Hyderabad artist’s viral Instagram video sparks global support for temple painting

A viral Instagram video has brought global attention to Hyderabad artist Ram Singh, who is seeking specialised brushes unavailable in India to complete his Sri Sri Srinivasa Kalyanam painting, which he plans to donate to the TTD temple after completion.

Hyderabad: From a Kondapur roadside to thousands of mobile screens across the world, a viral video has changed the way people see an artist’s work besides extending support for it.

Ram Singh, a Hyderabadi who has been painting since 2000, never expected a video of him working on a 3×4 Sri Sri Srinivasa Kalyanam painting on a roadside to go viral on Instagram.

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In the video posted by a digital creator, ushassu_la, Singh appealed for donations of fine-detail brushes, which are needed to complete the artwork. Camlin Oil Colour Linseed, Quick Dry Brushes, Camel Brush 000-2 and Camel Brush 000 are his requirements from the US.

As the video went viral on Instagram, gathering 18.2k likes in just 24 hours, with several users posting comments seeking details, Singh’s phone started to receive multiple calls from people, including from the US, asking how they could help him.

Speaking to ‘Telangana Today’, Singh said his request is simple. “I am looking for fine-detail brushes from the United States and 24-colour paints that are not available in India. With the current brush, it is difficult to paint minute details such as on ornaments.”

For the 60-year-old artist, the painting is not meant for sale but for donation to the TTD temple once it is completed. Having begun five months ago, Singh progressed slowly as he balanced his art classes for children and painting. In addition to schoolchildren, he also taught businesspersons and film personalities in the city.

“I used to teach and paint in the evening. My students or their families buy my paintings. This helped me make ends meet, while my children are still studying and my wife runs a small store,” he said.

This resident of Chanda Nagar is looking for students to teach. Interested people residing in Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills can reach out to him for art classes on 9652810046.