“Now, who do we turn to for guidance?” There is a common sentiment among art gallery owners in Hyderabad. A day after art connoisseur and historian-collector Jagdish Mittal, who was 99, passed away in Hyderabad, the art world is still reeling from the loss and bidding him a fond farewell. A true legend, MittalYes (as he was fondly called) was a great figure in Indian art, widely respected for his foresight and vision in inspiring and drawing people into the world of art.
MittalYes She was a teacher and a voice that encouraged members of the art fraternity. However, their legacy will live on thanks to the city’s Jagdish and Kamala Mittal Museum.
Four gallery owners in Hyderabad paid emotional tribute to this great man of Indian art.,
a good teacher
Bhargavi Gundala, Dhee Artspace and Dhee Contemporary
Jagdish Mittal with Bhargavi Gundala. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
For 11 years, he was a part of every show at Dhee Art Space in Ameerpet. But when we launched Dhi Contemporary in Madhapur, he could not attend as he was already 99 years old. Whenever I started something new, I took his blessings. Now I don’t know what should I do?
He was a good mentor, always encouraging me. He would say, ‘Don’t copy anyone else’ or ‘I’m so glad you’re doing the right thing.’ When I told him about hosting Dayanita Singh, he asked about the work. Now, I have no one to share these things with. I will miss his presence and the way he always had his hand on my head – it means a lot to me.
advocate of contemporary art
Avani Rao Gandra, Iconart Gallery
At Iconart Gallery Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
I had the privilege of meeting Mittalji during my PhD days. I will cherish the respect, kindness and encouragement given to aspiring art students. As an art critic, artist and gallery founder, he was a guiding force – the person to go to for advice. He always had the right answers.
-JagdishYes He was not only an avid collector of traditional art, renowned for his world-class collection of miniature paintings, but also a supporter of contemporary art, always updated about the latest artistic endeavors in the city. His ability to explain the nuances of art appreciation with clarity and patience reflects his passion for knowledge and guidance.
His scholarly contributions, combined with his vision of establishing the Jagadish and Kamal Mittal Museum of Indian Art, underline his commitment to ensuring that his priceless collection continues to inspire future generations. We hope that the family and the government will work together to make the museum accessible to the public and an enduring source of inspiration. Beyond his professional achievements, his immense generosity and humanity were evident in his personal life. He adopted and raised three daughters, each of whom flourished under his care and are now well established in their careers and lives.
laser sharp memory
Lakshmi Nambiar, Srishti Art Gallery
I used to call Mittalji that one (Grandfather), and I am deeply saddened by his demise. He and his wife Kamala had a special bond with my mother (Remani Nambiar, Founder, Srishti Art Gallery). When my mother passed away in 2014, she took me under her wing and provided unmatched love, affection, guidance and advice. It is sad that many people in Hyderabad are unaware of his contribution to the art world. In 2015, LakshmaYes (Artist Laxma Gaur) and I released a book on Mr. Mittal, his life and contribution to art.
He played an important role in encouraging many artists from Hyderabad to study in Baroda during the 1970s. The most notable acknowledgment of his contribution came from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, which hosted a major exhibition titled. Sultan of Deccan. The exhibition included exhibits from around the world, including four objects from the Jagdish and Kamal Mittal Museum. A symposium was also organized in his honour, although he was unable to travel at the time.
I also admired his sharp memory, which remained sharp till the last day.
a father figure
Rekha Lahoti, Kalakriti Art Gallery
Jagdish Mittal with Prashant Lahoti | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
We have known Jagdish Mittal since before he established Kalakari Art Gallery in 2002. In fact, even before starting the gallery, we asked him for advice. He was like a father to us and was part of countless exhibition openings. He also served on the boards of the Lahoti Foundation and the Krishnakriti Mahotsav, where he praised the gallery’s efforts in supporting artists through scholarships and pursuing non-commercial initiatives.
It was Mittalji’s idea to incorporate an artist residency into the vision of our gallery, which began in 2015, making it a more holistic space. Unfortunately, the residency had to be closed after Covid.
My husband Prashant Lahoti (founder of Kalakriti Art Gallery) used to respectfully call him ‘Saheb’. He was the kind of person we desperately needed in this field – someone with vast experience and knowledge who could guide us honestly and without any commercial bias.
published – January 09, 2025 05:04 PM IST
