We all know this scene as the iconic scene from the movie Bahubali – a drowning mother’s hand holding a baby above the water. But not many of us know that this was inspired by a drawing by the legendary illustrator Vaddadi Papayya.
After the devastating 1977 Diviseema cyclone that ravaged coastal Andhra Pradesh, Papaiah created a haunting sketch of a mother saving her baby from drowning. This image captures the haunting desperation of love and heroism at the same time.
Papaiah always signed his art as “VaPa”. Whenever we were traveling as kids, our parents would stop at the railway station book stores to buy us story books like Chandamama and I would be excited to look for this magical signature.
The cover of the magazines would have Gods and mythical creatures with almond-shaped eyes and gorgeous jewelry and I knew that there would beautiful worlds coming alive in the pages inside.
Papaiah illustrated many beloved divine scenes from the Hindu mythologcial stories. Shiva as the cosmic dancer Nataraja, Krishna with Radha, and the dramatic moment when Lord Venkateswara descends from the hills to meet Padmavathi. Look at these amazing visuals of Satyabhama slaying Narakasura and Goddess Durga defeating Mahishasura, the buffalo demon.
Papaiah started drawing from the age of 5. Stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, along with the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, deeply influenced his imagination and artistic direction. Papaiah was illustrating in magazines starting in the 1940’s. He drew for Andhra Jyothi, Bharathi, Andhra Patrika, and Yuva.
Read more about his incredible life and illustrations HERE.
About The Article Author:
Hi, I’m Rachana. Its been my dream for years to do something to consciously create a better future where every one of us is excited about our own potential. My challenge to everyone is that they aspire for their personal best and leave a legacy of their work through their contributions to mankind.
One more thing. In December of 2044, I hope to win the Nobel.
Will you join me on this journey of growth and transformation?
Namasté.
The Indian American Life
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