In the vibrant world of art and literature, few names resonate with the multifaceted brilliance of Khaleelullah Chemnad. A journalist, poet, calligraphic artist, cartoonist, and short-story writer, Khaleelullah has crafted a unique niche for himself across diverse creative fields. His journey is an inspiring testament to the boundless potential of artistic expression and innovation.
Early Inspirations and Artistic Genesis
Born on January 17, 1972, in the quaint village of Chemnad in Kasaragod District, Khaleelullah Chemnad was immersed in an environment rich with literary and artistic influences. His father, M. H. Seethi, was a renowned writer and social worker, whose life served as an open book of inspiration for young Khaleelullah. From an early age, he was captivated by literature, often seen carrying works of famous literary personalities along with his school books. This early exposure laid the foundation for his creative pursuits.
A Pioneer in Calligraphy
At the tender age of 13, Khaleelullah embarked on his journey into the world of calligraphy—a field that was akin to rocket science for many in India at the time. Fascinated by the artistic beauty of Arabic letters in magazines sent to his father from the UAE, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, Khaleelullah began to explore calligraphy despite not being proficient in Arabic. His exceptional talent quickly caught the attention of regional publications in Kerala, and by 1987, at just 15, he was already creating calligraphic works for two major publications.
Birth of Anatomic Calligraphy
Khaleelullah’s groundbreaking contribution to calligraphy came with the invention of Anatomic Calligraphy. Unlike traditional zoomorphic drawings, Anatomic Calligraphy involves creating detailed images using Arabic script. This innovative art form astonished the world with its uniqueness and beauty. One of his earliest masterpieces was a calligraphic portrait of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a visionary ruler, which marked Khaleelullah’s entry into the annals of art history.
In 2010, Khaleelullah achieved a world record by drawing the largest anatomic calligraphic picture of Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai. This achievement was recognized by the Limca Book of Records. Additionally, he made history in India by carving 50 Qur’anic verses in oak wood using calligraphic scripts, which were then placed in the Kalanad Mosque in Kerala.
Global Recognition and Continued Excellence
Khaleelullah’s exceptional work has earned him widespread recognition and numerous accolades. His calligraphic logos have become prestigious symbols for many top-ranked firms in the UAE. He has been a distinguished presence at calligraphic conferences and exhibitions worldwide, further solidifying his reputation as a master calligrapher.
Among his many awards are the Kerala Cartoon Academy Award, World Health Organization Award, Thoolika Award, Malayattoor Award, M.P. Narayana Pillai Award, and the Anti-Narcotic Movement Award. Each of these honours reflects the immense impact of his artistic and literary contributions.
A Visionary’s Dream
Despite his numerous achievements, Khaleelullah Chemnad remains driven by an insatiable quest for perfection. “I believe that my best calligraphy is yet to be drawn. It is my dream, project. It could be a great work of anatomic calligraphy and it should be a landmark in world history,” he says. This unyielding pursuit of excellence and innovation continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
Khaleelullah Chemnad’s legacy is one of artistic brilliance and relentless creativity. His unique synthesis of writing and drawing has not only enriched the field of calligraphy but also elevated it to new heights. As he continues to explore and expand the boundaries of his craft, the world eagerly anticipates the next masterpiece from this unparalleled artist.
