Next generation of moortikars in 30s takes the stage with Ganpati bappa

MUMBAI: Increasingly at Ganeshotsav, a set of new, young hands have begun to sculpt, mould and paint Ganesha idols. Along with fresh ideas and techniques, these moortikars in their 30s are adept in the use of social media, gaining thousands of followers who fawn over their work and dissect their style.

Over five years, much of the old generation of Ganesh moortikars has been phased out. Famous sculptor Vijay Khatu died six years ago while his brother Rajan passed away during Covid. The workshops of Rajan Zhad, and Santosh and Ratnakar Kambli operate, but are not flourising.

Now a new crop of creative carvers has stormed the scene, led by Khatu's apprentices like Siddhesh Dighole, Aman Datte and daughter Reshma Khatu. Satish Walivadekar of Ganesh Gully fame and Pratibha Bandekar of Sahyadri Krida Mandal, Tilak Nagar, are also emerging big names.


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