S. Maria Dennis Parani Chittar

Born on October 27, 1950, Maria Dennis Parani Chittar came into the world with a burst of creative energy. Son of a British Government officer Siluvai Antony and a housewife, Ranjitham, Chittar grew up in a noisy household with two brothers and two sisters.

With the craving to draw all the time, Chittar found that the world was his canvas. He would rather draw than study and he never spared even his classroom blackboard!

The Guru

Having lost his father early, Chittar decided to study art. With help, he approached famous artist, Sri Kondaiya Raju to take him on as a student. But he refused, stating that Chittar was a Christian and couldn’t draw pictures of Hindu Gods.

Not to be deterred, Chittar returned in a few days with a dazzling picture of Lord Murugan that he had painted himself. Impressed with the young boy, Kondaiya Raju accepted him as his student and found that he exceeded his expectations in so many ways.

Life of Art

At 18, Chittar worked on calendar designs for Sivakasi companies. Shortly after, he opened his own studio – Parani Arts.

He quickly went on to establish himself as a serious artist and became well reputed for his beautiful art work and creativity.

With a unique blend of colours and intricate brush strokes, his paintings won the hearts of many.

religious is not barrier

A devout Christian, Chittar never let religion get in the way of art. He painted dozens of artwork based on Hindu deities and could recite the mythology behind each!

In fact the famous Kandha Puranam at Tiruchendur Temple is a result of his genius.

His depictions of Christian art still adorns the walls of churches today.

awards

Despite been honoured by people like Sri Kalaignar, Governor Sri P Ramachandran, Sri Vaiko, Sri Kirubananda Variyar, Sri Sivanthi Adithan, Chittar still remained a humble man, whose art spoke louder than anything else.

From brush to mouse

As Chittar grew older, he grew sharper! Transferring his talents to computer, he created many masterpieces with a mouse and Photoshop.

The Man behind the canvas

A fun-loving humourous man, Chittar could read faces like a book. Adept at the art of palm reading, this unassuming, creative man, charmed many and there was no one who was left untouched by his presence.

On August 22, 2010, the world lost this creative, beautiful mind and he now rests where he belongs – with the God he painted with so much love.