Sketching in the Morning, Music in the Afternoon, and Engaging Art Discussions in the Evening
Udaipur, February 17, 2025 – The second day of the three-day ‘Kala Aangan’ festival, jointly organized by Kashti Foundation and Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, saw a dynamic fusion of art, music, storytelling, and cultural exchange. Held at Government Higher Secondary School, Varda, the festival introduced students to various artistic expressions, fostering creativity and appreciation for fine arts.
Kashti Foundation’s Shraddha Murdia shared that the morning session was dedicated to sketching, led by renowned sketch artist and architect Sunil Laddha. Under his guidance, urban sketchers and students collaborated to create a diverse range of sketches. More than 35 students actively participated, using pencils and colors to craft artistic renditions. The session was moderated by storyteller Rajat Meghnani.
The grand three-day festival, supported by Miraj Group, Round Table, Mangalam Arts, Kapoor Traders, Shreeji Property, and Udaipur Colors, will conclude on Monday evening with a grand exhibition showcasing the artistic works created during the event.
Jataka Tales and Artistic Inspirations: A Thought-Provoking Discussion
In the art discussion session, artist and former Rajasthan Vidyapeeth professor Srinivasan Iyer engaged in a stimulating conversation with Sunil Laddha.
- Iyer emphasized the significance of ancient stories, such as Jataka Tales and Panchatantra, highlighting how nature’s elements inspire art and creativity.
- He explored how an artist’s imagination can transform a simple cloud’s shape into a meaningful artistic creation.
- He also discussed the benefits of art for the common people, emphasizing its role in expressing emotions, storytelling, and cultural preservation.
Additionally, Pindwara (Sirohi) artist Mahesh Kumawat shared his journey, detailing his selection among the top 12 artists for the Prayagraj Art Camp. Meanwhile, Round Table representatives Mohit Agrawal, Mohit Singhvi, and Manan encouraged young students to pursue their artistic passions.
Ahmedabad-based artist Fenil Patel presented her views on the role of women in the art world, emphasizing their contributions and the need for greater representation.
A Story of Perseverance: Bollywood Director Kunal Mehta Inspires Students
In a riveting session, emerging Bollywood filmmaker Kunal Mehta, known for his acclaimed film ‘Tairaki’, shared his journey from a government school student to a rising film director.
- Mehta narrated his early struggles in theater, his transition into short films, and his breakthrough in scriptwriting and feature film production.
- His candid storytelling resonated deeply with the students, who listened with rapt attention.
- The audience, including artists, educators, and guests, applauded Mehta’s resilience and commitment to cinema.
Wood Carving, Rajasthani Music, and Immersive Artistic Expressions
The music session turned into a celebratory affair with musician Vidit Meghwal captivating the audience with his guitar performances of Rajasthani folk songs, Ghoomar, and Bollywood melodies from Arijit Singh.
Participants, including students and guests, danced and immersed themselves in the rhythms of Rajasthan, making it a memorable experience.
Meanwhile, under the direction of Prateek Mistry, students explored wood carving, creating intricate sculptures. Others engaged in painting, sketching, and scrap sculpture-making, showcasing their newly learned artistic techniques.
Celebrating Art and Culture in Udaipur
The event witnessed the presence of renowned artists, mentors, and cultural enthusiasts, including:
- Mahesh Kumawat
- Sandeep Rathore
- Kamal Joshi
- Hemant Mehta
- Kunal Mehta
- Vinay Dave
- Neelofar Munir
- Urban Sketchers’ Rahul Mali and Kamlesh Dangi
With Kala Aangan 2025 fostering creativity, cultural appreciation, and artistic innovation, Udaipur continues to establish itself as a hub for artistic brilliance and heritage preservation.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
