Chennai: Shankar, a 95-year-old artist, from Porur in teh city was bestowed with the life-time achievement award by Sri Dharshini Kalai Koodam, a fine arts college.
“There is no meaning in life when you do not do what you love. Chasing your dreams will make your life interesting,” says the enthusiastic Shankar, who is popularly known as Chandamama or Ambulimama.
Born in 1924, the 94-year-old artiste shares some vivid memories of his journey to News Today. He says, “My primary contribution is towards the Indian language magazines and my signature painting of the Vikram and Vetala series was featured in Chandamama.”
The artiste is said to be the only surviving member of the original Chandamama design team and Shankar has created thousand such drawings for Chandamama, which defined the looks of the magazine for decades.
When asked about how his interest in painting began, he says, “Right from my childhood, I used to sketch whatever I found interesting. But, actually, it was my drawing teacher at Muthialpet High School, who discovered my talent. He and I would correct the sketches made by the other students together. It was him who advised me to not to go take up BA or MA but to opt for fine arts school. My parents were also instrumental in my success.”