Memorable moments of melody queen Lata Mangeshkar in paintings by Ramkripal Namdeo will be exhibited in Kolkata for the first time
“Chitralatika” is a solo painting exhibition by noted painter Limca Book of Records holder Ramkripal Namdeo at Jamini Roy Art Gallery (ICCR) between 22 February-26 February 2023. The most important attraction is Lata Mangeshkar. Yes, many memories from Lata Mangeshkar’s musical as well as personal moments have been painted by Ramkripal. Around forty-odd, such paintings will be showcased for the first time in the city of joy Kolkata.
Ramkripal’s journey in the field of art started when he was a child. His grandmother used to paint the courtyard of her house with cow dung and white clay (Chui) very beautifully. And sometimes she used to do beautiful clay art on the walls on both sides of the door frame of the house. Ramkripal used to see that art of hers. It used to be like playing with clay with the same-age children of the locality. When his mother gave him bread to eat, he used to bite the bread in such a way that some shapes were formed.
On 6th February 2022, our revered queen of melody Lata Mangeshkar left us. Remembering her first death anniversary “Chitralatika” the unique painting exhibition has been planned in Kolkata for the first time.
Ramkripal Namdeo says,” I was also in Mumbai at that time when Didi passed away. So, I could attend her last journey. Didi may have left us, but her sweet, heart-touching voice will always be remembered by the ages to come. It is my heartfelt wish that I keep making Lata Didi’s pictures for the rest of my life.”
“Chitralatika” is mainly based on Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar. The 14th Chitralatika Exhibition will be held at Jamini Roy Art Gallery (ICCR), Kolkata from 22 February to 26 February 2023. It would be inaugurated by noted anthologist “Lata Geetkosh” compiler Snehasis Chatterjee, Pt. Prodyut Mukherjee, One of the jury members of Grammy from India, GIMA Awardee Percussionist, noted musician-composer Soumya Dasgupta, and many other dignitaries.
Ramkripal has made such a picture of Lata ji which features 1436 faces of the artist, politicians, etc. including a picture of Maa Saraswati, in addition to this, flower leaves and musical instruments were made in the artwork. This picture has been included in the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records in 2019.
Eventually, Ramkripal had the privilege of the meeting respected Lata Mangeshkar in the year 2014, getting her signature on a painting that got an entry in the Limca Book of Records.
Since 2013, Ramkripal has been doing paintings based on Lata ji and till now there is a collection of about fifty-odd paintings and this practice is still going on.
Undoubtedly, Lata Mangeshkar fanatics from Kolkata are going to witness a unique exhibition for the first time here.
