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.


The LaLiT New Delhi Appoints Vishal Sharma as General Manager

The LaLiT New Delhi Appoints Vishal Sharma as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kanna

Published on February 24, 2026

The LaLiT New Delhi has announced the appointment of Vishal Sharma as its new General Manager. Bringing over 18 years of experience across sales, marketing, and hotel operations, Vishal adds a strong commercial edge and leadership depth to the iconic luxury hotel in New Delhi.

Vishal started his hospitality journey with Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces and went on to take up senior sales and marketing roles at leading properties such as The Imperial New Delhi, The Claridges New Delhi, and Radisson MBD Noida. His association with the brand is long-standing, having earlier served as Head of Sales at The LaLiT New Delhi, followed by his role as National Head of Sales (Business Hotels) at The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group.

Most recently, Vishal was Director of Sales and Marketing at IHG Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini. He was also part of the IHG EMEAA General Manager Development Programme 2025, further strengthening his leadership credentials.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Vivek Shukla, Chief Executive Officer, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, said, “We are delighted to welcome Vishal back to The LaLiT New Delhi in this leadership role. His deep commercial expertise, strong understanding of the luxury hospitality landscape, and long-standing association with the brand position him exceptionally well to lead the property into its next phase of growth. We are confident that under his leadership, the hotel will continue to deliver elevated guest experiences and strengthen its market presence.”

In his new role, Vishal will be responsible for overseeing overall hotel operations, shaping commercial strategy, and leading guest engagement initiatives, further strengthening the hotel’s standing in the luxury hospitality segment.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Vishal Sharma said, “It is truly an honour to take on this responsibility at The LaLiT New Delhi, a brand widely recognised for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusive hospitality. I look forward to fostering a culture where every team member feels valued and empowered, while ensuring our guests experience not only exceptional service, but a space that celebrates individuality, respect, and belonging.”


Espire Hospitality Strengthens Sales Team with Two New Directors

Espire Hospitality Strengthens Sales Team with Two New Directors

By Hariharan U

Published on February 23, 2026

Espire Hospitality Limited has strengthened its commercial team with the appointment of Mr. Daksh Shandilya and Ms. Ashwini Alpesh Taware as Director of Sales. This step reflects the company’s clear focus on expanding its reach and sharpening its sales strategy for ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts.

Daksh Shandilya brings over nine years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing. Over the years, he has worked with leading brands such as The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, Lemon Tree Hotels, Treehouse Hotels & Resorts, and Old-World Hospitality. His experience covers key account management, business development, and market expansion across competitive regions. He has handled segments including PCO, DMC, and MICE, helping brands grow through structured planning and strong long-term partnerships.

Ashwini Alpesh Taware joins with more than a decade of experience across corporate sales, travel trade, events, and MICE. She has been associated with brands like Lemon Tree Hotels, Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Nashik, Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, and The Orchid Hotel Mumbai. Having worked at both property-level and national sales offices, she understands client expectations and market trends closely.

Commenting on the appointments, Mr. Akhil Arora, CEO & MD, Espire Hospitality Limited, said, "Our focus has always been on building strong leadership teams that can take our brands forward in a competitive market. Daksh and Ashwini come with solid industry experience and a clear understanding of how today's hospitality business works. Their addition strengthens our focus to grow our market footprint, deepen our engagement with key partners, and drive consistent performance across ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts."

In their new roles, Daksh Shandilya and Ashwini Alpesh Taware will focus on improving sales performance and supporting Espire Hospitality Limited’s long-term growth plans across its brands


The Leela Hyderabad Appoints Krishna Rana as Chef de Cuisine at Tiga

The Leela Hyderabad Appoints Krishna Rana as Chef de Cuisine at Tiga

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 22, 2026

The Leela Hyderabad has announced the appointment of Krishna Rana as Chef de Cuisine at its signature dining destination, Tiga, further reinforcing the hotel’s focus on culinary excellence and leadership.

With close to three decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Rana brings with him a strong professional foundation shaped by his tenure across several renowned hotel brands. His career includes stints at Park Hyatt Hotels, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, Grand InterContinental, Le Royal Meridien, and The St. Regis. Over the years, his work has been defined by a disciplined approach to global cuisines, with a sharp focus on authenticity, precision, and guest satisfaction.

Speaking on his appointment, Rana said, “cooking, for me, is a continuous journey of learning and refinement. i believe in respecting ingredients, techniques, and authentic recipes while evolving with guest expectations. at the leela hyderabad, i look forward to creating dining experiences that balance global influences with flavours that resonate with the local palate.”

At Tiga, Rana aims to curate menus that blend international culinary trends with regional sensibilities. A key highlight of his vision is a strong emphasis on Sichuan-style cuisine, known for its bold spices, layered aromas, and balanced heat, while ensuring the offerings remain approachable for local diners.

Welcoming him to the team, Rajesh Gopalakrishnan, General Manager of The Leela Hyderabad, said, “chef rana’s extensive experience across some of the world’s most respected hospitality brands, combined with his commitment to consistency and quality, makes him a valuable addition to our culinary team. his leadership will play a key role in further elevating the dining experience at the leela hyderabad.”

With this appointment, The Leela Hyderabad continues to strengthen its culinary portfolio, positioning Tiga as a destination for refined global flavours delivered with consistency and care.

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