Sudarsan Pattnaik thanks CM Vijay for sand sculpture praise

Puri/Bhubaneswar: Internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor‑turned‑politician C. Joseph Vijay (popularly known as Thalapathy), after the leader praised his latest sand sculpture.

Pattnaik had crafted a grand artwork on Puri Beach featuring Vijay’s portrait alongside the flag colours of Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), celebrating the party’s strong performance in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Sharing the creation on social media, Pattnaik said he was “deeply honoured and touched” by Vijay’s appreciation.

The Chief Minister responded warmly, describing the sculpture as “breathtaking” and lauding Pattnaik’s artistry.

The exchange quickly went viral, drawing admiration from netizens across Tamil Nadu and Odisha.

Many hailed it as a symbolic moment of cultural goodwill between the two states, blending politics, art, and public sentiment.