Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Nov 27: Meet Suhail Ahmad Bhat, a self-taught artist from south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, who has gained attention and appreciation for captivating shadow portraits crafted with just a paper and torch despite financial challenges.
Bhat, 25, lives a double life that demonstrates his extraordinary inventiveness and tenacity in the sleepy village of Magam, which is tucked away 20 kilometers Anantnag. During the day, he supports his family as a carpenter by creating wooden objects like windows and doors. But after dusk, Bhat becomes a shadow artist, crafting fascinating portraits with just cardboard and a torch.
An early predisposition towards the art developed into a full-fledged love of shadow painting. He has been perfecting his trade for the past four years, all on his own, without any training or guidance. He began by making animal shadows out of nothing, but as time passed and a friend noticed potential in his work. “He encouraged me to pursue this passion,” he said.
Bhat’s journey was not without difficulties. He remembers how frustrating his first attempts were and how it took him a month to finish his first shadow picture. But he persisted despite obstacles. “Sometimes I make mistakes, and when I work on them thoroughly, I succeed properly,” he explained.
After years of learning from mistakes, Bhat can now finish a shadow picture in roughly five hours. He uses simple things, including scissors, a knife, paper, and glue, yet the outcomes are astounding. His shadow pictures feature well-known people, including Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and cricket players Virat Kohli and Babar Azam.
Suhail has financial challenges in spite of his accomplishments. He implores the district administration to help him develop his gift and help the community’s kids as well as the Government. “I hope to use my artistic passion to inspire my community. Both the Government and the youth can benefit from my new innovations and ideas. I request the Government to support me,” he said.
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