Colourful journey of ‘Chithra Mithra’

Mangalore Today News Network

By Shreelatha Nayak
Mangalore, August 1, 2013: Chithra Mithra, a known name in the field of caricature has painted out a niche for himself in the world of colours. He is none other than Prakash Shetty.

Shetty who has his roots in Suratkal  near Mangalore is however settled in Mumbai and is into hotel business.Drawing caricatures has always been close to his heart. When he was six,he had gifted his favourite teacher three books having 1800 drawings.

Prakash who is a BA graduate from Bhuvan’s College, Mumbai, runs ‘Hotel Pramod’ started by his father later Karunaker. Most of the time he would be busy drawing caricatures on various topics even as he sits in the cash counter.

His talent was first noticed by a bunch of journalists from a reputed media who offered him his first assignment to paint illustrations on the legendary singer Asha Bhosle on the occasion of her 60th birthday,  for the Mid Day publication. Though he did not get credit for the work, he was paid Rs 75 in 1993, recalls Shetty. However, this offer kick started his art journey. He later got an offer from Tinkle children’s magazine,  when, he as per his friends’ suggestion  did illustrations under the pen name ‘Chitra Mitra’ with the hope that his father who discouraged him from painting, will never get to know. But, my secret was out in just three days, Shetty recalls.

 

 

His first solo art exhibition was held at Bajaj Art Gallery, Mumbai in 2002 and all paintings were sold in a week giving Chithra Mithra a brand name. Since then he has organised   several exhibitions and over  2000 caricatures have been published in various magazines including Tinkle, Savvy, Star Dust, New Women etc.Behind every caricature drawn by him is a portrait of Lord Hanuman on whom he has unstinting devotion as the one who  will always bring good luck.

Chithra Mithra has ambitious plans. He wants to paint a series on Ramayana to be exhibited during Annual Book Fair in Lodon. He also has plans to open an art school in Mumbai in memory of his mother Late Kasturi.

Apart from painting Chitramitra loves  Carnatic music which he listens while doing his work.