Chitra Hari Naik Honored with Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 for Her Distinctive Artistic Legacy

Mumbai-based artist Chitra Hari Naik has been named the recipient of the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2025 by the Veyil Foundation, a recognition that cements her stature as a visionary in the world of contemporary Indian art. Renowned for her mastery of acrylic painting, Chitra’s artistic journey spans decades of passionate innovation, refined technique, and a deep connection to the human condition through her work. Graduating from the prestigious Sir J.J. School of Art in 1987 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Applied Art, Chitra’s path has been anything but conventional. While many artists focus solely on aesthetics, she has carved out a unique space that fuses conceptual depth with visual splendor. Her distinctive style is marked by a romantic interpretation of life’s complexities, with vivid colors, strong lines, and rhythmic brush strokes that evoke movement, emotion, and meaning.

What sets Chitra apart is not just her technical proficiency but her ability to transform seemingly mundane subjects into profound expressions of life’s interplay with the inanimate. Her exploration of form and fluidity draws viewers into a narrative that transcends the canvas. She has a rare ability to create visual conversations, using shapes and gestures to bring still subjects into dynamic existence. Over the years, Chitra has balanced her role as an artist with that of an entrepreneur, navigating the competitive world of commercial art while staying true to her creative instincts. Early in her career, she worked with leading studios such as Lintas Swastika, gaining insights into the applied arts that have enriched her own creative vision. Her works seamlessly blend commercial sensibilities with personal expression, allowing her to appeal to both art connoisseurs and broader audiences.

Her artistic excellence has been recognized through a string of solo exhibitions at prestigious venues. These include the Leela Kempinski and Cricket Club of India in Mumbai, The Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, and the Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi. Internationally, she garnered acclaim through her solo showcase at Capitol Hill in the USA — a significant milestone that underscored her global appeal. Despite her accolades and growing international recognition, Chitra remains remarkably grounded. She views the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar not as a final destination, but as a reaffirmation of her lifelong commitment to creativity and growth. “This is just the beginning,” she often says, reflecting a mindset driven not by awards, but by the endless possibilities that art continues to offer her.

Chitra Hari Naik’s artistic journey is a testament to dedication, resilience, and the transformative power of visual storytelling. As she continues to push the boundaries of expression through acrylics and beyond, her recognition by the Veyil Foundation stands not just as a personal achievement, but as an inspiration for emerging artists across the country. Her story reminds us that true artistry lies not just in the canvas, but in the spirit with which one creates.