Idli vendor puts up exhibition

Updated on: 18 January,2009 06:24 AM IST |
Shailesh Bhatia |

Idli-dosa vendor Pradeep Pal showcases his paintings at Carter Road

Stepping stone: Inspired by one of Raghu Rai's photograph, small time idli-dosa vendor Pradeep Pal shows his paintings at Carter Road

Idli-dosa vendor Pradeep Pal showcases his paintings at Carter Road

Metric pass, with no formal education in Fine Arts, Pal, who came to Mumbai from a small village in Orissa five years ago, is a discovery of theater personality and artistu00a0 Prabha Pandey, an active member of Bandra West Residents Association.

The three-day, open-air exhibition is now expected to draw a substantial number of visitors, including film celebrities.

"When I first came to Mumbai, I had just two pairs of clothing, a few of my canvasses and a dream. With little choice to earn a livelihood, I started rolling out dosas from a Bandstand tapri, a job which fetched me Rs 200 per day, a majority of which was utilised to purchase painting material," said Pal.

Pal added that it was sheer poverty, combined with the burden of providing for parents and six siblings that urged him to try his luck in this city. "Last year, at the annual Celebrate Bandra Fest, I showed some of my works to Prabha. She immediately volunteered to promote my art," smiled Pal.

Pandey, who was busy hanging the paintings, on Friday afternoon, said, "Though we are not allowed to sell paintings on Carter Road, I am sure that people will come forward to promote Pal's talent."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels