Boman Irani Inaugurates Art Exhibition with Heartfelt Message on Art's Power
Boman Irani brought a thoughtful and deeply engaging presence to the inauguration of an art exhibition at the Jehangir Art Gallery on Monday evening, leaving a lasting impression on both artists and attendees. What stood out just as much as the art on the walls was the way the iconic actor moved through the gallery.
A Genuine Connection with Artists
He took his time, stopping at each artwork, listening intently to the artists, asking questions, and genuinely engaging with their creative processes. While he graciously posed for photographs, it was his encouragement and warmth that resonated most. Each artist he interacted with was made to feel seen and valued, transforming what could have been a routine walkthrough into a meaningful exchange that many are unlikely to forget.
Boman reflected on the transformative power of art. “Art can calm you, it can excite you, it can make you do better things. It may want you to be a better human being also,” he said, capturing the essence of the evening. He also praised the curators for creating a platform that brought emerging artists together with seasoned veterans, especially at a venue like Jehangir, which many artists wait years to access. His appreciation underscored the importance of such inclusive spaces in nurturing artistic talent.
Personal Insights and a Call to Parents
Sharing a personal note on his relationship with art, Boman added, “Whenever I go any place in the world, and even in Mumbai, I take a picture of me at an art gallery and post it on Instagram.” He also shared a heartfelt appeal to parents, encouraging them to broaden their children’s horizons.
“Parents, when you take your kids abroad, just don’t take them to Disneyland and some fun fair… Take them to an art gallery also, even if they don’t understand art. They will be influenced. They will find inspiration… not just to be painters, but to understand that there’s a different world out there that you can explore, love, be inspired by, and maybe even become artists.”
Exhibition Details and Participants
The art exhibition titled ‘To Be Continued…’ inaugurated by actor Boman Irani, alongside theatre personality Raell Padamsee, aviation consultant Parvez Damania, and Rajendra Patil, President of the Bombay Art Society, has nearly 70 works. These include paintings and sculptures in oils, acrylics, 3D canvas, scrap metal, bronze, and fibre, and will be on display until April 20.
Apart from the curators Ritu Chopra and Vikas Singh, the gathering also saw artists and friends of the arts including:
- Gautam Patole
- Prakash Bal Joshi
- Safdar Shamee
- Sangeeta Babani
- Lensman Pradeep Chandra
- Gallerist Bhadresh Sheth
The participating artists include:
- Kiran Chopra
- Neeraj Sharma
- Antra Srivastava
- Amita Goswami
- Kailash Kale
- Chandan Roy
- Asurved
- Shreyas Khanvilkar
- Susanta Sarkar
- Isha Patel
- Deepika Shah
- Cheena Madan
- Dr. Mayera Suman
Each artist brings their own distinct rhythm to the exhibition, showcasing a diverse range of creative expressions that highlight the vibrant art scene in Mumbai.
