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| Natrang celebrates World Cartoonist Day, honours eminent Cartoonist Chander Shekhar | | |  Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 5: Natrang celebrated World cartoonist day here at Natrang studio theatre by holding a show of cartoons and caricatures by eminent cartoonist Chander Shekhar also popularly known as Bunty Cartoonist. On the occasion Cartoonist Chander Shekhar was also honoured by Natrang Director Balwant Thakur who was joined by senior Natrang artists viz Suraj Singh, Neeraj Kant, Anil Tickoo, Sanjeev Gupta and Subash Jamwal. Speaking on the occasion Natrang Director Balwant Thakur said that it is Natrang which started celebrating this day in Jammu and last year a major exhibition was organised at Kala Kendra Jammu to mark this great occasion. Balwant Thakur further said that World Cartoonist Day is celebrated annually world over on 5th May to honour the creative minds who bring stories, humor and commentary to life through the art of cartoons. In Jammu amongst others, Chander Shekhar has long used wit and illustration to communicate complex ideas in accessible ways. From political satire to cultural and social commentary, Chander Shekhar has successfully continued influencing public opinion and connecting with readers/spectators across sections of society. Jammu is blessed to have a talent like him and by honouring him, Natrang is honouring itself.
Chander Shekhar, fondly known as Bunty Cartoonist, is not just an artist - he is a chronicler of society, a satirist with a purpose, and a proud son of Dogra soil who gave a new identity to political and social cartoons in Jammu and Kashmir.
From a young age, Bunty showed a deep fascination with cartoons. Inspired by legends like R.K. Laxman, he would sneak neighbors' newspapers just to cut out cartoon strips, unknowingly laying the foundation for his life's passion. His artistic journey began with doodles in school and evolved into sharp caricatures that captured the pulse of the people. Though a trained actor and theatre artist, it was the power of the pen and brush that truly defined him.
In a region where cartooning had no established tradition, Chander Shekhar became the first to hold solo exhibitions dedicated entirely to caricatures of local Dogras. He carved a niche by turning real societal problems into bold, striking cartoons-be it corruption, drug abuse, environmental neglect, or political apathy.
His caricature of Khushwant Singh earned him national recognition in the 'Mail Today' competition, judged by greats like Sudhir Dar. His portrait of late President Pranab Mukherjee was selected and showcased at Rashtrapati Bhavan-a proud moment for any Indian artist.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when galleries shut down, Bunty transformed his rooftop into a unique "lockdown gallery," inviting the world to witness his art from the street below. His passion birthed the BunToon Club-a platform to mentor aspiring cartoonists and conduct creative campaigns for youth. He regularly uses his cartoons to support government initiatives like Swachh Bharat and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.
With over 30,000 cartoons and caricatures to his credit, his work has been displayed in 38 countries. Despite international recognition, he stays deeply rooted in Jammu's culture, often creating work in Dogri to promote local identity. |
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