https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Sketching Smiles: The Caricature Journey of Sajjive Balakrishnan

Retired IRS officer Sajjive Balakrishnan's journey from numbers to sketches reflects his passion for caricature art, bringing smiles to faces worldwide. His knack for capturing the soul of his subjects in caricatures goes beyond physical resemblance, spreading joy and laughter wherever he travels.His artistic evolution and recognition, including a place in the Limca Book of Records, inspire others to follow their passions and embrace creativity in unconventional ways.
Indian Masterminds Stories

In a world often defined by routines and responsibilities, some individuals defy convention to pursue their passions. One such inspiring figure is Sajjive Balakrishnan, a retired IRS officer whose love for art, particularly caricature drawing, has transformed his post-retirement life into a vibrant canvas. With an unwavering zeal, he travels far and wide, capturing the essence of common people through his whimsical caricatures, leaving an indelible mark wherever he goes.

In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, the officer who retired as the Joint Commissioner of Income Tax, Kochi, spoke about his artistic talent and how he brings happiness to people’s faces through his talent.

A JOURNEY BEYOND BOUNDARIES

Having served in the IRS for several decades, Mr. Balakrishnan’s career was marked by dedication and commitment to public service. His journey as a caricature artist commenced long before he retired from service. Despite the demands of his professional life, he harbored an innate passion for art, which he nourished through caricatures, that he has been drawing for the last 40 years!

However, his retirement ushered in a new chapter where his artistic aspirations took center stage. The transition from numbers and audits to sketches and caricatures reflects his multifaceted personality and creative spirit.

“Everywhere I go, I carry my iPad. Earlier, I used to draw on paper and pen, now I draw on my iPad as it is portable. I love drawing strangers that I meet on my journey and giving them away for free. It brings smiles on their faces and satisfies me immensely,” he shared.

DISCOVERING THE ART OF CARICATURE

Ever since he was a child, he used to paint motifs and doodles of leaders and famous personalities on the walls of his home. The walls of his house were full of art. His father appreciated his art immensely and enrolled him in a premiere cartoon institute in South India. He kept on practicing cartooning and soon got them published in periodicals. He also made children’s illustrated stories during that time.

Mr. Balakrishnan’s interest in caricature art blossomed with time. As he joined the IRS in 1988, he shifted from being a cartoonist to a caricature artist owing to the demands of his job and the restrictions on drawing controversial or political cartoons.

What started as a hobby soon evolved into a profound passion. He found joy and fulfillment in capturing the unique features and personalities of everyday people through his art. Whether at social gatherings, public events, or even during his travels, Mr. Balakrishnan carries his iPad, ready to immortalize moments in caricature form.

CAPTURING ESSENCE THROUGH ART

One of Mr. Balakrishnan’s remarkable abilities lies in his knack for capturing the essence of his subjects. His caricatures go beyond mere physical resemblance; they delve into the soul of the individuals he portrays.

Through exaggerated features and playful strokes, he brings out the humor, character, and quirks that define each person, creating lasting memories in the form of art.

“I love to go around, talk to people, draw them, and bring a smile or a little laugh to their faces. I have recently completed my Kerala tour and will soon go on a complete India tour and draw as many caricatures of people as possible. I also love interacting with students, showing them my work, and making them understand that one should go ahead and follow their hobby or passion as they will like it when they love what they do,” he told Indian Masterminds.

SPREADING JOY AND LAUGHTER

Wherever Mr. Balakrishnan goes, laughter and smiles follow as he sketches caricatures of those around him. From family members and friends to strangers he meets on his journeys, everyone becomes a potential muse for his art. The joy of seeing themselves portrayed in a humorous yet affectionate light adds a unique charm to his interactions and leaves a positive impact on those around him.

“I like to observe and talk to people. I understand their personalities and draw their caricatures. The thrilling part is that I won’t be seeing or meeting 95% of the people that I draw, again in my life. I am seeing them for the first and last time as I draw them, which makes it even more interesting,” shared the officer.

ARTISTIC EVOLUTION AND RECOGNITION

Over the years, Balakrishnan’s artistic style has evolved, reflecting his continuous growth and exploration in the world of caricature art. His dedication and talent have earned him recognition and appreciation from art enthusiasts and admirers of all ages.

The officer has been attending several caricature festivals for the last few years and holds the record of drawing 2400 caricatures in just 14 days! He also holds a place in the Limca Book of Records for completing 651 caricatures in under 12 hours!

“I never make fun of others through my caricatures but I enjoy self-lampooning. I have drawn hundreds of caricatures of myself and added humor to it.”

LEGACY OF CREATIVITY AND INSPIRATION

Retired IRS officer Sajjive Balakrishnan’s journey as a passionate caricature artist exemplifies the beauty of following one’s creative calling beyond traditional career paths. Through his art, he not only captures the essence of common people but also spreads laughter, joy, and a sense of community wherever he goes. His story reminds us of the boundless possibilities that await when we embrace our passions and share them with the world.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
India’s Missile Strikes on 11 Pakistani Airbases Forced Islamabad Into Panic: Ex-UK Envoy Reveals Secret Saudi Defense Pact
India’s Missile Strikes on 11 Pakistani Airbases Forced Islamabad Into Panic: Ex-UK Envoy Reveals Secret Saudi Defense Pact
Devendra Kumar Tiwari Alka Tiwari  IAS Jharkhand
First IAS Couple in India to Hold Both Chief Secretary & State Election Commissioner Posts Consecutively - Know This Powerful Pair
Policing, Trust, and Investment: Insights from IPF - Indian Masterminds
Indian Police Foundation Marks 10 Years, Discussion on How Policing Builds Investor Confidence
Madhya Pradesh football training
Mini Brazil to Germany: Vicharpur’s Young Footballers Get CM Mohan Yadav’s Blessings on Vijayadashami Week
bureaucracy news
Centre Announces Key Bureaucratic Appointments & Deputation Extensions: Neeraj Surendran, Arun G, Anand Mohan Among Key Names
PM Modi CM Nitish Kumar
Bihar Receives Rs. 10,219 Crore from Centre: A Festive Gift On Vijayadashami to Fuel Development & Welfare, Backed by GST Reforms
Chhattisgarh government
Chhattisgarh CM Charts Development Roadmap: Push for Capital Expenditure, Biometric Attendance, & Transparent Governance
Vishnu Deo Sai CM
Chhattisgarh Gets Rs. 3,462 Crore Boost from Modi Government: Here's How CM Sai Pledges To Spend It!
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IFS Ravikant Meena UPSC IFS
Ravikant Meena on IFS Preparation, Optionals, and Life in Forest Service
Siddhartha Saxena UPSC CAPF
How Siddhartha Saxena Cracked UPSC CAPF AIR 326 Against All Odds
Dr. S.K
Technology Meets Ecology: IFS Dr S K Srivastava’s Game-Changing Innovations in Forest Management | Eco Warrior Awards 2025 Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar Live Interaction
From Cut-off Dates to Coaching & Reforms: UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar Assures Aspirants of Fairness, Transparency & a Future-Ready UPSC | UPSC@100
A Century of Service: The UPSC’s Landmark Year Begins. Chairman Ajay Kumar on UPSC’s Centennial: “Merit,...
Giriraj Parihar MPPSC 2024
From Constable to Deputy Collector: Giriraj Parihar’s 9-Year MPPSC Journey | Farmer’s Son, Brother to Five Sisters
From a jail guard to MPPSC 2024 Rank 8, Giriraj Parihar’s nine-year journey of self-study, hard work,...
Ankit MPPSC 2024 Rank 3
From Village Dreams to Deputy Collector’s Chair: Meet Ankit, MPPSC Rank 3 Hindi Medium Topper
Ankit, a Hindi-medium aspirant from Balaghat, secured Rank 3 in MPPSC 2024 and became Deputy Collector...
Social Media
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
Parag Madhukar Dhakate
Relentless Rains Wreak Havoc in Dehradun: IFS officer PM Dhakate Warns Citizens Amid Flash Floods
Cloudbursts in Dehradun triggered flash floods. IFS officer Dr. PM Dhakate warned citizens to stay indoors...
Forest Guard Tiger Encounter
Tigers Clash in the Wild as Forest Guards Capture Rare Footage , Retired IFS Mohan Pargaien Posts Viral Video
Retired IFS officer Mohan Pargaien shares viral video of three tigers brawling in Ramnagar, as forest...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
India’s Missile Strikes on 11 Pakistani Airbases Forced Islamabad Into Panic: Ex-UK Envoy Reveals Secret Saudi Defense Pact
India’s Missile Strikes on 11 Pakistani Airbases Forced Islamabad Into Panic: Ex-UK Envoy Reveals Secret Saudi Defense Pact
Devendra Kumar Tiwari Alka Tiwari  IAS Jharkhand
First IAS Couple in India to Hold Both Chief Secretary & State Election Commissioner Posts Consecutively - Know This Powerful Pair
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IFS Ravikant Meena UPSC IFS
Siddhartha Saxena UPSC CAPF
Dr. S.K
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT