Ludhiana-based photo artist Tej Pratap Singh Sandhu sent a copy of his pictorial book ‘Raga Ratan-Pearls of Celestial Symphony’, a pictorial renderings of 31 principal ragas of Sri Guru Grantha Sahib to Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan by post and the actor reciprocated with an appreciation letter. The book is based on the visuals of Sri Harimandir Sahib, Amritsar.
In his letter, Amitabh Bachchan writes, “Art is magical! Straight-away the ideas flow in upon the artist, directly from God, making them not only to see distances themes in the mind’s eye, but clothing them in the right forms harmonies and orchestration. Only art penetrates what pride, passion, intelligence and habit erect on all sides- the seeming realities of this world. A beautiful literature springs from the depth and fullness of intellectual and moral life, and from an energy of thought and feeling. This work- the pictorial renderings of 31 principal ragas of Sri Guru Granth Sahib based on visuals of Sri Harimandar Sahib, Amritsar, is a labour of love and enduring in quality and contents, and totally justifies the popular adage, “nothing lives in literature, but that which has in it the vitality of creative art”
He further adds, “Thank you so much. For me, this book is a treasure and a keepsake which has the power to transcend the human follies into the serene spiritual realm.”
Talking to a national daily, Sandhu said that he had sent his book by post and received the reply within a week. Raga Ratan was initially published in Punjabi language and now, it has been published in English by Punjabi University, Patiala translated by noted theologist and historian Anurag Singh.