Hidden Faces, Bare Bodies
Man's World|September 2019
They were the inspiration for the much acclaimed Marathi film Nude last year. For three generations, the women from the Naidu family have posed as nude models for Mumbai’s art students and painters. Their’s is a sad life, lived in near-poverty and secrecy.
Mayukh Majumdar
Hidden Faces, Bare Bodies

Sometime in 1965, renowned modernist artist, Akbar Padamsee, decided to spend two weeks at the historic Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan. Padamsee had received a Rockefeller Foundation scholarship to go to the United States of America, a report in Livemint states. When it was time for him to check out of the hotel, the future Padma Bhushan awardee realised that he did not have enough money to pay the bill. In barter, he presented the owner David Bard with a 10x3ft painted canvas which would later come to be famously called Reclining Nude. In 2011, almost five decades later, the Padamsee canvas would be sold for a then-record price of 1.4 million dollars to the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art.

But this is not where our story begins.

It begins with the search for a 24-year-old woman named Tulsi Naidu. Perhaps, I should have begun searching for her sooner but when I turned up at Sir JJ School of Arts on a wet Friday afternoon, I was met with circumspect suspicion from the professors. I didn’t understand it then but I don’t blame them for their caution now.

Why do I want to interview Tulsi Naidu? Why not interview many of the other women who model for the students of the college? Is it because like many journalists, I am sniffing around for controversial news?

My fellow journalists who appear to have come to the college seeking to write articles don’t appear to have either done their job properly or kept up their side of the bargain. After having travelled the entire area between Sir JJ School of Arts and Excelsior Theatre, I finally had a number.

The voice that greeted me on the opposite line was exceedingly youthful. I was surprised because my research had revealed that Tulsi Naidu was a mother and I did not expect her to sound so young. I thought she’d be at least 35 years of age. The voice couldn’t have belonged to a woman above 25.

この記事は Man's World の September 2019 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Man's World の September 2019 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

MAN'S WORLDのその他の記事すべて表示
Rekha At 70 The Enduring Mystique
Man's World

Rekha At 70 The Enduring Mystique

More than a generation after she was last seen on screen, the mystique that she successfully wrapped herself in continues to serve her well in the public imagination. Her fleeting public appearances in dazzling silk sarees and makeup continue to beguile the camera in the same manner it did at the peak of her career

time-read
7 分  |
October 2024
iPhone Fatigue
Man's World

iPhone Fatigue

Do we really need an annual Apple flagship release?

time-read
5 分  |
October 2024
Men's Guide To Combat Premature Hair Loss
Man's World

Men's Guide To Combat Premature Hair Loss

Male pattern baldness hit men at an early age, at times in late 30s and early 40s. We asked the experts the reason behind it, treatments that can help, and factors to take care of

time-read
5 分  |
October 2024
SMRITI MANDHANA MAKES CRICKET LOOK EASY
Man's World

SMRITI MANDHANA MAKES CRICKET LOOK EASY

In conversation with Man's World for Hyundai Drive Within campaign, the stylish Indian batter talks about her craft, evolution, and her thoughts on women's cricket

time-read
6 分  |
October 2024
Pritam Hitting The High Note
Man's World

Pritam Hitting The High Note

A National Award for Brahmastra: Part One Shiva this year and songs that continue to clock millions of streams, Pritam Chakraborty proves why he's one of the most acclaimed Hindi Film music directors of our time

time-read
10 分  |
October 2024
JEMIMAH RODRIGUES IS HAVING THE TIME OF HER LIFE
Man's World

JEMIMAH RODRIGUES IS HAVING THE TIME OF HER LIFE

In conversation with Man's World as a part of Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Jemimah Rodrigues take us through the drive within her that inspires her to be the best in her business.

time-read
5 分  |
October 2024
SHAFALI VERMA IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
Man's World

SHAFALI VERMA IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN

In conversation with Man's World India as a part of the Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Shafali Verma opens up about her historic double century, her fearless brand of cricket, and more

time-read
6 分  |
October 2024
Hands Onl Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch SPB455 100th Anniversary Edition
Man's World

Hands Onl Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch SPB455 100th Anniversary Edition

Seiko's 100th anniversary of the first watch to bear its name brought an exciting addition to its famed Prospex collection; a timepiece that pays homage to the brand's iconic history while embracing modern ideas of versatile wearability

time-read
2 分  |
October 2024
WATCHES ON THE WILD SIDE ATYPICAL CASE DESIGNS
Man's World

WATCHES ON THE WILD SIDE ATYPICAL CASE DESIGNS

Horology isn't just about precision. It's also about understanding the rules of perception-and sometimes, taking a sledgehammer to them

time-read
7 分  |
October 2024
Denim The Timeless Trendsetter
Man's World

Denim The Timeless Trendsetter

Crystal Henricksen, Head of Denim Design at GAP, shares with us what makes the fabric simple, versatile, and timeless

time-read
6 分  |
October 2024