Nehru Art Gallery unveiled a unique solo exhibition on Friday, as Deccan Chronicle Cartoon Editor Shaik Subhani’s three-day exhibition, ‘Hyderabad ku Line Maarroun…’ unfurled 70 line drawings that mapped the city. The exhibition will stay open through April 20.
“We’re looking at Hyderabad’s heritage the way a cartoonist does: sharp, affectionate, unfiltered,” said Dr Mamidi Harikrishna, inaugurating the exhibition along with JNAFAU’s acting Vice Chancellor Prof. T. Gangadhar, Raunaq Yar Khan of the Nizam’s family, former AP former DGP S.A. Huda, and Hyderabad Art Society president M.V. Ramana Reddy. “There’s a deep beauty in these artworks, especially those capturing the Kakatiya era buildings. Structures like Ravappa and the Kuthu stand out. The Thousand Pillar Temple was built in the 11th century, and Ravappa came in the 12th,” he added.
“Everyday I see Deccan Chronicle as I am a fan of Subhani. I now feel like I am seeing a film star in real life. I recalled the grandeur of my dynasty when I saw his sketches,” said Raunaq Yar Khan.
“Monuments can fall anytime, but this sketch book Splendid spells, the glory of Telangana, will stand for a long time,” said M.V. Ramana Reddy.
The gallery was filled to its capacity with art lovers.
For JNAFAU’s Prof. T. Gangadhar, “Line sketches have bought a beauty to these monuments. This is a new trend. This was possible only due to Subhani. He brought out the 3D dimension of monuments which is something unique. That is possible only for an artist like a Subhani.”
Curated by the state department of language and culture with JNAFAU’s College of Fine Arts, the show frames Charminar, Irani cafés, and Kakatiya-era masonry in fluid strokes — Subhani’s trademark.
Ramana Giri, who has been working as artist for 40 years, called the work “realistic yet contemporary.”
“I haven’t seen landscapes like this before. Most people do line work, but this feels more realistic and contemporary. It’s not just about temples and sculptures; these works bring the scenes to life. Subhani’s focus and dedication are really impressive,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Subhani recalled his first encounter with the historic monuments, when he came to collect a prize in a cartoon contest, in 1980 as a student. “I was stunned by the beauty of the Charminar and Macca Masjid. Since I didn’t have a camera, I made hand‑drawn sketches of the structures from different angles.”
Moved to Hyderabad in 1985, and joining the Deccan Chronicle, Subhani said he would make many rough sketches of the monuments.
“After a few years, I bought a small camera and started taking photographs. I soon realised that a camera has its limitations. For an artist, there are no such limits. I could capture the entire scene through my sketches.”
