Sobha Singh Biography 
Sobha Singh was a famous contemporary painter from Punjab, India. The portrait he made in honour of the 500th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak in 1969 is believed to be the visage of Guru Nanak by his believers. His paintings of Sohni Mahiwal and Heer Ranjha are his masterpiece works. He has also painted portraits national heroes and leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Bhagat Singh. His murals are displayed in the art gallery of Indian Parliament House in New Delhi. Andreta (Palampur) is popular with Sobha Singh art gallery. Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1983, Doctor of Literature by Punjabi University, Patiala and title of State Artist of the Punjab Government in 1974 are the major honours received by Singh.
Sardar Sobha Singh was born on 29 November 1901 in Sri Hargobindpur, Gurdaspur district of Punjab to Deva Singh, an Indian cavalry. In 1949 he settled down in Andretta (near Palampur). Till death, for 38 years he stayed there and painted hundreds of pictures mainly focusing on Sikh gurus, their life and work. This place is now known for Sobha Singh art gallery, visited by people all over the world. He portrayed public's perception associated with Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh most through his paintings. In 1969, portrait made on 500th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak is one among his best paintings.
Apart from Guru Nanak, he has also portrayed great saints like Guru Amar Das, Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Har Krishan. His paintings also include historic figures, national leaders as well as characters of famous folklore stories and novels. His paintings of Sohni Mahiwal and Heer Ranjha are its best instances. He was also interested in sculptures and did the busts of some celebrities like Prithviraj Kapoor. He has also done an incomplete head-study of Amrita Pritam.
Published: N/A
Updated: January 02, 2014
