Sukhadwala's surrealism

Died: Prof Behram Nariman Sukhad­wala, 86, head of the department of drawing and painting at Bombay’s Sir J. J. School of Art, on November 5, 2003 in Bombay.

Referring to "the everlasting impression” Sukhadwala made on the institution, one of his students Prof Suhas Bahulkar paid him a tribute in their art journal of January 9, 2002 wherein he wrote in Marathi that his teacher was not just the head of the department but he was like the head of a family who was disci­plined and invoked respect and love from the students. "Sukhadwa­la Sir taught a tough subject like perspective very well and was also an expert at charcoal drawing. Many were tempted to mimic his Parsi Marathi on college gatherings and trips...If the teachers had arguments among themselves, this loving Parsi baba was a mediator for them.”

Some years ago when a bronze bust of Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy was to be installed in the campus, it was the unanimous decision of the staff to invite Sukhad­wala to do the honors. "Rarely in J. J. or amongst the artists is such unanimity ever seen,” added Bahulkar.

Sukhadwala: devoted art teacher

"I remained a devoted art teacher throughout my 32-year career at Sir J. J. School of Art. However I failed to become a well known artist,” candidly wrote Sukhadwala in his bio data. Although he had won a few prizes when he was a student and teacher, the promised government scholarships never materialized. "As I was born in a poor family, I was more attached to poor students,” he had further added.

After obtaining a diploma in drawing and painting and subse­quently an art master certificate, Sukhadwala worked as a part-time teacher in different schools and later joined Lord Reay Art Workshop. His teaching career at J. J. commenced in 1946 when he was appointed assistant teacher in the department of drawing and painting. Eleven years later came his appointment as lecturer (senior teacher) and the following year saw his promotion as professor and head of the department of teacher’s training for three months after which he was reverted to lecturer. At the age of 44 he passed his SSC examination but it was only several years later that he got an opportunity to serve as head of the depart­ment of drawing and painting at J. J. which by then had become a "second home to me.”

In 2002 he was honored by the Bombay Art Society as one of the veteran artists. Prior to that the Art Society of India had felicitated him for his valuable contribution in the field of fine art painting. His paintings which bore a strong influence of surrealism were exhibited at several state and central government organized exhibitions. Besides creating a number of religious compositions he was also commissioned to do portraits of dignitaries and design medals and trophies during his career.

Sukhadwala is survived by his sons Marzban and Soli, and daughter Coomi Bomi Sutaria.

P. M. G.