Jalebeeeeeee !

     The first month of the year and nothing to talk about. I am sorry but that is what happens when you are in a demanding profession. Anyway I have some more interesting tit-bits for you all.
     North India is famous for it's street food. Unfortunately most of the tourists shy away from it because of hygiene reasons. But let me assure you some of those avoidable looking stalls serve some real yummmmy delicacies. One of the dishes served at many places is a sweet called Jalebi. Though the earliest mention of this dish in Indian texts dates to 1450 AD but we are still not sure if we can lay a claim to its origins. A very similar dish is called Zulubiya in Iran, Zellabia in Lebanon and Z'labia in Tunisia. Any way, who ever wins, the final winner is this tasty dish called Jalebi. So next time you visit us do make it a point try it.
     I hope you love this painting of a street food vendor and also get to enjoy his Jalebis. Have a fantastic year ahead.



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Gateway- II

     This is another picture of the waters near Gateway of India. This is evening time when the ferries are docking up after a long day. This is one side which generally comes in the shadows and the setting sun leaves interesting reflections. Tried to catch this difficult moment. Don't know how successful I was. Personally I feel I overdid it in a few places.

Water Lilies- III

     Water lilies are a favourite subject with many an artist. I am no exception. This is a third one on my blog! On one of my routine morning walks in a park close to my home had clicked a picture and decided to paint it. It was a quick work and loved doing it.

Gateway of India.

    The Gateway of India was a monument built during the British rule in India. Earlier it used to be a crude jetty used by fishermen of the area. It was renovated and this structure built, to make it befitting for prominent people to land. The structure used to be the first thing to be seen by visitors coming to Mumbai by boat. Now it is overshadowed by sky scrapers all around. The waters are choked with variety of boats. Catamarans and flashy yachts compete with age old ferries for space. The huge ships entering and exiting Mumbai harbor dominate all of them. But in the end it is peaceful co existence for all.

     A week end trip of water color painting. Was not entirely happy but then.....

His Holiness.

     Two days back, His Holiness The Dalai Lama was in my city to deliver a talk on the eve of World Compassion Day. There could not have been a better choice. He does not preach but just speaks... speaks whatever he feels is right. When he speaks about peace, you feel the inner peace in him. When he speaks about happiness you see the joy in his eyes. He does not just represent his country and religion but speaks for the whole world. He even shows compassion towards the Chinese, who the Tibetans claim are responsible for their miseries. Wish we had more like him.
     This a portrait of the Great man done in oils on paper. Worth every minute I spent on it.

'Big B'

     This is a quick fire portrait of Mr Amitabh Bachchan, who is popularly known as 'Big B' in India. He is an actor who has been firing the imaginations of Indians for the past 50 years. In his hey days he was also known as 'The angry young man' for the kind of roles he did. His popularity has still not faded even a wee bit. I, for one, am a big fan of his. Would like him to continue forever.
     Wanted to do a portrait for a change. What better subject than this ! And believe you me, this was pure fun... all the way. 

Mhadei sets sail again !

     Had done this work more than two years back. The occasion was... my friend, Commander Donde had successfully completed the solo circum-navigation of the world... the First Indian to do so. This painting is of his Sail Boat- Mhadei. Had to repost this pic because another Indian Naval officer- Lieutenant Commander Tomy has set course in the same small, fragile boat. He has also set course alone on this voyage... wants to repeat the feat... with an added challenge. He wants to go round the world... Non Stop... Unassisted ! Friends, please wish him luck. His live updates will be available for all
on http://sagarparikrama2.blogspot.in/.