Anupam Kher inaugurates solar-powered art installation in Juhu
Veteran actor Anupam Kher recently inaugurated artist Sangeeta Babani's "Solar in Full Bloom" public art installation at the Juhu Garden junction in Juhu, Mumbai. The eco-friendly project, which blends public art with environmental sustainability, was launched in the presence of Maharashtra's Minister for Information Technology and Cultural Affairs, Ashish Shelar.
Developed in association with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) H-West Ward, the installation features eight solar-powered sculptures. The series comprises four Solar Trees and four Solar Flowers, which are designed to mimic nature while generating clean energy through integrated solar panels.
Speaking at the inauguration, Kher reflected on his deep personal connection to the surrounding suburbs. He shared that he has lived in several local areas throughout different phases of his life, including Linking Road Extension, Shastri Nagar, Bandra, Kherwadi, and currently Juhu.
Kher emphasized the positive impact of public art on the community's mental and spiritual well-being. "Beautification is needed not only for the eyes but for the soul also. We live in times when our soul needs to feel good too, and that's a beautiful way to do it with an installation like this," Kher said, expressing his appreciation for Babani's initiative.
Minister Ashish Shelar commended the collaborative nature of the project. He described it as a collective effort involving citizens, local authorities, curators, and creative minds working together to enhance Mumbai's aesthetic appeal.
Artist Sangeeta Babani stated that the sculptures are intended to inspire conversations about renewable energy. She described the artworks as living, breathing concepts that draw power from the sun. Babani expressed hope that commuters would see the installation not just as art, but as a gentle reminder of a sustainable future growing in the heart of the city.
The tree-like and flower-inspired structures serve as a visual reminder of the role clean energy can play in shaping greener cities, celebrating the relationship between nature and renewable energy.
