Vishakha Hardikar’s ‘Bollywood Goddesses - Kashmir Ki Kali’ is a tribute to one of Bollywood’s most unforgettable heroines, Champa, from the 1964 classic romance Kashmir Ki Kali. Inspired by Sharmila Tagore’s portrayal of the pure-hearted flower seller, Hardikar illustrates the character through her signature lens, bringing a playful representation of feminine grace and resilience. The song Yeh Chand Sa Roshan Chehra, with its soulful melody, serves as the perfect backdrop to this artwork. 

Hardikar, known for her signature style that merges Indian folk-art style with contemporary pop elements, brings Champa to life through her unique storytelling lens. Her use of repetitive floral motifs and intricate detailing, inspired by Ujjain’s Bagh Prints, anchors this vibrant portrayal along with infusing a sense of humour and drama. Her bold palette and flat, two-dimensional figures borrow from the essence of Indian miniatures, yet are reimagined with a contemporary twist. In this work, Hardikar’s love for cinema intertwines with her passion for narrative art, creating a visual dialogue that feels both personal and universal.    

Vishakha’s canvases bring forward superheroines who exude guts, glamour, and glory. The figures she creates reveal beauty in simplicity. Vishakha places herself in these paintings—her works are not just paintings but opportunities to perform within the cinematic worlds she has adored since childhood. The figure in this work transcends traditional portraiture; they are characters within a theatrical performance, full of energy, drama, and charm. Her canvases are layered with stories, with each stroke creating a narrative that brings the emotional depth and beauty of her beloved films to life.

Champa’s journey in Kashmir Ki Kali is a reflection of the evolving role of women in 1960s Bollywood—women who were no longer mere bystanders but powerful figures asserting their place in a changing world. Through this composition, Hardikar celebrates not just a beloved character but the larger narrative of female empowerment that resonates far beyond the screen. Bollywood Goddesses - Kashmir Ki Kali is an ode to the spirit of the modern woman—graceful, independent, and in charge of her destiny.