Wonderful opportunities lying ahead for 34-year-old Nashikar, Mr. Prafull Bhimraj Sawant. He has been honored to have the opportunity to hand over one of his masterpieces to the pride of Indian cricket team, the master blaster, Mr. Sachin Tendulkar. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has decided to gift Sachin with a painting for him to cherish, who will be playing 200th and the final Test match at the Wankhede Stadium from November 14-18.
Since the time Sawant got this golden opportunity, he is completely occupied in attending praises from people. Sawant was given a short notice for an urgent meet from the MCA officials. Sawant expressed “Look I am not a die-hard cricket fan. Sachin Tendulkar is a famous name I know but ever since I was a kid, I have been painting all my life, Since Sachin is a Maharashtrian, and it made sense to choose these”.
Sawant sent his 10 random clicks of the famous landscapes of the state to the MCA office. His clicks included the famous capture of the busy Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Phadnavis Wada, the serenity of Panchgani and many more. Sawant said, “Now it is Sachin’s choice. It’s a work in process and once the confirmation comes, I will put the finishing touches. I have time to complete whichever painting he wants,”
The MCA president Sharad Pawar recommended the talent of Nashik to offer “parting gift” for Sachin. The hero of the Indian Cricket Team is fond of the paintings and appreciates them. “I have met him once during an exhibition in Mumbai in 2010. He was very impressed with my work and bought a few to encourage me. His daughter (Supriya Sule) had also bought a painting for her mother. But this request for Sachin has been the greatest honour,” said Prafull.
Born with great painting skills, Sawant has a family of painters and focuses on “realistic” paintings. His talent has got him 17 international awards. “I will surely be at the Wankhede to see him with my own eyes. That’s going to be my biggest gift in life so far, it’s like the turning point in your life. Now that I am getting to know the magnitude of the moment, I just can’t believe it. This has been like a dream and to present Tendulkar one my paintings is such a massive honor,” said the lucky Nashikkar.
We, Page 3 Nashik on behalf of Nashikites proudly announce that we have an unfinished diamond that is soon going to have a polished look. Hearty congratulations to Prafull Sawant.
