B. M. Gafoor
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B. M. Gafoor | |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 May 1942 |
| Died | 13 November 2003 (aged 61) |
| Occupation | Cartoonist |
| Years active | 1980–2003 |
| Spouse | Suhara Gaffoor |
| Children | 4 (Tazneem, Thanveer, Thanzeela, Thajmal) |
| Parent | Vaidyarakath Mohammed Kutty Haji & B.M. Mariyumma Hajjumma |
| Relatives | B. M. Suhara (sister) |
B. M. Gafoor (4 May 1942 – 13 November 2003) was an Indian cartoonist and comic artist. He was one of the most prominent cartoonists from Kerala and was one of the founders of Kerala Cartoon Academy. Within a career of more than three decades, he created some of the most popular comics including the social satire Kunjamman.
A native of Tellicherry, Gafoor was a student at St. Joseph's High School, Calicut when M.V. Devan began teaching him painting.[1][2] He was exposed to another prominent painter, K. C. S. Paniker when he attended the Madras School of Arts and Crafts, where Paniker served as principal.[2]
Career
Gafoor served as a cartoonist for many publications, including the Chandrika, Shankar's Weekly, Deshabhimani and Cut Cut, before settling down for the remainder of his career at Mathrubhumi.[2] He remained at Mathrubhumi from 1980 until his death in 2003. He also had his own magazine for a time, Niramala, which he had started during the Emergency.
In 2000, during his tenure at Mathrubhumi, Gafoor became Creative Animation Director with the Nest company in Ernakulam, remaining for a year.[2] He is also the founder of BMG Group, an animation company based in Kozhikode. He played a major role in establishing the Kerala Cartoon Academy and served as its founder secretary.[2] He was also a key figure in establishing Calicut Art Gallery.[3]
Gafoor died of a heart attack on 13 November 2003. He was aged 61.[4] In his honor, Kerala Government has established an annual award named "Gafoor Smaraka Puraskaram".[5]