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| Reji Nelllikkappally, Anikkad, Mallappally, Pathanamthitta |
He was born in a Christian family, but Reji’s destiny seems to be to create idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. This artist has so far made more than 300 idols for use in various temples in and outside Kerala.
Reji, who belongs to Anikkad, Mallappally, Pathanamthitta, likens his foray into idol-making as a chance channeling his talents by destiny. He had been commissioned to make the Ashoka stupa in connection with work on a statue of Ambedkar in Mumbai. At that time, another assignment came his way. It was to make the idol of Ayyappa, to be installed in a temple at Mumbai.
Based on instructions of the priest and the innate talent that he possessed, Reji was able to make an idol that surpassed in finesse the expectations of the priest and the devotees.
Since then he did not have to look back.
He is at present busy preparing the panchaloha idols of Guruvayoorappan, Sri Rama, Sita, Hanuman etc. As an artist, he hopes to do something innovative by doing a series titled ‘Bible: an Indian view’.
In addition to sculpture, he has shown his talent in painting too. His work titled, ‘Latest Crucifixion of an Artist’ has received the Kerala Lalit Kala Academy award. Besides, he has received the Academy honours for sculpture in 1999 and 2002.
His wife is Jessy and daughter Hima.
Courtesy:
Malayala Manorama, July 2, 2008
Contributed by: Administrator
