Puja Kshatriya’s ‘Coolie the Don’ is a tribute to cinematic legends who redefined heroism and storytelling. Drawing inspiration from Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic portrayal of Vijay Khanna in Zanjeer and the suave allure of James Bond, Kshatriya crafts a narrative that bridges two distinct cinematic worlds. The painting juxtaposes Bachchan’s intense, principled persona with the enigmatic figures of the Bond Man and the Bond Woman, representing the era’s progressive depiction of women in lead roles, unfazed by societal norms.

Using pop and playful colours, Kshatriya encapsulates the enduring influence of these characters, whose resilience and charisma transcend their on-screen roles. Abstract forms and squares symbolize the frames of a film reel, portraying cinema’s transformative power. Aperture-inspired elements connect the two universes, celebrating their shared ethos of justice and empowerment, breaking conventions and evoking a cross-cultural dialogue.