Osho’s niece to be honoured for her artwork

LUCKNOW: Inspired by her uncle Osho’s vision, Pratiksha Apurv, 52, began painting in 2003. With no formal training, today, the artist is known for reviving meditative art in the country. Soon, she will be felicitated for her creative contributions. Pratiksha has been selected for the national artist award by Lalit Kala Akademi, under the union culture ministry, that would be conferred on her in Lucknow on March 10.

Inspired by her uncle Osho’s vision, Pratiksha Apurv (52) began painting in 2003. With no formal training, today, the artist is known for reviving meditative art in the country. Soon, she will be felicitated for her creative contributions.

Pratiksha has been selected for the national artist award by Lalit Kala Akademi, under the union culture ministry, that would be conferred on her in Lucknow on March 10. The painting for which she’s being felicitated will also be exhibited at the 57th national exhibition of art at Lalit Kala Akademi, Aliganj, here.

Talking to HT, Pratiksha said, “My painting was titled ‘cosmic balance’. It depicts the mantra of balance in life - to enjoy every moment in its totality by witnessing everything in life, be it happiness or sadness, like an outsider.”

Having designed clothes for former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, actor Vinod Khanna, sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, sufi singer Hansraj Hans, cricketing legend Kapil Dev, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain and several other luminaries, Pratiksha quit fashion designing when she was at the peak of her career and devoted herself to painting. She said that she practises meditation and follows her mind.

Overall 15 artists will be honoured with the award that comprises a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh. There are two other names from Uttar Pradesh - Amit Kumar from Lucknow and Dheeraj Yadav from Allahabad.

Amit Kumar, an independent artist from Lucknow said, “My painting, which was selected for the award shows a zebra that has the face of a lion and a microphone in front of it. The message it gives is that even an ordinary man needs to don the face of a lion to put forward his words.”

Dheeraj Yadav of Allahabad is being awarded for his drawing titled ‘Untitled 40’ . The awards will be presented in various categories including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, installation and print making among others.

PRATIKSHA HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR THE NATIONAL ARTIST AWARD.