Friday, September 13, 2013

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia ( Flute Maestro )


Two years ago, I planned to sketch a legend whom I admire a lot. When he plays his instrument, the flute, the whole environment turns into a beautiful garden. That gives immense pleasure and looks like Lord Krishna is playing flute sitting under a tree in Vrindaban.... But I could not start this art work that time. It used to get replaced by some other art work because of some reason. Finally, that moment came and I got chance to sketch this great man Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia Ji.

The legend is from Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. As you guys might have read about him from the sources that his father wanted him to become wrestler. He did go for the training but it was just for pleasing his father. Almighty had decided something else for him. And it was a classical flutist. He learned flute from Pandit Bholanath Prasanna in Varansi for eight years. Later he joined All India Radio.

Hariprasad Ji got so many accolades. He was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1992, Padma Vibhushan, Hafiz Ali Khan Award, Dinanath Mangeshkar Award in 2000. He received Honorary Doctorates from two universities, North Orrisa University in 2008 and Utkal Universities in 2011. He has performed all over the world in his 55 years of his professional career. I dedicated two lines to the legend.

बांस में छिपे सुरों को, बांसुरी लायी उभार के ,
             आपने उन सुरों को सुना, दिलों को चुरा लिया / - AOD

I thoroughly enjoyed sketching Hariprasad Ji. I have surrounded him with seven colors band. They are indicator of seven swaras in music. I would love to be in his aura if I get chance. It might happen soon.

The next art work might take some time friends. I seek forgiveness for this. I have some literature work this month. And my health also not well. I am still suffering from backache. My well wishers and family members have been asking me for a quite long to take it little easy and take some rest. My pals, I agree with you and follow your suggestions. But you know, I would not have sketched any if I had considered my pain. Last 4-5 sketches have been portrayed in a huge pain and it used to get aggravated every time I sketched. But this pain grief was quite lesser than the happiness of sketching. Since so many of you eagerly wait for my art works. I am grateful to them. Their thirst only inspire me to keep sketching. Thanks for being with me and motivating me dears ! My mother's recovery is been rapid this month. She has started walking with the help of walker. Doctors are hoping for her to walk by own soon ! Thanks to all who sent recovery wishes and prayers.

You all live your dreams respecting your elders, loving your younger, following your idols and connecting the Almighty !

Love & Regards,
Atul Ojhal  


Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Kapil Dev (Best Cricket All Rounder)


Hopefully, I am not late this time too, came soon with my new art work. As you could recognize by now, this is of Shri Kapil Dev, a cricket sensation of 80's. His contribution for Indian cricket was unparalleled. India brought world cup title under his captaincy in 1983. He was awarded Arjun Award in 1980, Padma Shri in 1982, Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1983, Wisden Indian Cricketer of the Century in 2002 and ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2010.

I did not see Kapil playing live. Still I was a big fan of him just by hearing lots of applauds from senior members of my family. They used to tell me about his aggressive style of bat and bowl. The best one they told me about the match played between India Vs Zimbabwe in 1983 world cup. In this match skipper played match winning inning and won the match even after pathetic start from top order. India lost their 4 wickets only on 9 runs. The score turned to 17 for 5 when Yashpal Sharma was dismissed. Then the master did partnership of 60 runs with Roger Binny and 62 runs partnership with Madan Lal. Syed Kirmani walked in at 140 for 8. Kapil put on an unbeaten partnership of 126 runs for 9th wicket with Kirmani. Its been a record for 27 years. India finally won this match by 31 runs ! Couple of years ago that record was broken by Mathews and Malinga from Sri Lanka in 2010.

Kapil is still the best All rounder in test matches with immatchable statistics. He is the only one who took 400+ wickets and 5000+ runs. I was telling this to my father and immediately he responded back with praise for him. First time my father appreciated any cricketer. "I used to watch matches when Kapil used to play. I was a big fan of him". He said. This name strikes me and I decided to sketch him and present him the same. I have tried to portray his aggressiveness in this work. His expressions in my poetic way :-)

" बॉल फेंकूं तो गिल्लियाँ बिखेर दूं , बल्ले पे चढ़ जाए तो आसमाँ चूम लूँ ! " - AOD 

Currently, Kapil is heading an NGO named KHUSHI in Delhi as a chairman. KHUSHI runs couple of schools for the less privileged and provides education, food and clothing to them. Kapil has been actively involved in supporting needy through KHUSHI since 2005. I contacted KHUSHI and requested for a meet with him. They have assured for this asap. I would share the snaps once it happens.

I am working on my next art work. I would try to come soon with the new one. Till then you be with calm and peace. May God be with you !

Love & Regards,
Atul Ojhal