In a heartfelt tribute to the late Ratan N. Tata, Mumbai-based artist Shailesh Acharekar has decided to auction his stunning portrait of the industrialist, created with 12,000 diamonds. Originally intended as a personal birthday gift for Tata, Acharekar now plans to dedicate the proceeds of the auction to charitable causes close to Tata’s heart, particularly those related to animal welfare.
A Portrait Like No Other
Acharekar, who shares his birthday with Ratan Tata on December 28, spent six months crafting the glittering masterpiece. The portrait, measuring 3×4 feet, features 12,000 big and small diamonds meticulously arranged on a matt blackboard. Acharekar hoped to personally present the artwork to Tata as a tribute to his immense contributions to the country.
“I created this portrait especially for Ratan Tata Sir, hoping to meet and gift it to him on his birthday,” Acharekar shared with IANS. “Sadly, with his passing, my dream remains unfulfilled.”
A Tribute to a ‘Gem’
The idea for the portrait emerged earlier this year when Acharekar, inspired by Tata’s extraordinary legacy, decided to honor him with a unique creation. The labor of love took months of dedication, as the artist envisioned the diamonds symbolizing the indelible impact Tata had on India and the world. However, with Tata’s passing on October 9, Acharekar was left heartbroken.
Despite the sadness of losing such an iconic figure, Acharekar is now determined to turn this personal tribute into a charitable initiative. “Ratan Tata’s legacy lives on through his values and the causes he supported. To honor his memory, we have decided to auction this portrait, with the proceeds going to charities he cared about, particularly the welfare of dogs,” said Acharekar, who shares Tata’s love for animals.
Valued Beyond Money
New York-based NRI diamantaire Ketan R. Kakkad described the portrait as a “masterpiece” and estimates its potential value to be between Rs 3-5 crore. However, Kakkad emphasized that no monetary figure can truly capture the significance of Ratan Tata’s contributions. “Ratan Tata’s legacy, like diamonds, is timeless. His contributions to society and industry are immeasurable,” he remarked.
This isn’t Acharekar’s first diamond tribute. In June 2024, he created a portrait of the late Balasaheb Thackeray, adorned with 27,000 diamonds. His artistic vision captures not only the likeness of these prominent figures but also their simplicity, humility, and commitment to social causes.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Ratan Tata’s life and work continue to inspire countless individuals. Acharekar’s decision to auction the portrait reflects Tata’s spirit of giving and his enduring impact on society. “Ratan Tata’s generosity and dedication to charity will inspire generations. Through this painting, we hope to make a small contribution to his charitable initiatives,” Acharekar explained.
A Nationwide Wave of Creativity
In addition to Acharekar’s diamond portrait, a 28-year-old self-taught artist from Pune, Rajashri Nitin Bhagawat, has also paid homage to Tata in a remarkable way. Bhagawat created a 20×20-foot rangoli of Ratan Tata within a map of India in just three hours at the Pimpri-Chinchwad Polytechnic College. Her work has garnered widespread attention on social media.
Rajashri, who has been creating rangolis since the age of 13, travels with her husband and young son to create vibrant artwork along the 250-kilometer Alandi-Pandharpur route for the annual Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj ‘palkhi’ procession. Her dedication, much like Acharekar’s, demonstrates how deeply Ratan Tata’s legacy resonates across India.
A Tribute to a Timeless Legacy
Ratan Tata’s influence on India’s industrial, social, and philanthropic landscapes is monumental. While Acharekar’s diamond portrait is a testament to the artist’s skill and admiration, it also symbolizes the values Tata embodied—humility, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to improving lives. As the auction draws near, the portrait stands as a tribute not only to Tata’s life but also to the charitable causes he championed.