Every now and then, we come across a story that gives us hope and determination. Shakila Sheikh, daughter of a vegetable vendor is definitely one of those inspiring people whose story deserves to be heard and read widely. She lived on the streets in the worst conditions but her talent has helped her pull her out of that drab.
According to reports, Shakila was barely a year old when her father left her family and her mother, Zaheran Bibi, started travelling for 40 km, from Mograghat to Kolkata every day, to sell vegetables.
Speaking to the Weekend Leader, Shakila says, “She didn’t allow me to work but used to take me to the city for a tour. I loved seeing the trams and buses plying through the roads and slept on the pavements while she worked.”
Her life turned around when she met a man named Baldev Raj Panesar, who would frequent her mother’s vegetable.
Baldev Raj Panesar an artist himself, was also a philanthropist, he would purchase eggs, chocolates, pencils and magazines and distribute them among the underprivileged kids.
And that earned him the title ‘Dimbabu’ ’dim’ meaning egg in Bengali.
It was Dimbabu who convinced Shakila’s mother to send her to school. He helped Shakila gain admission to a Kolkata school, securing the young girl’s future.
Given the financial pressure, Shakila was married off early which put an end to her education, and she approached Dimbabu again for help.
Baba invited Shakila and her husband Akbar to one of his exhibitions. “We were not enthusiastic about going as we knew nothing about art but had to go because of Baba. While I just gave a passing look to the paintings, Shakila looked at them very keenly,” says Akbar.
After the exhibition, Shakila insisted that Akbar get her cardboard sheets and coloured paper.
She started to work on her very first collage—a depiction of vegetables and fruits and thus began her journey as an artist. Many of her artworks are now sold across India, Europe and the USA! Her life completely turned around with art.
At the end of the day it’s all about realizing what you are truly passionate and fearlessly pursuing it, no matter what your circumstances are, Shakila’s story is proof!