It all starts with Meena Kumari, says Louiz Banks as he sips on a hot cup of coffee at his cosy home studio in Santacruz. The composer was ready well before this writer arrived at the pre-appointed time. Unbeknownst to many, including yours truly, the octogenarian has been nurturing a hidden passion for fine art. On February 4, The Stainless Gallery in New Delhi held a rare showcase of Banks’ canvas for a one-day only exhibition. It is this passion that he is describing as we meet.

“I always had an affinity for art. I must have been nine or 10-years-old when I first started sketching,” Banks tells us. His earliest memory still remains that of himself trying to sketch a portrait of Meena Kumari. “I was taken by the sight of her image. I cannot recall which poster it was, but like any child who is sometimes fascinated by a picture, it caught my attention,” he explains.