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Icons from the World
of Arts
Written simply, the essays give an account not only of the artistes’ lives but also delve into their thinking, ideas and ideologies. Hard work and single-minded determination. This is the common thread that unites M. F. Husain, Pt Birju Maharaj, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Lata Mangeshkar, Ustad Zakir Hussain, A. R. Rehman, Dr Padma Subramanyam and S. Nandgopal. Their ability to change themselves with time has made their arts relevant not just for one generation, but also for generations to come. In an essay on M. F. Husain, the writer brings forth the man and the painter in him. A look at his career-graph reveals how with sheer hard work and determination, he rose from a modest signboard painter to become India’s foremost artist. Be it as a painter, cinematographer or master of tapestry, the 89-year-old Husain comes across as a young at heart person. The indomitable spirit of M. S. Subbulakshmi, the first musician to win the Bharat Ratna, shines through the way she stormed a male bastion. Unfortunately, she passed away by the time the book was published. Similarly, Lata Mangeshkar’s journey towards fame was not easy. Being the sole earning member of the family, she had to work hard to establish herself. Her invincible spirit got her going. The essays also introduce us to various forms of classical dance. For instance, while writing about Pandit Birju Maharaj, the author first introduces us to Kathak as an art form and the various gharanas specialising in this art form. Intimate details such as "he likes opening up gadgets just to see how they work" reflect the innate curiosity of Birju Maharaj. The essays also look at the way these artistes approach their art. Not satisfied and contented with the form as presented to them by their ancestors and gurus, these maestros have evolved their own forms after thorough research and practice. For example, while studying Natya Sastra for her PhD, Dr Padma Subramanyam travelled the length and breadth of the country in search of original texts and spent 10 years researching her doctoral thesis. Artistes like A. R. Rehman, Ustad Zakir Husain, S. Nandagopal are recreating their art forms and adding vigour to them. These connoisseurs are the custodians of our tradition. The essays are in continuation of the series of books on icons from the world of science, sports, business and social change. The portraits of the luminaries by Dipankar Bhattacharya add to the appeal of the book. The collection pays homage to these men and women of substance without whom our classical arts and music would not have been enriched. |
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