In Memoriam

Members of the photographic and fashion communities,art lovers and admirers flocked to the rear lawn of Jaipur House at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) to pay tribute to the late photographer Prabuddha Dasgupta on Saturday. Dasgupta (56) passed away after a heart attack on August 12.

Members of Dasgupta’s family,his wife Tanya and his two daughters,Aleeya and Amaaya,were present along with his long-time partner Laxmi Menon at a service conducted by film director Mira Nair,also a close friend of Dasgupta. The evening was a study of “grace”,a word that was often associated with Dasgupta and something peers claim that defined him. A giant screen dominated the background of the lawn flanked by two stunning portraits of Dasgupta. It was a fitting location since Dasgupta had spent his formative years on the NGMA premises — his father,the late sculptor Prodosh Das Gupta was its director from 1956 to 1969.

The service started with Aleeya and Amaaya rendering Hallelujah and Imagine. Photographer Dayanita Singh read her letter to Dasgupta while fellow photographer Prashant Panjiar recounted their conversations. Dasgupta was slated to curate an exhibition for the second Delhi Photo Festival. Panjiar dedicated the event to Dasgupta,announcing “Grace” as its theme.

Dasgupta’s brother Pradeep Dasgupta,also a photographer,recounted,in a heartfelt speech,their childhood years on the NGMA premises and his relationship with “Gutlu,” as Dasgupta was known to family and close friends. Many other photographers,too,presented impromptu eulogies to their late colleague. That Dasgupta was respected,loved and admired was obvious by the attendance at the memorial service. Artist Subodh Gupta and fashion designers JJ Vallaya,Rohit Bal and Tarun Tahiliani were also among those present.