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From Madhubala from Mughal-e-Azam of black and white era to gorgeous Aishwaya Rai Bachchan of Jodha Akbar, artist Vinita Dasgupta pays a tribute to changing times of Indian cinema with series of paintings of yore and modern mainstream actors titled “Bollywood Reveries” is displayed at the Art Consult.
Bringing Bollywood from reel to canvas takes Vinita to her childhood days. She draws inspiration from actors such as Madhubala, Sharmila Tagore and Rekha. “After doing a series on fashion world, I wanted to depict Bollywood in its glamour, failure and success. Also, I feel the fan base of old actors is intact even today. I have been a movie buff and have grown watching their films.”
Highlighting the two generations of the industry, the yesteryear stars, Madhubala from Mughal-e-Azam, Rekha from Umrao Jaan and trendsetter Sharmila Tagore from Evening in Paris make the art collection.
While from the contemporaries, the artist brings Bollywood’s reigning stars Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Aishwarya on the canvas. She has also made portrait of a bespectacled Salman Khan from blockbuster Dabangg. “I have tried to highlight how actors motivate people to do their best and do good deeds. I have tried to show the humourous side of the industry. I feel Bollywood is an integral part of our society and we are interconnected. We can feel its presence in our daily life and even reality of life is well depicted on the big screen.”
Giving it a retro look, Vinita’s artworks are done in bold and vibrant colours. Vinita says, “I tried to give it a pop retro look as as 60s and 70s were the golden era of Bollywood. My few works are done in poster art style of Bollywood, which is finding its space again in films. After Om Shanti Om, people have started using hand-painted banners. I have tried to revive the old poster art.”
Vinita has also explored the influence of Hollywood on Bollywood by depicting actress Marilyn Monroe in various avatar. About her future projects, she is planning to do video documentation, sculptures and installations on Bollywood theme.
“I’m also planning a complete series on Hollywood. I’m also looking forward to a collection on Satyajit Ray and his films,” she sums up.
The show is on till December 18
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