Here is a tribute to (late) NTR by city-based artist Katti Balakoteswara Rao. He has filled his canvases with drawings and water colour paintings of the actor/politician at an exhibition titled ‘Annagari Bommala Koluvu’ at the State Art Gallery. Each work looks unique and reflects his love for NTR. “I have lost count of the number of times I have watched Pathala Bhairavi and Missamma, ” says Koteswara Rao as he points towards a water colour painting of NTR in the famous role of Thota Ramudu from the classic movie. “He was such a great actor. His face was his asset and could depict myriad emotions through them,” says Koteswara Rao in awe.
All the memorable characters of NTR have been depicted — Gireesam in Kanyasulkam , a meek teacher in Missamma , Lord Rama, Krishna, an anguished king and father in Lava Kusa , Duryodhana, Krishnadevaraya, Brahmanaidu — these almost perfect replicas are precise and reflect an experienced hand. The drawings minutely depict every face line and strand of hair and captures NTR’s style. The hall is filled with 160 works which includes 120 drawings and 30 watercolours. There are two drawings — one of NTR’s parents and the other of his brother Trivikram Rao among the exhibits.
Hailing from Addanki in Prakasham district, Koteswara Rao is doing his Ph. D in folk art from Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University. Interestingly, this is his first solo exhibition, and he is glad his first exhibition is on his ‘hero’.
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Art has been Koteswara Rao’s passion since childhood. He likes to draw ‘happy works which even a common man can enjoy.’ “I believe art is not just for the artist but also for common people. I do not want to draw abstract works which is for only a niche audience. I want my art to be simple and appreciated by all,” he smiles. Koteswara Rao promises more exhibitions on NTR. “I will do different art works for a living and works on NTR just for my satisfaction,” he says.
All his works will come out in the form of a book titled ‘Anna Gari Bommalakoluvu’ to be released next month.
The exhibition at State Art Gallery is on till January 1, 2014.
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