Art Review by Moiz Mamoowala

It was a fine evening, and the weather was most favourable for a T20 World Cup match, resulting in India’s victory by 61 runs. Marathi is a sweet language, as a famous quote, ‘Til gud Ghya ani god god bola’. Maharashtrians are known for sweet talking and sweetness in their nature. Prem Jalsa is an event organised by Jalsa Studio spreading a message of love with a motto of Ishq Mohobat zindabad, pyar mohobat zinndabad setting the evening mood to love and remove hate. Pyar Dosti Zindabad, Pyar Mohobat Zindabad, offering sarcasm to the audience in the election mood, in case anyone is interested in doing murdabad and zindabad.

Marathi songs were melodious, and the energy in the audience doubled when a 15-year-old boy performed a Marathi song, “Majhi Fiat”.  

While Anirudh was painting his Radha, or the lady luck, in a dancing mood, with some fog and mist, he enjoyed the music and the painting while most of the audience was having a delightful experience of painting and music.

Lastly, Aniruddha and his friend Nami were invited on stage for a selfie, and the audience was asked to turn on their mobile torches to make a gesture of thanks through the lights.

With a final flourish, Aniruddha adds his calligraphy to the portraits. Attending a few viewers at his stall and ending the show with a selfie with friends.

Art review by Moiz Mamoowala

Born in Jodhpur, He was schooled at St. Vincent’s High School, Pune. It was a moment of joy when Rajendraji shared his memories through his paintings of 4 cities, Jodhpur, Mumbai, Pune and Khajuraho.

A gold medalist at Youth Art Festival, an urban sketcher and a member of the Water Colour Association.

His friends from school accompanied and supported him for his solo show “Aquarelle Rendezvous”. Explaining his interest and knowledge about art and dedication towards artistic exploration and ideas. Having worked in business management and advertising, he has acquired specialised skills and developed a talent to showcase artistic sun and shade, life-like urban sketching, and watercolour paintings through his travel diaries.

An Audio of the Opening Dialogue. By Mr and Mrs Martyrs

A special moment, Shri Rajendra Mehta’s friends Mr Allen and Mrs Fiona Martyr’s, share a moment of the lighting of the samai and then opening the show for viewing, purchase, while having a sip of tea and coffee. Urban Sketchers were a support system and special thanks to Shridhar Susumal who has been instrumental and key person in making this art show a grand success.

Pune Sketchbook Festival took place at the German Goethe Institute, Pune. The inaugural ceremony has a very interesting way to cut ribbons of neighbouring stall, passing a message to love their neighbour after which the festival began. USK Akash Rode started with a presentation about the festival, events each day.

Urban Sketchers have a weekly meet on Sunday at 8:00 am for sketching various places in the city. These sketches have now become a souvenir as they take shape into merchandise such as mugs, postcards, calendars, coasters, bags, stamp-size stickers, bookmarks, T-shirts, quilts, caps, canvas paintings, and lamps. Urban Sketchers has a monthly magazine that shares a few thoughts on one sketch and a few techniques on how to sketch. Sketchbooks, colour palettes, and stalls to buy artist essentials like brushes, sketchbooks, colours, etc.

Akash Rode was the ideator of the sketch hunt and had written the clues. The clues were fascinating and really nice to sketch these places. He is one of the main pillars of the organising team, and his contribution to the Sketchbook Festival was immense, earning him a big round of applause from all.

With an exciting note, a few pictures of all the volunteers that had been supportive towards making the festival a success.

To be continued… until the next festival.

Artist and Reiki healer Vidisha Goenka Bajoria transforms painting into a meditative practice. Her work invites viewers to pause and reconnect with nature—admiring flowers, leaves, butterflies—moments often lost in life’s rush.

From Kolkata roots to Rajasthan influences, her art spans self-portraits, wildlife, and cultural landscapes. Each piece explores inner healing and self-consciousness, expressing how thoughts shape our reality.

Sacred Symbolism

Large-scale Nandi watercolor painted on her bed—a challenging feat showcasing devotion and patience.

Protective Bonds

Lion couples watching over each other, symbolizing partnership and mutual care in relationships.

Spiritual Journey

Varanasi painting capturing an artist’s life span in one delightful, soul-stirring composition.

Cultural Roots

Rajasthan’s vibrant essence flows through her work, honoring heritage and identity through art.

Her book complements the exhibition, guiding readers toward healing and balance through inner soul energy. Launched at Raja Ravi Verma Art Gallery, Pune on Tuesday, 7 Oct 2025. Priced at 300 rupees.