After a two-decade-long artistic journey rooted in devotion and personal transformation, Bharat Tripathi unveiled his latest solo exhibition, Anjaneya, at Jehangir Art Gallery. Inaugurated by filmmakers Nitesh Tiwari and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari along with Neila Kapoor, the event also had veteran actress Bindu among other guests. A double Harvard graduate, former civil servant, and protégé of the late SH Raza, Tripathi describes this exhibition as an “emotional comeback,” one that draws deeply from his spiritual engagement with the Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand, as well as his personal experiences of loss, resilience, and renewal.
(L-R) Reena Jha Tripathi, Bharat Tripathi, Neila Devi Kapoor, Nitesh Tiwari and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari at the inauguration“For the last nine years, I have lived with Anjaneya—my artistic interpretation of one of the most loved Gods. This is the longest I have taken for any exhibition, and I feel it is really an emotional comeback for me to art,” says Tripathi. He adds with a smile, “Interestingly, Hanuman Ji’s number is also nine. So, I feel really very excited about this particular show that is on till Sept 14.” Explaining why he chose Hanuman as the subject of this series, he shares, “Hanumanji is the most revered deity across the country. Despite him being one of the simplest, with no tantrums, no rituals, you will find so many devotees flocking to him with so much faith. Over the years, I have been constantly listening to Hanuman Chalisa, Sundarkand. And this is why I dedicated this whole series of art to Hanumanji.”
Bharat, who was first launched as an artist in 2009 with his show Nav Durga by mentor SH Raza, continues to evolve with every series. “From my first exhibition in 2009 to my sixth solo today, I have evolved gradually. In every series I have experimented with a new form. In this show, I have consciously used the red color, sindoori red, for Hanuman. In my first painting of this series, I haven’t given Hanuman any mukut or any jewellery, rather I kept him basic, simplistic with just a janeu—and this work was already sold right then, years before I planned this exhibition.”
The artist with the first painting that he created from the series, titled, ‘Anjaneya’His works also carry the weight of his personal life. Now occasionally guided by senior artist Anjolie Ela Menon, he admits his art has become a vessel for his emotions. “I lost my father in 2016, mother in 2018, then I suffered from COVID and lost two more years. I think that my emotional journey is reflected in the works over the years,” he reflects. With Anjaneya, Bharat opens a window into a nine-year-long dialogue with faith, simplicity, and inner strength, channelled through the beloved figure of Hanuman.
