A poignant documentary celebrating the remarkable 65-year architectural legacy of Chandigarh's renowned architect Shivdatt Sharma is set to premiere this weekend, marking the culmination of a heartfelt project initiated by his late daughter.
A Daughter's Vision Realized
'The Eternal Modernist', a 50-minute documentary film, will have its first screening on November 9 at the Auditorium, Museum and Art Gallery in Sector 10, Chandigarh at 11:30 am. The project holds special significance as it was conceived and driven by Sharma's daughter, Shivani Sharma, who tragically passed away before seeing her vision come to fruition.
"Her imagination and sensitivity have brought this project to life," reflects Sharma, expressing both pride and sorrow. "Though we deeply miss her presence, I know she would have been very happy to see her idea reach its beautiful finale."
The film represents nearly 14 years of dedicated work and showcases Shivani's unwavering commitment to documenting her father's architectural philosophy and contributions. According to Sharma, his daughter's perseverance and ability to balance creativity with conviction were the driving forces that kept the project aligned with its original vision.
Six Decades of Architectural Excellence
At 94 years old, Shivdatt Sharma continues to practice architecture, his career spanning an impressive 65 years of continuous creative output. His journey began under challenging circumstances during the Partition era, when with limited resources, he joined the team of architects working on Chandigarh's Capitol project.
Through sheer determination and talent, Sharma rose to assist legendary architects Le Corbusier and P Jeanneret on several significant projects, most notably the Museum and Art Gallery in Chandigarh. His exceptional abilities were recognized early when Le Corbusier's museum was entrusted to him for completion following the master architect's untimely death.
The documentary features interviews with India's prominent architects and professionals who discuss Sharma's influential work. It includes snippets from his extensive career, highlighting his Chandigarh projects and his tenure as Chief Architect at ISRO Bangalore.
Chandigarh's Enduring Legacy
Sharma's architectural imprint on Chandigarh includes several landmark structures that continue to define the city's landscape. Among his notable designs are:
- Technical Teachers Training Institute
- IMTECH
- NIPER
- EDC Building at IT Park
- PGIMER
Reflecting on his formative years in Chandigarh, Sharma shares, "I was fortunate to be in Chandigarh, where I lived, worked, learned and learnt the fundamentals of Architecture and understanding the fascinating facts about Le Corbusier, the person, architect, thinker, writer, painter... Being a clean slate, I didn't have to unlearn any preconceived notions about what architecture is."
Addressing contemporary urban challenges, Sharma expresses confidence that Chandigarh's administration and Heritage Committee are working collaboratively to find balanced solutions for the city's growing population, vehicle congestion, and parking issues. "I am confident that the outcome will reflect the right harmony between Chandigarh's rich heritage and its modern progress," he states optimistically.
Produced by Shivani Sharma and directed by Atul Sharma, 'The Eternal Modernist' stands as a testament to both an architect's enduring legacy and a daughter's loving tribute, ensuring that Shivdatt Sharma's contributions to Indian architecture will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
