A Journey of Passion, Art, & Divine Connection

Sharada Paranjpe
Artist

Who is Sharda?
Sharda Paranjpe, a gifted artist, brings emotions and imagination to life through her soulful paintings, creating timeless masterpieces.

How She Began and Her Inspiration
Art came naturally to Sharda as she grew up watching her mother paint. Inspired by her mother’s passion, she began experimenting with rangoli, sketching, and painting, proving early on that she had a rare gift. Her first big breakthrough came during a Rangoli competition in her hometown, Wardha, where she recreated a striking portrait of Hema Malini that garnered immense admiration. This moment sparked her belief in her artistic potential and became the foundation of her journey.

Her Childhood Memories
Growing up in Wardha, a small city with no formal art education available, Sharda honed her craft through self-exploration. She and her younger sister often assisted their mother in creating beautiful artworks. One of her cherished memories is learning Kajari art, a black-and-white medium, under the guidance of Kakade Sir. Despite pursuing a formal education in microbiology, her heart always beat for art.

A Divine Connection
Sharda’s artistic journey took a divine turn when her spiritual guru recognized her talent. He encouraged her to strive for perfection, commissioning her to create portraits and paintings for spiritual purposes. Her first large-scale masterpiece was a 7×5-foot painting of Sai Baba for a temple in Indore, which was inaugurated with a sacred ceremony. Another notable creation was a meditative portrait of Lord Hanuman, now displayed at an ashram in Nagpur. After Guruji’s passing, at her father’s request, Sharda and her younger sister meticulously created numerous sketches of Guruji from various angles, using his photograph as inspiration. Her father then entrusted these sketches to a sculptor, ensuring a lifelike statue of Guruji could be crafted for devotees to revere. Sharda believes these divine projects were not coincidences but blessings meant to fulfill a higher purpose.

Journey Starts as an Entrepreneur
When Sharda moved to Pune, she transitioned her passion into a profession. After completing her master’s in fine arts from SNDT, she began exhibiting her work alongside her sister. One of her initial successes was showcasing miniature Mughal and Kangra-style paintings on pure silk. Most of Sharda’s artwork was sold during the exhibition, while the remaining pieces were acquired by Veer Savarkar Bhavan, a government artifact shop. To her astonishment, all of these pieces were eventually purchased by a foreign buyer, showcasing the universal appeal and admiration for her artistry. Her talent quickly gained recognition, with pieces finding homes across India and abroad.

Special Moments
Created a life like portrait of singer Rashid Khan, now displayed in his living room. Designed a stunning mountain landscape (7.5 by 5.5feet) for a client to bring nature into their home. Restored an ancient painting that now resides in the Peshwa Museum in Parvati, Pune.
Painted Lord Krishna for singer Prabha Atre, earning heartfelt appreciation. In college, Sharda dreamed of meeting Amitabh Bachchan and Lata Mangeshkar. A planned meeting was disrupted by weather, but she and her sister’s portraits of the icons remain as cherished mementos.

Awards and Recognition
Sharda’s artistic brilliance has earned her numerous accolades, including wins at international competitions. Won international acclaim for a peace-themed artwork inspired by Puducherry’s Lotus Temple. Also, the name “Chota Artist,” bestowed upon Sharda by her Guru, holds immense significance. This title was given when her guru entrusted her with creating a portrait of Sai Baba, choosing her over other well-established artists. It stands as one of the greatest recognitions of her exceptional talent and skill.

Reaching Their Fans Cum Buyers
Sharda’s art reaches admirers through exhibitions, social media platforms, and word-of-mouth recommendations. She believes that connecting with buyers personally enhances the value of her work, turning them into lifelong patrons. Sharda’s unique talent is capturing emotions and stories in her art. With meticulous attention to detail, she embraces all mediums, finding fulfilment in the satisfaction each completed piece brings.

Social Work Presence
Sharda has been deeply engaged in social work for the past 35 years, consistently stepping up whenever there’s a need. Sharda, alongside her husband, Dr. Mohan Paranjpe, a distinguished ophthalmologist, founded the Mangala Foundation to make quality eye care universally accessible. Guided by their vision of a “Cataract-Free India,” the foundation strives to eliminate preventable blindness. Through affordable treatment programs, they address a range of eye-related conditions, offering advanced care to individuals of all ages, ensuring no one suffers due to financial limitations.

Precious Words to New Artists
“To all aspiring artists, remember that true art comes from the heart. Respect your craft, and never undervalue your work. While it’s noble to create for the joy of it, charging a fair price ensures that your art is recognized for its worth. Always believe in your unique talent and keep learning.”

sharada.paranjpe@mail.com
+919822595103