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Artistic Genius Lives in Anonymity with Stray Dogs
4 Apr
Summary
- An 85-year-old textile artist cares for stray dogs on a rooftop.
- He once designed enduring patterns for mills and worked in Paris.
- His current living conditions are sparse, relying on meagre savings.
Sharad Rasiklal Jani, an 85-year-old textile artist, lives a life of quiet anonymity on a rooftop in Ahmedabad. He was once celebrated for his unique designs, including 'growing flowers' and intricate saree pallav patterns, which were in demand during the city's textile boom. Jani began his career in the 1960s, earning a respectable salary, and later worked in Paris from 1984 to 1989, creating embossed designs for jackets.
Today, Jani resides on a terrace, his home for nearly three decades, caring for two stray dogs whom he considers his only family. Commissions have ceased, leading him to take on small jobs to support himself and his companions. His living space is basic, reflecting his meagre income derived from small savings, often subsisting on minimal food while spending significantly on his pets.
His past professional life is a stark contrast to his current circumstances. A fire ravaged his former studio, leaving behind only a few surviving works. Despite these challenges, Jani maintains his connection to art through engravings on glass, granite, and brass, a rare skill that once brought him commissions, including from Sabarmati Ashram. He chooses this solitary existence over living with his family.
