Legendary painter Ganesh Pyne conferred Lifetime Award

Kolkata:

In an acknowledgement of his illustrious painting career, spanning over a period of four decades, legendary painter Ganesh Pyne was conferred the lifetime achievement award by the Indian Chamber of Commerce this year.

Dwelling on his association with the 75-year old reticent, soft-spoken artiste, eminent theatre personality Rudraprasad Sengupta recalled how Pyne virtually began shunning the shows of Sengupta's Nandikar theatre group in recent years to avoid being called on stage.

So I have promised I will henceforth allow him his own private space and not call to the stage from the audience seat. But please don't stop attending our drama shows, you are a theatre patron, we need your guidance and vision, the noted theatre personality fondly said.

You have that impregnable approach, you cannot be touched, you are one of those man of few words whose works speak for themselves,  Sengupta commented as Pyne looked on after acknowledging the honour from the ICC President Srivardhan Goenka.

 A visibly moved Pyne in a brief speech said he felt humbled by all those accolades and was receiving the honour with all humility.

Later to a question Pyne told PTI it was in the fitness of things that such honours should come at a later stage of his career.

Also I have never thought about awards in my life, Pyne whose works are displayed in all leading galleries in the country besides places like Sotheby's and Christie's, said.

To a question if some of the present generation artistes were courting name and fame at a very early age, Pyne said the time has changed, values have changed, and so be it.

Refusing to rate his most favorite work, Pyne said I have to draw my best painting in future.

Industrialist and former chambers President Sanjib Goenka said the association was itself honored by 'honoring' a personality like Pyne, one of those individuals the state and the country looked up to for their austere approach and artistic prowess.

 The award comprised a citation, a trophy and Rs 2.50 lakh in cash was given to Pyne last evening.