Hema Malini with Sudip Roy at the preview of Roy’s exhibition; (above) a model walks the ramp in a Gayatri Khanna creation

Delhi’s art aficionados were in for a pleasant surprise recently. The Claridges hotel in the Capital played host to artist Sudip Roy’s latest exhibition — Sudip Roy Incarnated. A preview of the exhibition was organised by the gallery Art Indus and actress Hema Malini was invited to release the catalogue. In a departure from his earlier figurative and realistic work, Roy made a statement in this exhibition with a series of abstract paintings.

Interestingly enough Roy’s canvases have titles like 7.15 pm, 11 pm, 2.50 pm, which represent the time of the day he began painting them. “After doing realistic work for so long, it was time for me to do something in abstract. The exhibition doesn’t have a theme because it is abstract like man’s way of thinking,” said Roy . The artist saw it fit to display his work only after four years of working with non-figurative forms.

Hema Malini, who was accompanied at the event by Avijit Majumdar, Chairman of Tata Infotech Limited (TIL) has been an admirer of Roy’s work. “I have always appreciated Sudip’s paintings and it is a wonderful surprise to see this beautiful shift in the work,” said the actress.

The art fraternity turned up to extend support. Artists Subroto Kundu, Shamshad Husain, Gopi Gajwani, Alka Raghuvanshi and others were present at the event. The exhibition has now shifted to Shridharani Gallery at Triveni Kala Sangam and will be on view till December 12.

Show-stopper

The Dalit riots may have torn Mumbai apart, but that didn’t stop the city’s glitterati. Mumbai’s Page 3 people turned up in full force at the Taj Lands End Hotel for the launch of Gayatri Khanna’s premier label GAYATRI. The do kicked off fashionably late with a fashion show choreographed by Aparna and Tanya even as models like Fleur Xavier, Sheetal Malhar and Vidisha Pavate scorched the ramp.

Gayatri’s collection is an eclectic mix of evening and loungewear for both men and women. The line reflects her exposure to international fashion that came as an offshoot of her work stint with some of the top names in the fashion industry like Versace, Armani and Anna Sui.

The latest line comprised silk jersey, knits, chiffons and satins in bright colours and sharp silhouettes. There was also a generous use of gold, silver and Swarovski embellishments. The pieces were very contemporary, boasting trendy and clean lines. “The only Indian touch I have in my collection is in the form of embroidery techniques like zardosi and aari.” said Gayatri.

Standing out in the crowd of glittering socialites was Tara Sharma in one head-turner of a skimpy red dress. The event also saw the likes of Suchitra Pillai and husband Lars Kjeldsen, Monica Vaziralli, Dalip Tahil, Upen Patel and Kishen Mulchandani, among others.

Photograph of art exhibition by Rupinder Sharma