:: Mumbai Age

Egyptian diplomat colours Bollywood

Shruti Badyal

The Asian Age

Even after donning the hat of a diplomat, artist Sami Salem, finds time to follow his passion - painting. The artist, who came to India in 2006, was so fascinated by the faces of Bollywood, that he started painting their portraits. He recently presented a preview of his work with artist Shuchi Khanna in an exhibition titled "Artouch" at the Lalit Kala Akademi in Delhi.

"My job takes me to many countries, and I try to find something worth painting in each place," says Salem.

While his work brought him to India, the artist fell in love with India's cultural heritage, colourful lifestyles, saris and Bollywood, of course. "I wonder how every actor in this industry knows how to dance with perfection. It's amazing how even an Amitabh Bachchan at his age dances so well," says the artist.

So, has he painted Shah Rukh Khan? "No. He is still in the pipeline," says Salem and adds, "Since Mumbai is the hub for Bollywood, I am planning an exhibit of the paintings of Indian actors like SRK, Shilpa Shetty and others in March next year."

For an artist, who has only painted works inspired by pictures of these personalities, he wants to paint a portrait of Amitabh Bachchan. "I am so fascinated by the details and curves on his face that I have painted him thrice, and I am going to paint him once again very soon. His strong eyes talk directly, without him saying a word," says Salem.

Speaking about Indian clothes, the artist says, "I feel Indian women look graceful and beautiful in a sari. India is a colourful country with a rich cultural heritage. It's a paradise for an artist like me."

Slaem is looking forward to meet some Bollywood actor at the Cairo International Film Festival, to be held on November with a focus on Hindi cinema. "We are inviting many Bollywood actors and films from India would be the highlight. I have Anil Kapoor's confirmation with me so far," he concludes.

The exhibition will be on till October 8 at Lalit Kala Akademi