Aashima Mehrotra’s ‘Laapata Ladies’ shines at Lalit Kala Akademi’s national exhibition

Aashima Mehrotra and ‘Laapata Ladies’: The 64th National Exhibition of Art opened at Rabindra Bhawan in New Delhi, bringing together some of India’s finest contemporary artists. Organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi, this yearly event celebrates the country’s rich and evolving art scene.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Hon’ble Minister of Culture & Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with other senior officials from the Ministry of Culture.

Advertisement

 

Advertisement

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lalit Kala Akademi (@lalitkalakademi)

One of the most talked-about highlights of this year’s exhibition is the work of Aashima Mehrotra, a visual artist who also serves as an Indian Railway Traffic Service officer. She has made history by becoming the first-ever Railway officer to have her artwork selected for this prestigious national showcase.

Her painting, titled ‘Laapata Ladies’, is an acrylic on canvas piece, sized 61×91 cm, created in 2024. The artwork has gained attention for its thoughtful representation of themes like spiritual depth, the balance between the cosmic and the earthly, and elements of Indian aesthetics.

Also Read: Vipin Sharma shines in ‘Dhadak 2’, says he’s redeeming himself after ‘Taare Zameen Par’

Aashima is currently serving as the Executive Director of Heritage in the Railway Board. She has received recognition not only within India but also on the international stage for her artworks.

Her artworks have received appreciation from jurors from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the New York Federation of Arts, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), and various embassies around the world.

This year’s exhibition is especially notable for showcasing a wide range of voices and styles. The Akademi aims to create a space where creativity can flourish.

The exhibition will remain open for public viewing until September 15, 2025, at the Lalit Kala Akademi Galleries, Rabindra Bhawan, New Delhi. Art lovers, students, and anyone curious about modern Indian art can visit the event.