Munish Sood
MANDI:
When Parul Kapoor picks up her brush, her paintings do more than just depict images. Rich in emotion, layered with meaning and rooted in tradition, her artwork is steadily giving a renewed identity to the lesser-known yet culturally rich art form of Mandi Kalam.
A resident of Khaliyar in Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, Parul Kapoor has emerged as a committed practitioner working to take Mandi Kalam beyond regional boundaries.
Drawing inspiration from this ancient hill art tradition, she is currently developing an entire series of paintings using natural colours and handmade materials, while thoughtfully blending elements of modern art. And all this is being done without compromising the soul of the original style.
Banker by profession, she did MBA from PU
Unlike decorative paintings meant only for visual appeal, Parul’s work carries depth and perspective. Her canvases weave strong emotions, spirituality and imagination, reflecting a clear artistic vision. Observers often remark that her paintings appear to “come alive”, narrating stories rooted in culture and heritage.
An MBA in Finance and Marketing from Panjab University, Chandigarh, Parul began her professional journey in the banking sector. However, her bond with art dates back to childhood. For her, painting has never been a casual hobby but a form of sadhana, a disciplined and meditative pursuit.
Over the last three to four years, she has consciously focused her creative energies on Mandi Kalam, producing notable work that has started drawing wider attention.
Her journey into Mandi Kalam took a defining turn under the guidance of her mentor, Rajesh Kumar, who encouraged her to explore and work on this traditional art form. Historically traced back to the era of Raja Sidh Sen (reigned 1684-1727), Mandi Kalam is characterised by its use of natural handmade paper, organic pigments and traditionally crafted squirrel-hair brushes. The themes often revolve around Devi Maa, Lord Shiva and other spiritual and cultural narratives of the region.
Aims to give Mandi Kalam global recognition
While Kangra Kalam has earned national and international acclaim, Mandi Kalam has largely remained in its shadow. Parul believes this imbalance needs correction. Her vision is to give Mandi Kalam global recognition while preserving its original spirit. She strongly feels that the art form can gain popularity through sensitive integration of modern elements, provided its foundational values remain intact.
Recently, Parul’s contribution to the art world was formally recognised by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), Mandi Chapter, which honoured her for her work in the field of art. During the felicitation ceremony, her paintings drew keen interest, including from the chief guest, who spent considerable time observing her work.
Adding another important milestone to her journey, Parul also conducted a Mandi Kalam workshop under the banner of INTACH, aimed at spreading awareness among students and art enthusiasts about this traditional heritage art. The initiative was well received and is being seen as a meaningful step toward engaging the younger generation with local cultural roots.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Parul acknowledged the support of INTACH members for encouraging her efforts to revive and promote Mandi Kalam. She also credits her family, especially her husband, for being a constant source of strength and motivation, allowing her to pursue this demanding yet fulfilling path with dedication.
Parul firmly believes that her efforts will not go in vain. She is confident that one day Mandi Kalam will receive the global platform it truly deserves. “This art form is a living cultural treasure and it deserves to shine far beyond the hills it was born in,” she maintains.
Parul also made it a point to acknowledge the pivotal role played by her father-in-law, Rajeev Kapoor, in shaping her artistic journey.
She credits him as the guiding force who encouraged her to explore and learn the nearly forgotten art of Mandi Kalam. From the very beginning, he believed in her potential, consistently motivated her and stood firmly by her side, offering unwavering support that helped her grow with confidence and purpose. According to Parul, his faith in her abilities gave her the strength to pursue this path with dedication and emerge as the artist she is today.
