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 a top Kerala university 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.

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.

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

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.

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport has reinforced its leadership team with the appointment of Pramod Dwivedi as Director of Food & Beverage and Taraka Kubal as Executive Housekeeper. Both professionals bring with them a rich legacy within Marriott International and a strong commitment to enhancing guest experience and operational excellence.

With over 15 years of industry experience, Pramod Dwivedi joins from JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, where he played a key role in delivering world-class service standards. His 13-year tenure with Marriott International has provided him with deep insights into the brand’s values, service culture, and hospitality innovation.

“Courtyard by Marriott's reputation for combining comfort, efficiency, and excellent service perfectly aligns with my passion for hospitality. I'm excited to bring my experience to this dynamic property and lead initiatives that enhance guest satisfaction, team performance, and operational innovation,” said Pramod Dwivedi.

In his new role, Pramod will focus on elevating the dining experience, optimizing service efficiency, encouraging team development, and supporting sustainable and tech-driven initiatives within the food and beverage department.

Taraka Kubal, who rejoins the hotel as Executive Housekeeper, brings global experience and an intimate familiarity with the property. She served at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai from 2012 to 2016, and spent the last nine years at JW Marriott Juhu, gaining valuable insights and experience. A postgraduate from PIHMS University, New Zealand, she blends international standards with local expertise.

“Rejoining Courtyard feels like coming full circle. I'm proud to be part of the Marriott family and look forward to contributing to the hotel's continued success. My goal is to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and comfort for our guests, while also supporting key projects like the upcoming room renovations,” said Taraka Kubal.

In her role, Taraka will lead the housekeeping team, uphold Marriott brand standards, and work collaboratively across departments to deliver an enhanced guest experience.

With these strategic leadership additions, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport aims to further establish itself as a preferred destination for both business and leisure travellers, known for exceptional service, comfort, and consistency.

Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway has appointed Sunil Kumar as its new Executive Sous Chef, entrusting him with the responsibility of leading culinary operations across the hotel’s diverse dining venues.

A seasoned professional with over 18 years of experience in luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants, Kumar brings a creative touch and deep knowledge of global culinary trends. In his new role, he will focus on ensuring menu innovation, consistent quality, and memorable dining experiences for all guests.

Prior to joining Sheraton, he served as Executive Sous Chef at The Park Hotel, Kolkata, where he was instrumental in improving kitchen systems, motivating teams, and launching a successful new menu. His career also includes key roles at Park Hyatt Dubai Creek Resorts, Andaz by Hyatt New Delhi, Taj Bengaluru, and more.

Kumar holds a degree in European Culinary Management from IMI Switzerland and is certified in advanced food safety supervision. Known for his passion for local ingredients and sustainable cooking practices, he brings a modern, thoughtful approach to his kitchen leadership.

Sushma Khichar, General Manager of Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, shared,

“We are pleased to welcome Chef Sunil Kumar to our culinary team as Executive Sous Chef. With his strong culinary foundation and passion for innovation, we are confident that he will play a key role in supporting our kitchen leadership and further enriching the dining experiences we offer our guests.”

With his rich background and innovative spirit, Chef Kumar is set to elevate the hotel’s culinary offerings and strengthen its reputation for exceptional hospitality.