Patna, 17 May 2025 – In a celebration of printmaker Padma Shri Shyam Sharma’s illustrious artistic journey, Bapu Tower’s auditorium in Patna came alive on Saturday evening with the special screening of three short films inspired by his work. Organized by local art and film aficionados, the event offered attendees an intimate glimpse into Sharma’s life, his passion for printmaking, and the creative struggles that have defined his six-decade career.
The evening opened with a welcome address by Bapu Tower Director Vinay Kumar, who presented floral bouquets to the filmmakers and chief guest Shyam Sharma. The first film, “White and White” by Mehdi Shaw, traced Sharma’s earliest experiments with monochrome prints. Next, “The Printmaker,” directed by Afzal Adib Khan and Shailendra Kumar, wove together interviews with Sharma and archival footage of his studio practice. The final entry, “Insight” by Shantanu Mitra, offered a contemplative portrait of the artist at work, exploring the deeper philosophy behind his layered compositions.
In a lively post‑screening panel, Director Vinay Kumar recalled, “I was fortunate to be the first viewer of Shyam Sharma’s prints decades ago. The energy in his work still inspires young artists today.” Filmmaker Arvind Ranjan Das shared personal anecdotes of collaborating with Sharma and his wife, Navneet Sharma, underscoring the couple’s unwavering dedication to the arts.
Renowned film critic Vinod Anupam praised Sharma’s discipline and innovation: “Shyam Sharma’s work ethic is exemplary. Now that Bihar has introduced a film policy, the government should consider including projects like these short films under its incentives.” Other speakers echoed this call, urging policymakers to support artist‑driven cinema alongside mainstream productions.
Born in Mathura, Shyam Sharma experienced an unconventional path to mastery. After failing his undergraduate exams, he enrolled at the Government College of Arts and Crafts in Lucknow, where he discovered printmaking. Over the years, Sharma’s bold use of texture and form has earned him national recognition, culminating in the Padma Shri award.
The screening drew a distinguished crowd from Patna’s art, film, and literary circles, all eager to engage with the short films’ vivid storytelling. Many attendees lingered afterward, discussing Sharma’s pioneering techniques and the broader need to nurture India’s artistic heritage.
As the event concluded with Sharma’s own closing remarks, the audience rose in a standing ovation—an apt tribute to an artist who, through tireless experimentation, has left an indelible mark on India’s cultural landscape.