Use of video and description courtesy of Sothebys
Bhupen Khakhar was India’s first pop artist, fearlessly blending high and low culture to redefine the boundaries of contemporary Indian art. His groundbreaking cutouts, ‘Amitabh Wounded and Rekha at Nathadwara,’ bridge Bollywood’s cinematic grandeur with India’s complex visual and spiritual culture. Originally commissioned for Tate Modern’s Century City exhibition, these works capture the tension between fame, mortality, and national transformation in the 1990s.
Khakhar’s portrayal of Amitabh Bachchan—India’s ultimate anti-hero—mirrors his own struggles with illness, while Rekha’s portrait unfolds a layered narrative of devotion, celebrity, and self-reflection. Drawing from India’s deep-rooted relationship with kitsch, cinema, and mythology, Khakhar reimagines pop art beyond its Western confines, creating a powerful dialogue between Bollywood and contemporary Indian identity. These works are among the largest Khakhar pieces ever to come to market—an unmissable moment for collectors and cultural historians alike.
These monumental works—among the largest Khakhar pieces ever to appear at auction—present a rare, once-in-a-generation opportunity for collectors. They are a highlight of our upcoming Modern & Contemporary South Asian Art sale, taking place live at Sotheby’s New York on 17 March, 2025.