NAARI: August Issue

By Ananya Chaturvedi

Vanita Bansal: An artist, author, mother, connoisseur - one woman & concurrent roles

She proves these words right – ‘there's no greater pillar of stability than an independent and educated woman.’ With a double master's degree and a successful career at a young age in the 1950s, Vanita remains an inspiration for many. She attributes all her achievements to her family and believes that her education and her career are because of the encouragement of her parents.

Being an art enthusiast, she decided to pursue Fine Arts in college. Then, she went on to do her Master's degree in Hindi literature due to the unavailability of a master's degree in Fine Arts. Later, when it was introduced, she immediately enrolled for a second master’s degree. After which, she worked at the same university as the head of the department.

An Intricate Piece by Vanita Bansal

After getting married in 1970, Vanita ensued her passion for art. She freelanced as a scriptwriter and also conceptualised the show Kala Parikrama (1980s) on Doordarshan. For the show, she interviewed artists like Hussain, Biren De, Himmat Shah, Vimal Das Gupta, and, Shanti Dave. She is currently authoring two books, the first one on paintings of Tagore, which is her area of expertise and another one on the pyramids of Egypt, in which she developed an interest.

Another Beautiful Work of art by Vanita Bansal

Upon asking how she would reflect on her life, she said, “There are two paths in life, one that you take and the other one you leave. I have learned to stay satisfied and grateful for what I've achieved. I never think of the other one, it's the easiest way to stay joyless. I'm content to have seen these years and lived a happy life.”

Rapid Fire:

• Favourite Food- Aloo Puri & Lauki

• Favourite Music- all kinds of music

• Favourite Book- the Bhagwat Geeta

• Favourite Pass Time- Reading Books

• Favorite Movie- Khuda Gavha and Lamhe