As a new documentary on INS Vikrant releases, artist Arzan Khambatta is proud of his installation of the iconic warship made from scrap
Last year, India's first aircraft carrier ship was ready to fade into oblivion when an initiative by Commodore Medioma Bhada (retd) pilot ex INS Vikrant resulted in the art installation on the carrier in the city. Now, a short film, Sons Of Vikrant, can be watched online to remember the ship and the valour of the officers who served it.
Arzan Khambatta
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The artist commissioned for the art installation, Arzan Khambatta, who takes great pride about his involvement with the project, was very happy to know about the film. "Art and cinema have great potential to make people aware of the past. Though they may not be able to convey much detail, such works excite people to know more about events and personalities," he says.
He recounts the period of the project with great pleasure. "It was an amazing experience to work with the officers. Their enthusiasm was commendable and the speed at which permissions were granted and work got done was absolutely spectacular," he says.
Vikrant Memorial at Lion Gate. Pic/Rane Ashish
The work on the installation was completed just before Republic Day this year and it was made from scrap from the ship. "It is an important part of the history of free India; this first aircraft carrier was obtained from Britain. Some officers told me that it was like a professional mother to them," the artist says.
Interestingly, a new aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant (with the same name) will be launched soon, and this is being manufactured in India.
Log on to www.youtube.com/ watch?v=VFnMGoDrJE0