The ‘Hidden Truth’ about Raja Ravi Varma

Known for her brilliant portrayals as a 'realism artist', Rukmini Varma swaps her brush for pen, for her debut book.

Published: 15th May 2018 02:49 AM  |   Last Updated: 15th May 2018 02:49 AM   |  A+A-

Raja Ravi Varma

By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Rukmini Varma recently released a book Hidden Truth on her great-great grandfather Raja Ravi Varma. Known for her brilliant portrayals as a 'realism artist', Rukmini swaps her brush for pen, for her debut book.

Rukmini says, "The personal aspect of Ravi Varma in the book is based upon what I have learned about him from my grandmother — the last Maharani of Travancore — Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, who knew a lot about his personal experiences than others did. Her mother Mahaprabha Thampuratty, who was Ravi Varma’s favourite daughter, knew even more about him and was privy to his thoughts which he revealed to her on many off-guard moments, talking about his inner agonies — both personal and physical."

She adds that instances of his life recounted to her by her grandmother, Raja Ravi Varma's eldest granddaughter, and other pieces of information regarding his character and persona gleaned from uncles and members of his family who were alive at that time, made for a fascinating study of his journey.

In the late 1960s, Rukmini had access to some of Ravi Varma’s notes penned by him within the pages of the book “The Best Works of the Royal Academy Masters” that he constantly referred to, in his studies on composition and placement. "When I read what he had written, everything seemed to fall into place and the missing links in his life appeared to join, weaving together the loose ends," she says.

About the Author
Rukmini Varma is a leading Indian artist who paints in the classical tradition. Born in 1940 as Princess Bharani Thirunal Rukmini Bayi Thampuran of Travancore State, Rukmini is a great-great granddaughter of the master painter Raja Ravi Varma and custodian of his artistic legacy. She is also the chairperson of the Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation based in Bengaluru.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp



Comments

Disclaimer : We respect your thoughts and views! But we need to be judicious while moderating your comments. All the comments will be moderated by the newindianexpress.com editorial. Abstain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks. Try to avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines.

The views expressed in comments published on newindianexpress.com are those of the comment writers alone. They do not represent the views or opinions of newindianexpress.com or its staff, nor do they represent the views or opinions of The New Indian Express Group, or any entity of, or affiliated with, The New Indian Express Group. newindianexpress.com reserves the right to take any or all comments down at any time.

flipboard facebook twitter whatsapp