On the 14th death anniversary of Harivansh Rai Bachchan, an artist pays tribute to the doyen of Hindi literature
The exhibition displays 13 paintings of the iconic poet
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“There is a certain radiance on a poet’s face that tells you he is a man of letters. It’s what sets a person in the field of arts or literature apart, and I tried to capture that on Dr Bachchan’s face,” says Mumbai-based artist Bharat Singh. What he also successfully captures is the pensive expression, deep-set eyes, and lines on the face of the poet, who aged gracefully, in the 13 paintings that are a part of his solo exhibition.
Madhushala Chitrashala, after Bachchan’s well-known work. Opening today on the occasion of Bachchan’s 14th death anniversary, the exhibition is Singh’s tribute to the litterateur whom he first read when he was in class five. “I find his poem, Koshish karne walo ki kabhi haar nahi hoti, very inspiring,” says the 32-year-old who hails from Dhangadhi in Nepal, but made Mumbai his home to establish himself as an artist.
The idea of painting portraits of Bachchan was born on the day he passed away in 2003. “I carried a portrait of Dr Bachchan to the funeral and gave it to Amitabh ji. Some days later, I received a letter from him, which was also signed by Jaya ji and Abhishek ji, where they had graciously written how they would always remember my gesture,” shares Singh, adding, “I have sent an invite to Amitabh ji for this exhibition. I have a feeling he will make it.”
Artist Bharat Singh
Within his own fraternity, renowned artist Laxman Shreshtha inspires Singh. Born in Nepal, Shreshtha too came to Mumbai when being an artist was not considered a viable profession in his country. Singh, who has painted several industrialists and actors, has a wish list. “Some day, I hope to to portray Lata Mangeshkar and Sachin Tendulkar on my canvas.”
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