Chennai: To celebrate a decade of empowering single women from under-served segments of society, NAAM Charitable Trust has brought out paintings inspired and recreated in the style of Raja Ravi Varma by photographer G Venket Ram.
A limited edition calendar was launched by Carnatic vocalist T M Krishna who presented the first copy to Minister for Tamil Official Language K Pandiarajan in the presence of actress Suhasini Maniratnam, danseuse Gopika Varma and cinematographer Rajiv Menon here Monday.
The calendar features 12 personalities – actors Khushboo, Shruti Haasan, Ramya Krishnan, Aishwarya Rajesh, Samantha Akkineni, Nadhiya and Lissy; dancers Shobhana and Priyadarshini Govind, and Chamundeshwari, a NAAM Charitable Trust beneficiary who portrays Rani Laxmi Bayi of the Tanjore and Travancore palaces.
Speaking on the anniversary calendar, NAAM Charitable Trust founder Suhasini Maniratnam said, ”Very few people can relate to even one of the many dimensions of women. Raja Ravi Varma was one of the few Indians who not only understood women but also represented them exquisitely in a single dimension within four frames, infusing each painting with life through the use of colour. I am always looking for ways to inspire and empower women, and what better way than this homage: a calendar featuring 12 beautiful, graceful Indian women in rich costumes, ornate jewellery and a lavish backdrop.”
Additionally, 10 collector’s edition booklets featuring the 12 exquisite photographs are also available for purchase. Sales from both the calendar and the booklets will benefit the work of NAAM Charitable Trust.
To book calendars, contact Siva at 91763 07415/ Nithya at 98410 97885.