Monday, April 14, 2008

1991-1992: FCB ULKA: ITC BHADRACHALAM






A calendar done for ITC Bhadrachalam is something I remember fondly. The VP Marketing was a certain Mr. Gupta. ITC Bhadrachalam decided to support local talent and foster good community relations. Paintings seemed to be a great way of showcasing the quality of Bhadrachalam papers and also to promote painters from the region. K Rajiah a well known folk artist, poet and theatre personality was selected. Mr Gupta and I went to Medak in Siddipet to meet K. Rajiah and to photograph his paintings. It was a trip I still remember and mostly because I got to know two refined souls who were successful in what they did and they treated a novice and a trainee like me with respect and regard.

The calendar was rendered brilliantly by Chandrasekhar Hinge by using strips on the borders which followed the folk theme and stayed true to the Nakashi style that Rajiah followed.

There are 4 that are featured:

1) Bonalu(last picture while going top down ) - is the village jatra of Telengana. Dappu beaters in this picture are leading the way for the woman who performs the pooja, called Shivshakti. Following her are women devotees carrying nevyedyam (cooked rice) in earthern pots as offering for the Goddess.

2) Milkmaids(second last top down) – The Golla women belong to the dairying community of Telengana. The saree is worn on the right shoulder and these women are known for their love of jewellery.

3) Wadar women (third last top down) – belong to the community that traditionally into
stone cutting. Women are known to be good at weaving carpets.

4) Sharada Kandlu(fourth last top down)– are the nomadic story tellers of Telegana. They
earn their livelihood by narrating stories about kings, gods and similar tales handed down
the generations through songs and narrations. They use instruments called Burralu,
Andelu & Thambura.

No comments: