Shakti Singh Ahlawat was born on April 8, 1967, in the quaint village of Behlba, located in the Rohtak district of Haryana. From a young age, he was known for his keen observation and quick learning abilities. In the third grade at the government school in Behlba, he came across a line drawing of Mahatma Gandhi in his textbook. Intrigued by how simple lines could capture the essence of a person’s face, he wondered, “Can I do this too?” This curiosity sparked his first attempt at sketching—his rendition of Gandhi. After several tries, he succeeded and proudly showed his work to his mother and grandmother, who were both delighted by his effort. Encouraged by their praise, Shakti began sketching elderly villagers, capturing their expressions and stories.
A bright student, Shakti’s path took a turn after high school when his father insisted he pursue engineering. However, after completing a pre-engineering program, Shakti decided to follow his true passion and enrolled in the Government College of Art in Chandigarh. This marked the beginning of his artistic journey.
He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Painting in 1991, completing a five-year degree program recognized as equivalent to a Master’s degree, awarded by Panjab University in Chandigarh. Shakti Singh, celebrated as “The Man of Portraits” and a distinguished “Jat Artist,” boasts an impressive collection of portraits and paintings housed in esteemed institutions. His artworks are featured in the Rashtrapati Bhawan Museum in New Delhi, the WAR Museum in Ludhiana, and the Government Museum in Chandigarh. Additionally, his pieces have been displayed in significant venues like the National Gallery of Portraits in Chandigarh, the Command Office at Chandi Mandir, Haryana Raj Bhawan, and Punjab Bhawan in New Delhi.
Shakti’s contributions extend to the Department of Art and Culture in Haryana, the Sainik Rest House in Faridkot, and numerous museums, including the Dr. Deewan Singh Museum in Sishwan and the Dharohar Museum in Kurukshetra. His artistry has garnered appreciation from notable figures like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, and Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister, along with renowned actors such as Rakesh Bedi, Shabana Azmi, and Sarita Joshi. Shakti Singh’s creations are a testament to his exceptional talent and his profound influence on India’s cultural landscape.
Shakti Singh, celebrated as “THE MAN OF PORTRAITS” and a revered “JAT ARTIST,” boasts an impressive array of portraits and paintings displayed in esteemed institutions across India. His artworks grace the walls of the Rashtrapati Bhawan Museum in New Delhi, the WAR Museum in Ludhiana, and the Government Museum in Chandigarh, among others. Noteworthy locations featuring his art include the National Gallery of Portraits in Chandigarh, the Command Office at Chandi Mandir, Haryana Raj Bhawan, and Punjab Bhawan in New Delhi. His influence in the art community is also felt in the Department of Art and Culture in Haryana and various museums, including the Dr. Deewan Singh Museum in Sishwan and the Dharohar Museum in Kurukshetra. Celebrated figures such as Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, and Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister, along with notable actors like Rakesh Bedi, Shabana Azmi, and Sarita Joshi, have acknowledged his artistic contributions. His work not only highlights his exceptional talent but also showcases his significant role in shaping India’s cultural landscape.
Shakti Singh has painted the portraits of many illustrious personalities, a testament to his artistic gift and commitment. Among his distinguished subjects are former Presidents Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and Sh. Pranab Mukherjee, as well as former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi, Rajeev Gandhi, and Dr. Manmohan Singh. His portfolio also features portraits of notable figures like Mr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, the Prime Minister of Mauritius, and various Chief Ministers of Haryana, including Ch. Bansi Lal and Ch. Bhupender Singh Hooda, alongside Captain Amrinder Singh from Punjab. Moreover, he has captured the likeness of former Minister Ch. Surinder Singh and Mrs. Kiran Chaudhary, as well as Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, for Ambedkar Bhawan in Kurukshetra. His extensive portfolio includes former Governors of Haryana and celebrated actors such as Rakesh Bedi, Shabana Azmi, and Sarita Joshi, among many others, both in India and abroad.
In addition, I have participated in over 100 workshops throughout various regions of India, organized by different institutions, including the National Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi. These workshops have enriched my artistic journey, allowing me to explore diverse practices and perspectives within the realm of art.
The artist has showcased their work through solo exhibitions in Mumbai and Chandigarh, while also participating in numerous group shows across various locations, including Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Punjab, Jaipur, and Shimla. In addition to their visual art, the artist has been featured in interviews on radio, television, newspapers, magazines, and YouTube, further amplifying their presence in the art community.
Over the years, he has received numerous honors that celebrate his impact on the art world. In 1990, he was awarded a Special Award in Portrait Painting by ART-INDIA in Ludhiana, Punjab. The following year, 1991, brought him the Bheem-Kala-Ratn Award from Dr. Ambedkar Akhil Bhartiya Manav Kalyan Trust in Chandigarh, along with the Amrita-Shergill Award from G.C.A., Chandigarh. His journey of accolades didn’t stop there; in 1993, he was recognized with the Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi Award. In 2002, the Bank of Punjab in Chandigarh acknowledged his talent, and in 2010, he received a State Award in Fine Art from the Government of Haryana. His dedication was further recognized in 2016 with an award from RAAS KALA MANCH. Looking ahead, he is excited to receive the “Shree Kala Ratn Samman” from M. D. University in Rohtak in 2024, along with the esteemed “First Friday Forum Award” for Excellence in Portraiture and Iconographic Paintings, also set for 2024.
