Stars Recreate Iconic Raja Ravi Varma Paintings For Charity

Photographer G Venket Ram has unvealed his much-awaited 2020 calendar which is an ode to Raja Ravi Varma, a renowned artist from the nineteenth century. Venket has adapted the paintings beautifully in his new rendition. As if this wasn't enough, Venkat got some of the most iconic stars from southern India to pose for him. The photographer roped in 12 distinguished names from the world of cinema and dance as his muses for the calendar. The likes of Shruti Haasan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Ramya Krishnan, feature in G Venket Ram's calendar.

South Indian actress Nadhiya, actress and politician Khushbu Sundar, Bharatnatyam dancers Shobana and Priyadarshini Govind, Tamil star Aishwarya Rajesh, former Malayali actress Lissy Lakshmi and actress-producer Lakshmi Manchu, also feature in it.

Also Read: Why Women In Their Forties Are Taking Up Painting

Actresses who recreated the paintings

These well-known women star in recreations of Raja Ravi Varma's well-known paintings as part of G Venket Ram's 2020 calendar for charitable trust Naam, founded by Suhasini Mani Ratnam, wife of filmmaker Mani Ratnam.

Samantha, who shared a glimpse of the 2020 calendar, wrote that she was happy she could be a part of this significant project. Samantha shared a stunning picture of herself, recreating Varma’s painting of a woman holding a fruit.

Samantha Akkineni in Raja Ravi Varma calender

Shruti Haasan wrote that it was an incredible experience shooting for this and an honour to be connected with this cause. Suhasini, who is Kamal Haasan's niece, earned a special mention in Shruti Haasan's post, "Thank you for making me a part of something so memorable." Shruti has featured in two photographs, one of a lady by a river while the other is of Rani of Kurupam.

Shruti Haasan in Raja Ravi Varma calender

Other photographs

"Recreating Ravi Varma's work for Naam. Feeling blessed," posted Ramya Krishnan. Varma's painting of Damayanti is recreated where she is dressed in a red sari. Varma has depicted Damayanti in a conversation with a swan who tells her about King Nala's love for her.

Ramya Krishnan poses for Raja Ravi Varma calender

"It was a wonderful experience working with G Venket Ram and Suhasini for recreating Ravi Varma project for Naam," wrote Aishwarya Rajesh. In her photo, she is sitting on a chair in a red sari, holding a small bouquet of roses.

Aishwarya Rajesh in Raja Ravi Varma calender

The grand and exuberant recreation of photographs have gone viral on the internet. Netizens cannot stop but admire these divas transforming into some of the most well-known and stunning muses in the history of India.

Credit for all images used: G Venket Ram/Twitter

Saumya Rastogi is an intern with SheThePeople.TV