Recently awarded with Padma Shri, Achyut Palav, the calligraphy artist exudes simplicity in his talk and approach. He is almost embarrassed when he says that he is being called to be felicitated for his Padma award and that’s why he needs some time to do the interview. It’s this humble behaviour and his being connected to his roots that sets apart this man who grew up in Lalbaug.
Excerpts from an interview
Why did you choose the art of calligraphy?
Art was my favourite subject and it was evident since my young age that I will pursue a career in it. The fascination about letters and the interest in scripts, styles, fonts was always there. Even as a child I was curious about their shapes and types. For me, the transition from good handwriting, to stylised writing to calligraphy came naturally.
What was the moment that made you truly fall in love with Calligraphy?
Letters always had a special place in my life. But the love grew stronger in college when I got the opportunity to attend lectures and demonstrations by Prof. R. K. Joshi.
A work or piece of art that altered your perception about or view towards calligraphy?
This beautiful creation by Prof. Shri R. K. Joshi has made a profound impact on my mind. According to me it is an excellent example of perfection of strokes, harmony in design and balance of positive and negative spaces required in a composition. The meaning of the words reaches deeper within the mind due to his calligraphy. (Attach Chosen Picture)
Have you experimented with traditional tools / equipment?
Yes. I have used many traditional tools like steel pens, Boru and experimented by altering their sizes and using them on different surfaces. Apart from that I have also used everyday objects like toothbrushes, syringes, rags for the unique dimensions they create. The understanding of the text and meaning of words help me choose the tool.
A specific script that is most challenging to work with and yet you have mastered it?
Every script has its own distinct appearance and beauty. At the beginning all of them are challenging and we require time to explore their nuances and master the forms. It is not enough to just write beautifully but it is important to truly understand the potential of the script and envision the compositions in your mind. On a personal level, I liked Chancery script but I took time to have proficiency in it.
How does a person’s handwriting affect or influence his / her personality or mentality? What is your opinion about it?
It is believed that people’s handwriting is a reflection of their traits. But one can make changes in it, improve its beauty and legibility with practice over a period of time.
What advice do you have to students who wish to transition towards commercial calligraphy from pursuing it as a hobby?
There is a great difference between viewing calligraphy as a hobby and taking it up as a career. If you wish to become a professional calligrapher then you must be persistent and innovative in your approach towards the art. There is also the desire to experiment with styles, size, tools and textures. A calligrapher must not only study the letterforms and techniques, but also develop the habit of reading, understanding and contemplating on the literature in the script, study the latest trends in the art form around the world.
How do you help students discover and explore their unique style instead of just copying traditional calligraphy?
It is important to keep working and trying new ideas and applications. This will lead to improvement in thought and your output. Feel free to experiment and express thoughts through your art. This will help you discover something new and lead to creating your own distinct style. Study the masters but always create compositions based on your understanding and interpretations of a text or idea.
What future do you envision for calligraphy in this digital age?
Technology has its influences but the uniqueness of an original handwork cannot be achieved purely by technology. The human element / contribution is needed. Especially for a beginner manual work is important as it encourages perfection. At the same time, I also recognise the benefits of using computers and the exponential advancement in software. It has enabled the more successful and efficient use of calligraphy in various applications. Calligraphic compositions can be enhanced and made into bespoke designs with software. Calligraphers have learned to co-exist with technology.
Can modern calligraphy tools replace the traditional tools like pens, Boru, Nibs etc.?
Both types of tools have their distinct uses. They can be effectively blended to get desired results. The evolution of tools is inevitable. The real joy lies in using the tools, feel their grip, see how the ink and colours flow through them on to the paper. I always try to see how they effectively convey your feelings on to the canvas, do they give you the joy of creation. This is important.
Which creation of yours you wish to show the world as your legacy?
This painting titled ‘Elevate’ is from my latest venture AksharBharati, a book and exhibition launched in January 2025. It is a pictorial depiction of how the forms, styles of letters have been elevated by many generations of artists, scribes with their ideas and tools. This painting shows the upward journey of a script from crude depictions of sounds to the refined letters. (Attach Chosen Picture)
A script or style from the past that you wish people should revive?
India is a land of many scripts. There is a language and script for each state. For a calligrapher like me, it is difficult to choose or single out script. I feel the entire spectrum of scripts from our country needs to be studied, both for their evolution, the current form and their impact on culture. We need to work on various aspects of Indian calligraphy so that its beauty and potential is brought before the world.
