Tina Ambani unveils Wasim Kapoor's <i>Shades of Time</i>

Monday, April 24, 2006

Kolkata, (UNI): Well known art connoisseur and Anil Ambani's better half Tina Ambani today unvieled acclaimed painter Wasim Kapor's Shades of Times - a collection of 60 portraits of actresses from the Madhubala to the Aishwarya era.

Wasim Kapoor brought to life leading Bollywood and Tollywood actresses covering the entire span of Indian cinema right from 1930 to 2006. The painting series is a treasure-trove of 60 Indian divas who ruled over 75 years of Indian cinema.

Overwhelmed by the presence of Tina, Wasim Kapoor handed over the portrait of Tina Munim, the actress to her in the presence of galaxy of painters and art lovers.

Moved by the portraits of actresses of the past and herself, she adds a bit emotionally,''Seeing these portraits reminds me of my film days''.

Talking to mediapersons on what inspired him to paint this series, Mr Kapoor said, ''I am inspired by the contribution of women. We have always seen the darker side of women and so I decided to show women in a positive role'' About his future projects, the 55-year-old painter said his favourite subject was The Christ and he plans to come out with a series of Jesus Christ before the year end. Although he did not want to reveal names of the actress he enjoyed most painting but with a little more pushing, he said, ''Painting all of them on canvas gave me satisfaction but I think painting Suchitra, Rekha, Smita and Susmita was an enjoyable experiences.'' Tollywood actress Debasree Roy, whose portrait was among the collection said, ''When I first saw my portrait I felt strange and excited. I am thrilled to find my portrait in his collection. Wasim is a wonderful artist.'' The series included paintings of Devika Rani, Meena kumari, Hema, Zeenat, Konkana, Madhuri, Sridevi, Biapasha and Rani, among other breathtaking portraits.

Rass Inovations' Pradeep Rawat acquired all the 60 paintings for an undisclosed amount. These paintings will be put up for sale with the inauguration of an art gallery of Rass Innovations at the Bypass sometime in mid-October.