Gopulu facts for kids

S. Gopalan, known by his pen name Gopulu, was a very famous Indian artist. He was a talented illustrator and cartoonist from Tamil Nadu. Gopulu is best known for his amazing work in the Tamil humour magazine Ananda Vikatan. He created many memorable drawings and cartoons that made people laugh and think.

Gopulu's Early Life and Art Journey

Gopulu was born in Tanjore, India, in 1924. He spent his childhood there. He loved art from a young age and went to the Kumbakonam School of Art to learn more. This is where he developed his skills.

In 1941, Gopulu moved to Chennai (then called Madras). He was looking for a job at Ananda Vikatan magazine. There, he met another famous cartoonist named 'Mali'. Mali liked Gopulu's work and asked him to draw some pictures for the magazine's special Deepavali issue.

Gopulu officially joined Ananda Vikatan in December 1944. It was Mali who gave him the pen name "Gopulu." For over twenty years, until 1968, Gopulu drew many things for the magazine. He created funny political cartoons, designed eye-catching covers, and illustrated stories.

Famous Works and Collaborations

Gopulu was a busy illustrator. He worked on many popular stories that appeared in magazines. Some of his well-known works include drawings for Thillana Mohanambal and Washingtonil Thirumanam.

He is especially famous for his work with the writer Devan. Gopulu drew the pictures for Devan's detective story series called Thuppariyum Sambu. The funny detective, Sambu, is still remembered exactly as Gopulu first drew him.

Gopulu also traveled a lot for his art. In 1953–54, he went on a trip with writer Saavi. They visited places like Ajanta, Ellora, Delhi, Jaipur, and Calcutta. Gopulu drew pictures for a travel series based on their adventures.

Beyond Magazines: Advertising and Freelance Work

In 1972, Gopulu decided to start his own advertising company. It was called Ad Wave Advertising. He used his artistic talent to design logos for different companies.

He designed the logo for the Tamil magazine Kungumam. He also created the well-known logo for Sun TV. Later, he left the advertising world. He became a freelance illustrator, meaning he worked for many different magazines. He drew for Kalki, Amudhasurabhi, Vikatan, and Kungumam.

Awards and Special Recognition

Gopulu received many important awards for his contributions to art.

• On November 26, 1991, the Government of Tamil Nadu gave him the ‘Kalaimamani' award. This is a very high honor for artists.
• He also received the Murasoli Award.
• Another award he earned was the M. A. Chidambaram Chettiar Award.
• In 2001, Gopulu was honored with a lifetime achievement award. This happened at the first event of the Indian Institute of Cartoonists in Bangalore. It recognized his long and successful career.