
Juvan at the restaurant | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Kollam: This is the story of artistic survival. Kollam native Shimoon who runs an art gallery, his wife Anjana who is a painter and their son Juvan are the main characters of the story.
Shimoon was responsible for selling the paintings created by Anjana. The paintings were sold to different houses, hotels, tourist centres and many such places. Meanwhile, Shimoon started taking up wedding photo framing works as well. The family was living happily with a good income and with the satisfaction of doing what they loved.
However, things turned upside down during COVID lockdown. This setback prompted them to think of selling fish in order to make their ends meet. As a result, the family opened a small fish shop called ‘Tuna’ in Randamkutty.
Immediately after opening the shop, they started thinking of selling fried fish as well. Soon they began selling packaged meals with different kinds of fish. The shop gradually started picking business and it became ‘Tuna seafood restaurant'. Shimoon’s friend Nanas also became a partner in business. Although different dishes were introduced in the restaurant over time, packaged meals with fish remains the best seller.
Along with employees, Shimoon and Anjana are also involved in cooking. Shimoon feels that cooking is the closest thing to painting as an art form.
Although the restaurant has become a success, they are reluctant to give up on their painting. This art form is what united Kollam native Shimoon and Kannur native Anjana. Anjana is optimistic about selling her paintings as they did in the past.