Though mostly the domain of women, who would draw these designs to mark special occasions, Bala Murughan Parani Kumar not only developed a love for it, but has put his own twist on this age-old artform, earning a place for himself in the Malaysia Book of Records while at it.

Speaking to FMT recently, Bala recalled how, as a little boy, he would watch in fascination as his mother and grandmother created intricate kolam designs all around the house.

“I remember my mother and grandmother on their knees every morning creating a new kolam,” he said.

So, it didn’t take long before Bala started creating his own designs with the colourful rice powder.

The more he experimented, the more creative and elaborate his designs became as his confidence grew.

And just over a month ago, on Jan 21 to be precise, Bala earned himself a place in the Malaysia Book of Records for the most kolams drawn in a single day.

Bala explained that completing one kolam can usually take up to two hours. So, he practised day and night for months to perfect his skill and speed with the sole intention of breaking the record.

“After six months of practice I was able to create 36 kolam designs in just 10 hours and break the record,” he said, beaming from ear to ear.

Besides practising intensely, Bala said he also experimented with many types of powders, finally creating his own “secret” concoction that he claimed keeps his kolams intact for a longer period of time.

Other than creating kolams, Bala also enjoys painting and has filled his house from floor to ceiling with all his colourful artwork.

“I love to buy old antique pieces and paint them to bring the piece back to life,” he said, adding that he even fixes old pieces with clay and repaints them.

He said, one painting can take up to 36 hours to complete as he has to wait for each layer to dry thoroughly before proceeding with the next. He also enjoys adding rhinestones and pieces of acrylic mirrors to his work.

“Putting each rhinestone can take a very long time as they are difficult to pick up but I have been practising to improve my technique. I sometimes get so involved in the piece I am making that I forget to eat,” he laughed.

The 38-year-old used to work in a bank but after developing a nerve-related health issue, he had to put his career on hold for the last year.

“I do go for physiotherapy but picking up painting and kolam art again has also helped tremendously with my nerve issues,” he told FMT.

With his main source of income now cut, Bala decided to sell his paintings instead. “My friend actually gave me the idea to sell my paintings and he helped me to share my art with the public.”

He said the challenges of the past two years, namely the pandemic and his health issues, has made him determined to follow his passion for art and make the most out of life.

Despite giving his all to his art, Bala said that he has had to face many unkind remarks about his artwork, including that he’d be better off letting women be the artists. Others meanwhile doubted he created the artwork himself.

“I have even had many ask me to send them a video as proof that I actually made the painting,” he said, laughing.

He said that even his family have been less than supportive to him. Despite being awarded the Malaysia Book of Records certificate, members of his family still feel he is wasting his time on art.

Though saddened by this, Bala is determined to keep creating new kolam designs as well as his rhinestone and mirror art.

In fact, he is already working on breaking more records. “I have contacted the Guinness Book of Records and hopefully if all goes well, I will be able to set a new record,” he shared.

Check out Bala’s art and his progress as he breaks new records on Instagram.