About 13 years ago, Meli Kuru sat in front of his television set watching a cartoon show, with a pencil and paper in his hand.

The eight-year-old drew out exactly what he saw on the TV.

The passion for freehand drawing for the Vanuaso, Gau, native grew, believing that one day he would go a long way with his God-gifted talent.

Today, the shy 16-year-old Year 11 tech-science student of Tilak High School in Lautoka has stunned his family, close friends and his Technical Drawing teacher, Sumit Chand, who reached out to the Fiji Sun relaying the information about Meli’s unimaginable drawing talent.

“My passion for drawing started when I was in class three, sitting in front of a TV drawing cartoon characters,” said Meli.

“I draw every day. It’s my passion. I drew inspiration from my uncle who was an artist as well.”

Meli has drawn professional pictures featuring stars like Kobe Bryant, John Cena, Dwayne Johnson (The Rock), Hulk and his recent artwork on the school’s founder, Saint Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

“I spend one day on one picture, I prefer being alone in a room where I know my work will be done properly,” he said.

Mr Chand said he first noticed Meli’s amazing talent while teaching him this year.

“I know this youngster will go a long way,” he said.

Meli has been offered a wall space in the school to display his artwork.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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