NAGPUR: Waman Thakre is one of the most distinguished photo-artists of the country. His creative skills earned him wide acclaim and the veteran photographer has the distinction of being perhaps the country’s only creative photographer to be conferred with Padma Shri recently. Though settled in Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) post-retirement, Thakre is quintessentially a Vidarbhaite and a Nagpurian at that.
Born on April 24, 1932 in Ramtek, Nagpur district, Thakre did his early education from Ramtek and Nagpur and later graduated in commercial art and photography from the Chitrakala Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur and J J School of Art, Mumbai, bagging top honours. Subsequently he was appointed as an artist with the Madhya Pradesh government’s public welfare directorate in Nagpur and after Madhya Pradesh came into being, he was transferred to Bhopal. The life of Thakre, who will turn 75 on Tuesday, has been one portraying over five decades of relentless and dedicated pursuits of creative excellence. He has held many exhibitions in India and abroad. It is his keen eye for detail and finesse, which has earned him many laurels.
NAGPUR: Waman Thakre is one of the most distinguished photo-artists of the country. His creative skills earned him wide acclaim and the veteran photographer has the distinction of being perhaps the country’s only creative photographer to be conferred with Padma Shri recently. Though settled in Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) post-retirement, Thakre is quintessentially a Vidarbhaite and a Nagpurian at that.
Born on April 24, 1932 in Ramtek, Nagpur district, Thakre did his early education from Ramtek and Nagpur and later graduated in commercial art and photography from the Chitrakala Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur and J J School of Art, Mumbai, bagging top honours. Subsequently he was appointed as an artist with the Madhya Pradesh government’s public welfare directorate in Nagpur and after Madhya Pradesh came into being, he was transferred to Bhopal. The life of Thakre, who will turn 75 on Tuesday, has been one portraying over five decades of relentless and dedicated pursuits of creative excellence. He has held many exhibitions in India and abroad. It is his keen eye for detail and finesse, which has earned him many laurels.
Turning leafs of his book of memories he fondly reminisces his association with Nagpur. Speaking over the phone from Bhopal, says Thakre, “Two days after learning that I would be an (Padma Shree) awardee, I went to Ramtek and paid obeisance at the ancient Ram temple. I owe a lot to Ramtek—the land of Kalidasa and where lord Ram, Laxman and Sita stayed during their 14-year penance. I met my old school friends—former state minister Madhukarrao Kimmatkar, Chandrabhan Baghale and Madhukar Mokle. I even went to my schools —Samarth Vidyalaya in Ramtek and New Era High School in Nagpur. I cannot describe it in words the surge of emotions that choked my inner self that I was their product.’’
Thakre, who is proud of his Ramtek roots, says, it perhaps his modest upbringing in a simple but culturally rich place that made him an artiste. Later in Nagpur, where he had his later part of education, it was more of honing of skills under some of very good teachers he underwent training—both at school and college. Artistic pursuits apart, Thakre says he was a keen sports-lover too and was the vice-captain of the university kabaddi team. Recalling a touching moment of his college days in Nagpur, Thakre says, “My teacher Vasantrao Dehadrai, who was an expert photographer himself, sent four of his pictures and four clicked by me, for an international exhibition in Calcutta way back in 1958-59. The organisers picked three pictures each of my teacher and me. I was very elated. It was due to Dehadrai’s blessings that I could reach this level.’’
When a child gets good grades, it makes his parents and teachers happy. Sadly, both my parents and teachers are no more alive, with whom I could share my joy. Yes, my family has always been very supportive and they are thrilled whenever I’m awarded, says Thakre.
Speaking about the present day art and photography scenario, he says, “Changes are imminent. Changes in lifestyle and latest technology have had its effect on the tastes, preferences of artists and artbuffs. One must keep pace with the changing times, without compromising on the ethics and aesthetics—whatever medium you choose—be it painting or photography.’’ The urge to create something afresh always keeps an artist energised, he says before signing off.
Source: Times of India