Koeli Mukherjee and Parameshwar Raju unveil the book at an event in Hyderabad.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Last weekend, while crowds carried Ganesha idols to Hyderabad’s Hussain Sagar for immersion, art enthusiasts immersed themselves in the enchanting world of calligraphy crafted by artist Parameshwar Raju.

At a gathering at Hotel Marigold for the launch of The Wonderful Calligraphy of Poosapati Parameshwar Raju, the spotlight was on the artist himself alongside author and art historian Koeli Mukherjee Ghose.

The 425-page tome, weighing four kilograms, features 457 images of Parameshwar’s original works and Koeli’s detailed account of his 40-year artistic journey. The book transcends being a mere biography; it offers a deep insight into his art and life that is possible only through the perspective of a fellow artist and a storyteller of Koeli’s calibre.

Koeli recounted an episode at the event, which is also the book’s opening chapter. During a train journey, Parameshwar sat cross-legged in his seat and conjured magic with his calligraphy pen. He effortlessly executed perfect thin-thick-thin strokes with a rhythmic flow, and was wholly absorbed in his craft throughout the journey, oblivious to the curious onlookers and fellow passengers.

Varaha avatar calligraphy by Parameshwar Raju
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Drawing inspiration from the iconography of traditional symbols, myths, and ancient motifs, Parameshwar masterfully infuses a modern sensibility into his art with just a few bold strokes. As you turn the book’s pages, images of Ganesha, Krishna, Anantashayana Vishnu, Mahishasura Mardhini, Anjaneya, Vanaras, and more, captivate you with their striking red minimalism. His work weaves elements of sthalapurana (historical, religious significance of the place), iconography, and epic narratives, creating a unique visual language that bridges the past and the present. For Parameshwar, mastering pothis — a demanding form of writing that requires meticulous control of space and proportion — unlocked a whole new dimension of calligraphy.

Parameshwar Raju’s calligraphy of Krishna
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Born in Andhra Pradesh, Parameshwar began his artistic journey of calligraphy with the Devanagari script. However, as his work evolved, he delved deeper into his cultural heritage, creating rich pictorial narratives reflecting his roots. Beginning with the sacred symbol of Aum, Parameshwar gradually infused his calligraphy with the visual essence of deities, integrating elements like vahanas (vehicles) and ayudhas (weapons). Over the past two decades, he has masterfully brought Puranic lore to life through his remarkable art. His unique style has made him a distinguished artist in Hyderabad and earned him global acclaim.

Loving the limitations

Koeli notes in the book how Parameshwar embraced the inherent constraints of calligraphy with pride in his artistic expression. What might have been a limitation for a figurative artist, he elevated to a celebrated art form, granting it a unique place in the creative landscape. Working masterfully within the boundaries of calligraphy, he adhered to the precise thin-thick-thin strokes of his pen, consistently using the colour red, symbolising Shakti and creating stunning narratives. His art spans various subjects, from Puranic lore and childhood memories to contemporary icons, beautifully showcased in the book.

The book cover

Koeli has had a significant role in understanding and promoting Parameshwar’s art. She first met him in 2003, when she was an art curator in the city. He handed her a collection of his work created up to that point with a request to write about them. Recalling this moment at the event, Koeli shared, “Looking at his works, I felt the entire day’s stress dissipate. It was calming, art for art’s sake. I felt empowered when I saw the pieces.” She added, “Often, when I would stand and look at his works, I’d get lost in them, but he wouldn’t explain. Whenever I approached him with questions, it only led to laughter. It didn’t help me understand his art. So, I turned to the library and did my own research. It took me a long time, but I eventually understood his forms and nuances. I had to find the courage to navigate his works on my own. I’m grateful he trusted me with his art. He has made India proud by putting the country on the global calligraphy and contemporary art map. He single-handedly started a movement and a genre.”

Parameshwar said an idea doesn’t come to an artist through divine intervention. “It emerges from many observations over time, and an image forms in our minds, which we then draw. Holding forth an explanation of that process is difficult, so I leave the writing part to Koeli,” he laughed.

The Wonderful Calligraphy of Poosapati Parameshwar Raju, by Koeli Mukherjee Ghose; pp 425, Price: ₹14,999. For orders, contact: 9848622820 / 9652666775