Miramar Beach in Goa witness the stunning sand artistry of Sudarsan Pattnaik of Odisha

Panaji, 22 November 2024: As the sun sets over Goa’s Miramar Beach, the golden sands come alive with the story of Indian cinema’s enduring legacy. Amid the rhythmic crash of waves, Padma Shri award-winning sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik has crafted a mesmerizing tribute to four cinematic legends — Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), Tapan Sinha, Mohammed Rafi, and Raj Kapoor — at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Patnaik, known for his extraordinary sand art creations, unveiled a massive sculpture at Miramar Beach using 17 tonnes of sand. The intricate artwork celebrates the legacy of these cinematic icons who have profoundly shaped Indian cinema. Sudarsan Pattnaik (born 15 April 1977) is a world-renowned Indian sand artist from Orissa. He was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2014. Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the sand sculpture dedicated to four legendary figures of Indian cinema and music.

Dr. Pramod Sawant extended his gratitude to NFDC and Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik for honouring the four legends of Indian cinema in such a creative and artistic manner. “This is one of the largest sand sculptures created on Miramar Beach, and it stands as a beautiful testament to the legacy of these great individuals. I congratulate Shri Pattnaik and the entire team for their remarkable efforts,” Dr. Sawant remarked, adding that the sculpture is now open for the public to view and appreciate.

The installation, set against the beautiful backdrop of Miramar Beach, pays tribute to the immortal contributions of four cinema legends. Each of these icons shaped the Indian film and music industries, and this sand sculpture serves as a heartfelt homage to their timeless influence.

Speaking about the significance of sand art, Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik emphasized Goa’s potential to become a hub for sand sculpture training. “Goa, with its beautiful beaches, should have a dedicated sand art training institute where local artists and students can learn the intricacies of sand sculpture. It would be a great addition to the state’s cultural landscape and a wonderful way to engage tourists visiting Goa from across the world,” he said.

Reflecting on the unique coastal regions of Goa and his home state Odisha, Pattnaik shared his thoughts on the varying types of sand found at different beaches. “Every beach has its character and type of sand. “But for an artist, every sand is the same,” he remarked with a smile. Shri Pattnaik’s work has earned him worldwide acclaim, having represented India at numerous international sand art festivals, including the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. His latest work at IFFI is not only a tribute to the legends of Indian cinema but also a remarkable addition to the festival’s rich cultural offerings, showcasing the fusion of art and cinema