Ever wondered who is behind the beautiful illustrations of #Chandamama?
The Sword Yielding Vikram & the Betal on his shoulder, or countless other paintings of characters from our Upanishads, Puranas & Itihas were all sketched by
#KCShivashankar or Artist Shiva, as he's called.

On his 96th birthday, a small tribute for the Only Surviving Member of the Original Chandamama Team.
Born on this day in a small village near Erode, Shiva's mother came to Chennai with children after a close relatives death.
As per Shiva's father's order, Shiva & his younger

brother got joined at Corporation School.
Shiva's talent in drawing was discovered at HS where his drawing teacher said,
"Son, do not go for BA or MA. I know your value. You must join the arts school".

Immediately after passing out, in 1946, he joined the Tamil magazine

Kalaimagal for a salary of Rs85/-, by 1952 he was earning Rs 150/- & another 150/- by writing as freelancer.

That year, 1952
#NagiReddy hired him for Chandamama for a salary of
Rs 350/-.
On paper it was shown 300/- as the chief artist itself was earning 350/-.

The legend

Lives with his wife & children at Chennai.