Opening Doorz

By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | December 31, 2025

Meet Anuj Ghadai, a man with the 'Michael Jackson energy' of Beat It and a hidden mastery of the canvas. From 30-foot portraits to the heartbreak of a devalued industry, Opening Doorz unravels the mystery of the artist-turned-manager at Devaaya Resort, Goa, whose story demands to be heard.

A Gaze that Demanded Attention: Finding Art in Unexpected Places

There’s something about visual art that jolts the appetite of an art connoisseur. A visual impact, or ‘love at first sight’ about a painting, tells something intrinsic about an artist.

​The image speaks; for its colour, for its strokes, for its uniformity, and for the intensity of the gaze of the subjects. In this case, Santa, a Reindeer and the Polar Bear: huge, handsome.

“Who painted this?” I ask Sanisha, the girl manning the activity centre at Devaaya Resort, Goa, on Divar Island. “Our manager, Sir,” she informs me. “Is he around? Can I meet him?” I ask. “He has not yet come,” she says, “but I will inform him.“

Unmasking the Talent: Meeting Anuj Ghadai

The next day, I met Anuj Ghadai, the manager of the Activity Centre. I express my appreciation of his artistic talent and tell him how much I love his painting. At first, he is a little taken aback. I learn later that he had bad experiences with his art, hence he was wary about my compliments. When he realised that my appreciation was genuine, he relaxed.

Why are you wary of my compliment, I inquire. He smiles and lets his heart do the talking: “To be honest, we are gradually losing hope in the world of art. There is very little financial security, and people are rarely willing to pay what the work is actually worth. I was particularly discouraged by an experience involving a powder portrait I created of Mahatma Gandhi. Although the client paid me, his language was harsh and disrespectful. It crushed my spirit.

“Some people believe that because they are paying, they have the right to demand anything and treat the artist with contempt. It is a total lack of respect for the person behind the work,” he shares of the bitter experience that made him wary of my compliments.

​Would he be willing to speak about his art for Opening Doorz, I ask. He replies in the affirmative.

​So here’s unravelling the mystery behind the man, behind the image that moved me to write about him.

​The “Beat It” Energy of Anuj Ghadai

Yet, despite these professional heartaches, Anuj carries the electric energy of Michael Jackson. Beyond the canvas, he is an exceptional tour guide. He can also command a room and keep a crowd dancing to his tunes. He possesses the true gift of the gab—not for empty talk, but to keep his audience excitedly engaged and inspired.

Watching him in action at High Tea, a day after being bowled over by his art, and having experienced the detailed tour of Vanxim island opposite the property, is a reminder of the defiant, electric pulse of ‘Beat It’ he possesses. He commands the space with a spirit that says, “the fire’s in my eyes and my words are really clear,” capturing the room’s attention before anyone has a chance to look away. Just as the song insists “no one wants to be defeated,” Anuj ensures his audience never loses their spark, proving how funky and strong a natural leader can be when they are truly in their element.

Like the lyrics of the song, he challenges those who disdain his art: “No one wants to be defeated, Showin’ how funky and strong is your fight…’  Just Beat It, he seems to say.

​In short, Anuj Ghadai is a natural in whatever he does. He’s an asset to Devaaya Resort with his instant crowd connect, artistic talent, and historical knowledge of the islands around Divar.

Excerpts:

Were you born and brought up in Goa?

Yes, I have lived in Varca (South Goa) since my childhood. However, my parents were originally from Odisha in western India. They moved to Goa a long time ago when my Dad had a job here.

Tell me a little more about your family.

I am one of two brothers. Sadly, I have lost my entire family. My father passed away from cancer in 2010. My elder brother died in a car accident at the end of 2014. I lost my mother just last year. I am living alone now.

How did you get started with art?

It started in my childhood during school. I used to sit in the middle of the class and do sketches during lectures. My father found out and, instead of being angry, he appreciated it and encouraged me to continue.

Did you receive any formal training?

After Grade X, I went to Shantiniketan (Kolkata) for one year to attend art classes, but I had to return for some reason. Later, I practised for a couple of years with a great artist in Goa named Sadasiv Ojha.

What did you learn from your mentor, Ojha?

He is an excellent commercial artist who works with oil, acrylic, and watercolour. More than just technique, I learned patience and discipline from him. He taught me how to start and end a piece on canvas. He guided me specifically on the use of light and shadows.

What is your formal educational background?

I completed my graduation in History. I also hold a Diploma from IHM (Institute of Hotel Management).

What is your favourite style of painting?

I love all forms, but I prefer working with acrylic colours on canvas. I have also painted walls at friends’ houses, and whenever there has been a request.

Do you do portraits? How long does it take for you to complete one?

I can do portraits from a photograph, though I have less practice with ‘live’ painting now. Depending on the detail, it might take me 6-7 days of continuous work or up to a month, if given more time, to finish a portrait.

What is the most significant piece you have ever created?

During my time learning with Sadasiv Sir, I hand-painted a 30-foot by 15-foot portrait of Bollywood actor Nana Patekar. It came out very well, and people appreciated it. I don’t have a photo of it because cameras were strictly not allowed at the time.

Why haven’t you pursued art as a full-time career?

Actually, we are losing hope in art. There is no money. People don’t pay the art price. I tried to reach out to people with my work, but the response was poor, so I had to return to the hotel industry.

Why do you think people are failing to appreciate fine art today?

Everything is modernised now with Instagram and cameras. People can just click a picture, so the culture of appreciating what an artist does with a brush or pencil is fading.

Have you ever been paid well for your art?

So far, I haven’t sold anything for a great amount. In 2018, I did a very detailed pencil powder portrait of Gandhiji. The way the person treated me (the language he used) after the work was completed broke my spirit. He paid the money, but the disrespect he displayed was demoralising. That made me leave my art and look to the Hotel industry for employment.

How do you feel about the way artists are treated generally?

It’s disheartening. Some people show the money. “We are paying,” they think, so we can ask the artist to do anything. People think because it’s “just a pencil,” it only costs 10 rupees, what’s the big deal? They don’t see the years of hard work and pain behind those 10 minutes of drawing.

Do you still have the desire to pursue your talent professionally?

Yes, I do. I hope to get more opportunities to paint and earn a bit more for myself, even as I continue working.

Do you think there is a future for children learning art today?

It’s a tricky question. My father never stopped me, but today, everyone wants to be a doctor or an engineer. No one wants to work for someone who only pays 300 or 400 rupees for a portrait. There is only a future for us if people like you continue to support and respect the artists.

Also Read: Rediscovering Goa’s Soul on Divar Island at Devaaya Resort! 

Also Read: Chef Mothi Krishnan: Humble Kitchens to Global Culinary Heights