Sid the Artist

I have always discovered something new every-time I had visited Udaipur. At times it happened by chance, and at times I chased it. While learning miniature art with my teacher Mr Lala, I met his 17 year old son by chance. We chatted for sometime and I left. This was 2013. I made sure that I meet him in 2014 when I went over to Mr Lala's place to meet him. I wanted to feature this multiple personality guy on my blog. And while doing that I discovered many aspects of this young chap and I just thought of sharing with you all. Presenting the talented son showing off his skills at his father's studio in Udaipur. 

Siddharth Soni . 17 years old . Studying in 12^th std . Lives in Udaipur . Passionate about art . Plays wonderful guitar . Stylish . Well spoken . Wants to study language . Especially Chinese . Inquisitive . Not sure at times what to do with life . Dad thinks he will join Bollywood because of his good looks . He nods in agreement . Only son . Well behaved . Amazing artist . Photogenic . Shy . Mischievous . Dreamer . Loves to cycle around in his leisure time . Obedient . Speaks impeccable english . Good command over Indian language as well . Loves to travel . Wish to live in Mumbai . But in the end wants to come back to his hometown – Udaipur.  

I wish you the best in life Sid. :) 

Giving final touch ups to his work

Some more touch ups

He prefers this corner while painting as it keeps him away from public eye

He is an absolute thinker…

…dreamer…

…and charmer…

Brushing up his skills

Relaxing with his other passion: guitar

At his best moods while playing the guitar

Intense

Music merging with Art

Charminar Moods

Every-time I had gone to the old city, it's a habit to click the beloved boyfriend of mine in various moods and hues. Its is a through love-love relation that we share. I was still a kid when I first met him while driving in a rickshaw with my mother. It was love at first sight. We are still going very strong ;) 

The boy friend here is the historic Charminar standing proudly like a monument withstanding human events (happy and sad), nature's fury and generation leaps and making people fall in love with itself and with each others.

As old as the city itself, today Charminar proudly celebrates its 400+ year of glory and glamour.

I can never ever think of Hyderabad without Charminar, or vice versa.

Can I get the liberty to call myself a 'Charminarian'?

Paigah Tombs

I heard about them but never really seen them in reality till recently. Thanks to my dear friend Jonty, of Detours, who pushed me to come along with her. Glad I listened to her.

Paigah Tombs or Maqbara Shums Ul Umra, are the tombs belonging to the noble Paigah family. They are located in the old city of Hyderabad called Pisalbanda.

We were welcomed by the ever smiling care taker, Rehmat Ullah and his grand son, Innayat Ullah. He and his family has been taking care of the tombs since 60 plus years. They have been given a small house in the courtyard to stay. As it was just the day after Eid, Rehmat saab treated us with the delicious Sheer Khorma and the amazing Udd Ittar. Soon after we began exploring the tombs.

To say that the tombs are just magnificent will not be wrong, besides they make marvelous architectural study. Decorated in stucco work and represent an interesting mixture of Asaf Jahi, Rajasthani, Mughal, Persian and Deccani style of architecture. Its a completely different era altogether.

Try to go leisurely as there is much more to explore at this place besides looking at some 50 odd tombs including that of Amir e Kabir, Abul Fakhruddin Khan, Shums Ud Dowla and many more..

there is a small but cute Masjid too in the courtyard.

I shall try to go on a sunny day the next time I am in Hyderabad as my camera does not support cloudy day picture. Nevertheless I am glad and happy that I went. And once again, a big THANK YOU to Jonty.

The masjid in the Tombs courtyard

One of the main entrances 

The wooden doors with interesting jail work

One of the main courtyard of tombs

Even the walls are beautifully decorated

Jonty of De Tours company

Between the two pillars

An interesting inlay work on one of the tombs 

Another tomb courtyard

Paigah Tombs from outside

Stunning tree of life work on the wall

Rehmat Ullah

Rehmat Ullah while seeing us off!

Innayat Ullah