Vishakha Hardikar’s ‘Bollywood Goddesses - Anarkali’ is a poetic depiction of the tragic fate of one of Indian cinema’s most iconic figures. Inspired by the legendary character Anarkali from K. Asif’s cinematic masterpiece Mughal-e-Azam (1960), Hardikar illustrates Anarkali in her signature caricaturistic style. The song Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya, an immortal anthem of love, passion, and fearless conviction, serves as the perfect backdrop to this artwork.

Hardikar merges Indian folk art with contemporary pop elements and brings Anarkali 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. The artist places herself in these paintings—her works are not just paintings but opportunities to perform within the cinematic worlds she adores. In Bollywood Goddesses - Anarkali, Hardikar celebrates the woman who, though bound by chains, remains free in spirit, her love is a beacon that transcends through the generations.

Anarkali stands as a regal masterpiece, a daring dance of love and conviction, a symbol of the undying passion that continues to echo through the corridors of Indian cinema. Through this artwork, Hardikar revisits the greatest historical romance ever made, asserting her place within these stories.