CHENNAI: Veteran cartoonist and illustrator S Gopalan (91), fondly called as Gopulu, died here on Wednesday night. He is survived by his son G Rajeswaran. He was admitted to a hospital in Mylapore two days ago.
Known for his long-time association with the Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan, Gopulu was born in Thanjavur in 1924 and studied at the Kumbakonam School of Art. In 1941, he met the legendary cartoonist Maali whom he considered as guru. In due course, Gopulu did political cartoons, cover designs and illustrated columns for Ananda Vikatan.
As an illustrator, Gopulu worked on popular serials such as Thillana Mohanambal and Washingtanil Thirumanam.
Gopulu was honoured with Kalaimamani award by the Tamil Nadu government in 1991. He was also honoured with Murasoli award and the M A Chidambaram Chettiar award.
His body is kept at his residence on First Main Road (near Mandaveli Railway Station) for homage. Funeral is likely to take place around 1 p.m. on April 30 at the Besant Nagar electric crematorium.