Love is bliss …! – Artist Maruthi

My first drawing was for a story titled ‘Aiyo paavam’! And, the name was very suitable for my condition of that time! Here, I should tell you about SAP without fail. He might not be a painter by himself, but, he knew very well what details contributed to make a painting appear good and realistic. In the beginning days, every time I went to him with a drawing, he would suggest some changes and make me incorporate them. The reasons he used to give for the changes would be very reasonable and very accurate. Even today, I remember him with gratitude. My work found place in other magazines also including the popular ones – Sudesamitran, Ananda Vikatan and Kalki. My pseudonym in those days was ‘Naadhan’. When I thought of having some novel name, I changed it to ‘Maruthi’. I was fascinated by the paintings of the great painters of those days Madhavan and Natarajan. I used to meet Natarajan to learn the nuances of the art. But, above everything else, it was my own efforts that had brought me recognition as a painter. In the beginning days, my paintings had found place in art exhibitions. I had created portraits of some famous personalities in oil painting. And, I had also designed costumes for a few films.

Q: Please tell us about your marriage and life thereafter …

A: A painter cannot aim at permanent and assured income. His income will always be fluctuating. I was sure that I shouldn’t marry because of this handicap. But my mother kept pressuring me for marriage. She saw a girl at Thanjavur and asked me to go over there to see the girl. I went and explained my condition to the girl’s party. But, despite my undependable status, the girl and her parents liked me very much. Though I had my own horoscope, my mother said that I didn’t have horoscope. She felt that there was no sense in checking the horoscope when I was already 41. And, I also didn’t have much faith in horoscope. I was happy that my wife was in government service because I thought if anything bad happened to me, she must be able to support herself and live on her own. The reason for my fear was the tragic incident in my family. One of my aunts, who got married at the age of 7, was widowed when she was 9. And, she spent the rest of her life staying in the houses of her relatives. I was firm that no girl should be pushed into this pitiable situation by the cruel hands of destiny. My marriage took place in the year 1981. Vimala is my loving wife. My marriage really proved a turning point in my life. Life became more interesting after I became a family man. We’ve two daughters – Subhashini, Suhasini. After the birth of these two, life became a thing of delight, I realized that we should love life.

Touching moments in life … secret of successful marriage … in the next chapter …