The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai, in collaboration with Gallerie Splash, has opened two parallel retrospectives featuring the works of veteran artists Ratan Parimoo and Naina Dalal . The exhibitions were formally inaugurated by actor Anupam Kher , with both artists in attendance. The event also saw participation from members of the art community, diplomats, and curators including Daniel Quer Confalonieri (Consul General, Embassy of Argentina), Farhana Ahmed Chowdhury (Deputy High Commissioner, Embassy of Bangladesh), NGMA Mumbai Director Nidhi Choudhari, curatorial advisor Girish Shahane, gallerist Jinoy Payyappilly, and art historian Gauri Krishnan.

Opening his remarks with a personal anecdote, Anupam Kher shared memories of visiting NGMA in his early years in Mumbai, when he would frequent the gallery to view the works of Indian masters like Tyeb Mehta and Akbar Padamsee. He reflected on how art played a role in his education as an actor, noting the connection between visual storytelling and performance.

Kher also spoke about the life stories of Ratan Parimoo and Naina Dalal, touching on their artistic journeys and shared experiences as contemporaries and collaborators. He noted their individual approaches to painting and their commitment to their practice across decades.


The retrospective titled Pioneer Abstractionist presents over 40 works by Ratan Parimoo, covering the years 1958 to 1973. Parimoo, a Padmashri awardee, is known for his contributions as a painter, art historian, and educator. The exhibition features paintings, drawings, and prints that explore his transition from figurative to abstract art, drawing influence from Jain manuscripts, Egyptian art, and gestural abstraction.

Presented alongside is Naina Dalal: The Silent Fire Within, a retrospective showcasing more than 150 works spanning her career. Trained at the Faculty of Fine Arts, MS University of Baroda, and later in London and New York, Dalal has worked extensively in etching, aquatint, collagraphy, and lithography. Her work often reflects themes related to gender, history, and identity, with a focus on the lived experiences of women.

The retrospectives provide an overview of the individual practices of both artists, their historical contexts, and their contributions to post-independence Indian art. The exhibitions are open to the public until October 12, 2025, at NGMA Mumbai, located at the Sir Cowasjee Jahangir Public Hall on MG Road, Fort.