Noted painter Dahanukar dies at 80

MUMBAI: Prafulla Dahanukar embodied the city's Renaissance spirit in every possible way, say experts. The prima donna of the art world passed away on Saturday after protracted illness. She was 80.
Dahanukar belonged to a family of musicians from Goa, her mother Kesarbai Bandodkar being a renowned actor-singer in the pre-Independent era. Armed with a gold medal from the JJ School of Art, Dahanukar joined
Ecole de Beaux Arts and Atelier, Paris, in the 1950s.
Although a prolific painter, Prafulla devoted her energies to streamlining and strengthening Mumbai's art world.
She was a member of the Jehangir Art Gallery, the Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi, and the Kala Academy of Goa. She was president of the Bombay Art Society.
Dahanukar was closely linked with the avante garde movement in the 1960s with the iconic Bhulabhai Desai Institute as its epicentre. She rubbed shoulders with greats such as M F Husain,Vasudeo Gaitonde, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Vijaya Mehta and Ebrahim Elkazi. Gaitonde has done a profile sketch of Dahanukar.
Known for her paintings and murals, Dahanukar's loyalty to the JJ School of Art was unflinching. Former dean of the institute Kashinath Salve recalled how the painter groomed and encouraged young artistes from the art school.
Renowned painter Vasudeo Kamat described Dahanukar as the "Mother Superior" of the young generation of painters. Voicing similar views, noted art historian Pheroza Godrej said Dahanukar came to the rescue of many an artistes in need of monetary assistance.
Dahanukar is survived by her husband, noted industrialist Dilip Dahanukar, two daughters Gopika and Gauri, and grandchildren. A condolence meeting will be held at the Jehangir Art Gallery on March 6 at 5pm. A similar meeting will be held at the KC College on Tuesday.