Kumar Vikas Saxena’s painting, The Silent Symphony, is a tribute to the 1972 Indian musical romantic drama, Pakeezah, a cinematic ode to love, loss, and longing. The artwork captures the solitude and stillness of Sahibjaan, the protagonist, juxtaposed against the grandeur of her surroundings. A shimmering chandelier and the architectural details of Pakeezah's regal set make the film a monument to Indian cinema’s splendour, reminiscent of Kamal Amrohi’s visionary art direction.

In this composition, Saxena forgoes Sahibjaan’s face, presenting her as a solitary figure, her back turned, enveloped in silence. This absence of identity shifts focus to her internal world, mirroring the layered tragedy of a courtesan, both revered and marginalized by society. Intertwined with themes of sacrifice and love, Sahibjaan’s story, portrayed by Meena Kumari—known as the "Tragedy Queen"—is a tale of Resilience. Her emotional depth, hidden beneath the glamour, lends the character a timeless relevance, reflecting the narrative of Pakeezah and its essence of being the pure one.

Saxena’s admiration for heritage structures blends with the cinematic elegance of Pakeezah, creating a poignant visual narrative. His inspiration for this artwork stems from a childhood memory of watching the film. The lights, glamour, and luxury surrounding Sahibjaan left a lasting impression, but it was her sadness, lingering beneath the surface, that resonated with him, forming the core of this painting.