & Resorts. His work has consistently focused on enhancing guest engagement, introducing innovative F&B concepts, and nurturing strong, service-driven teams.

An entrepreneur at heart, he also founded Ancient Treasure Hospitality, a venture behind boutique villas and the popular Thynk Veg Café in Goa, spaces celebrated for creativity, attention to detail, and personalized service. His approach to leadership is rooted in heritage hospitality, sustainability, and talent development, with a strong reputation for mentoring the next generation of hoteliers.

Set within the Aravalli range in Jawai, WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa is spread across 20 acres of natural beauty. The resort offers lake-view rooms, spacious chalets (some with private temperature-controlled pools), and curated experiences including leopard safaris, Rabari village walks, stargazing, wellness therapies, and fine dining. Just a short drive from Udaipur and Jodhpur, it is an escape for those seeking both tranquility and adventure, while immersing in Rajasthan’s heritage.

With Manoj Kumar at the helm, the resort is set to further strengthen its reputation as a destination that combines wilderness, luxury, and Indian hospitality at its best.

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