About my painting - Tel Maalish

About the painting - Tel Maalish 

Oil on Linen Canvas 

Size: 23’ x 40’

Year: 2025

Theme: Joys of joint family

A common sight in Indian families. The tradition of women of the family applying oil on each other’s hair prior to a hair wash. This, usually a weekly activity, is not so prevalent nowadays. 

‘Champi’ refers to an Ayurvedic head and scalp massage, originating from the Sanskrit word for ‘to knead’ or ‘to soothe’. This practice involves massaging the scalp with nourishing oils to improve circulation, promote hair health, relieve stress, and foster overall well-being. The word ‘champi’ is also said to be the root

of the English word & ’shampoo’.

Its quite an exercise for the fingers and arms too, wouldn’t you agree?

I am sure you are already humming..

“Sar jo tera chakaraaye 

Yaa dil duba jaaya

Aaja pyare paas hamaare

Kaahe ghabaraay kaahe ghabaraay”

For sure..

“Is champi me bade bade gun

Laakh dukho ki ek dawa hai”

While the brilliantly said lyrics is an instant recall, the fact is that, all of us Indians who have lived with this activity as a personal care ritual remember and smile at the indulgence we’ve enjoyed.

Here, in this showcase for Champi nostalgia, are 4 generations of women enjoying their Champi day!

This session was usually the hub of information on cultural practices and the reasoning for them. With the elders usually advising and guiding the younger ones while also countering the arguments from the next generations. 

This was one of the ways in which family beliefs, traditions and cultural general knowledge passed from one generation to the next.

This was family bonding and gossip time too! Shared laughter and ‘gyan’ that stayed in memory long after the oil was washed off.

All 4 of them are Penn - Naari! Penn-Naari - 'Penn"means 'Girl' in Tamil and 'Naari' means 'Lady' in Hindi.

Fun Fact: the body shapes of Penn-Naari are inspired by

*Great Grandmother: Kilmarnock swing bottle

*Grand Mother: Maiva Milk bottle

*Daughter: Ayuaid Adulsa cough syrup

Kid: Gowardhan Ghee bottle