Doctors and artists from across India have come together to narrate 45 diverse stories of survivors of acute ailments and their caregivers on canvas at Mumbai’s Jehangir Art Gallery from January 7 to 13, 2025, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The canvases are narrating stories of 13 cancer survivors, eight organ transplants, paediatric health, generic health, mental health, women’s health, brain haemorrhage, infertility, acute leukaemia, and many other ailments.
Titled, ‘Art for Health’ the exhibition is part of Rang De Neela, an initiative at the intersection of art and health, started by story and art curator Ami Shah and Dr. Rajiv Kovil on April 7, 2022.
Ms. Shah said that the initiative was inspired by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) scoping report that recognised the instrumental role art can play in healing patients and their caregivers. The initiative aims to harness the power of art in improving health literacy, promoting positive health behaviour, and helping individuals and communities manage chronic, acute, and mental health conditions.
Artwork titled, “Divine Intervention” by artist Pratap Badatya narrates the harrowing experience of actor Shreyas Talpade and his wife, Dipti Talpade, during the actor’s life-threatening cardiac arrest.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
In this show, a variety of real-world narratives related to health issues, including experiences from cancer survivors, individuals who have undergone organ transplants, paediatric health concerns, general health topics, mental health matters, and women’s health are exhibited. Doctors, patients, their caregivers and 36 artists from across India have worked on the project from December 2023.
“As many as 45 art works are on display and each inspired by a true story. These pieces reflect the journeys of individuals, narrated alongside their doctors and caregivers, who share their experiences of hope, courage, and resilience. The exhibition aims to inspire viewers not only to survive but to thrive, even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. This unique collection is produced by skilled artists drawn from across India and slated to grace art galleries all over the country, starting with Mumbai,” Dr. Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology, Zandra Healthcare and co-founder of Rang De Neela, said.
Ami Shah, who brought everyone on board for the project said, “We first created a spreadsheet where we put 100 health conditions. We made columns with names of the doctors who had treated them. After the doctors shared their best-case studies, we invited the patients and their caregivers in the presence of their doctors over a Zoom call that was recorded with their consent. In those meetings, the patients narrated their stories of physical and emotional pain, recovery, society response and financial burden. The recording was given to contemporary artists from across India who then created the narrative stories on canvases.”
One canvas has taken at least five months’ time. Ms. Shah said that their goal is to stop at 100 canvases to match the 100 identified illnesses.
Rohan (Rishi) Dayal’s evocative artwork, ‘The Glass Maze’, encapsulates the harrowing journey of Prabhakar, an alcohol addicted man in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district. From a tender age of 10, Mr. Prabhakar’s descent into alcoholism was a gradual yet relentless spiral, affecting his health, family, and financial stability.
The painting vividly portrays Mr. Prabhakar’s struggle as he becomes trapped within a towering whiskey glass, symbolising the insidious nature of addiction. As the boy grows older, the maze of alcoholism tightens its grip, reflecting the increasing complexity of his dependence. Yet, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of a hand reaching out, representing the support and guidance that ultimately led to his recovery.
Ms. Shah explained, “With compassion and unwavering support from his family and medical professionals like Dr. Abhay and Dr. Rani Bang, Mr. Prabhakar embarked on a challenging path to sobriety. His involvement in the alcohol prohibition movement in Gadchiroli, further underscores his commitment to helping others break free from the shackles of addiction.
Pratap Badatya’s poignant artwork, ‘Divine Intervention,’ encapsulates the harrowing experience of actor Shreyas Talpade and his wife, Dipti Talpade, during a life-threatening cardiac arrest. The canvas is a stark contrast of light and shadow, mirroring the delicate balance between life and death.
Artwork titled ‘The Glass Maze’ by Rohan (Rishi) Dayal is about the harrowing journey of an alcohol addicted man in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
The painting depicts the couple’s journey, marked by moments of both joy and fear. Drawing inspiration from the mythological tale of Savitri and Satyavan, the artwork highlights Dipti’s unwavering determination to keep her husband alive. The crucial role of Dr. Vijay Lulla’s timely medical intervention was instrumental in reviving Mr. Talpade’s heart.
Ms. Shah said, “The chaotic backdrop of a Bollywood set, and a traffic jam symbolises the obstacles they faced. However, the painting also portrays the collective effort of doctors, hospital staff, and even strangers who came together to help Shreyas Talpade reach the hospital.”
In 1976, Daisy D’Costa made history as the first woman in India to undergo bypass surgery, a ground-breaking procedure performed by cardiac surgeon, Dr. K.M. Cherian. Today, at the age of 93, she stands as a testament to the power of medical innovation and human resilience.
Artist Vijay Gille’s painting, ‘A New Beat’ captures Ms. D’Costa’s surgical rebirth and the biblical resurrection of Jesus Christ, said Ms. Shah. Central to the painting is a biga, a two-horse chariot, symbolising MS. D’Costa’s journey to recovery. “The blocked path of the chariot mirrors the obstruction of her heart artery, while the bypass represents the innovative surgical solution that allowed her to continue her journey. This simple yet profound metaphor highlights the brilliance of Dr. Cherian’s surgical technique. Today, Daisy’s legacy extends far beyond her medical triumph. With a loving family of five children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, her story continues to inspire countless lives,” Ms. Shah said.
Published – January 08, 2025 02:30 am IST
