A man was lucky and great enough to meet the living Treasures of the XXth Indian century... Not only to approach them, but also to become a close and respected friend of them. But this was not his only accomplishment...
Sarbari Roy Chowdhury left us in February 2012. He had many lives in one. He was one of post-independent India’s foremost modern sculptors. The genius of his fingers and his fine spirit led him to travel to West to build bridges with other lovers of raw material and to "polish" his artistic identity. It seems Florence left him sensual memories of lights, shapes, sounds, tastes. He was in love with its refined cuisine and was perfectly able to follow an Italian conversation, even nearing the end of his life. However Bengal always remained his land whose the lighthouse was music, perhaps. It is said that Sarbarida used to find in Hindustani music the inspiration to persevere and make rise his creative freedom. His addiction to Beauty established him as an erudite connoisseur and a mad collector. The leading maestros of his times wanted to see him in the front row during their performances and considered an honor to sit for him. So did Ustad Ali Akbar Khan for eight days. Others, who had for instance a concert in Kolkata, were used to knock at his door of Santiniketan for acknowledging his art or for simple greetings. Further, some served as models for bronze portraits: Bade Ghulam Ali, Siddheswari, Alladiya Khan, Ali Akbar, Kesarbai, Zohrabai, Faiyaz Khan, Ravi Shankar...
I cannot resist the temptation to share the testimonies that Sougata, who is also a great sarod player and a precious friend, posted. This photos belong to the family's private collection.
All my thoughts of love & my gratitude to the whole family...
From left to right: Ajanta Roy Chowdhury, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Sarbari Roy Chowdhury and the kids, Saurav and Sougata © Courtesy Roy Chowdhury, private collection / Uncredited
Article in The Times of India about the tribute given by the family one year after Sarbarida past away.