Hello Mumbai City Desk 

Beautification is needed not only for eyes but for the soul also: Anupam Kher

Ashish Shelar & Anupam Kher Inaugurate Sangeeta Babani’s Public Art Installation in Juhu

Globally acclaimed artist Sangeeta Babani, born in Spain and widely recognised for transforming Mumbai’s public spaces through her sculptures and public artworks, unveiled her latest public art installation series titled ‘Solar in Full Bloom’, at the junction of Juhu Garden in Mumbai, in association with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s H-West Ward. Sangeeta Babani’s art installation was inaugurated by Ashish Shelar – Minister of IT and Cultural Affairs & veteran actor Anupam Kher, in the presence of Ward 97 Corporator Hetal Gala and Sindoor Mittal of Avaada Group.

While most artists exhibit their creations within the confines of galleries, Sangeeta Babani has spent years transforming Mumbai itself into a canvas. Through landmark murals, sculptures and public art installations across the city’s streets, flyovers, junctions and public spaces, she has contributed significantly to Mumbai’s beautification, creating artworks that have become an integral part of the daily lives of thousands of residents and visitors alike.

The installation comprises eight sculptures, four Solar Trees and four Solar Flowers, that celebrate the relationship between nature and renewable energy. The Solar Trees feature solar panels integrated into tree-like forms, while the Solar Flowers use petal-shaped solar panels inspired by blooming flowers. Together, the artworks combine sustainability with public art, serving as a visual reminder of the growing role of clean energy in shaping a greener future.

Sharing his connection with the neighbourhood, Anupam Kher said, “I have been a resident of all these areas around Juhu… I used to stay in Linking Road extension, Shastri Nagar, Bandra, Kherwadi, and now in Juhu. In different phases of my life, I’ve stayed in all these different areas.” Speaking about the importance of public art and its impact on urban spaces, he added, “Beautification is needed not only for 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. I am glad that artists like Sangeeta ji are taking up such initiatives.”

“Mumbai is beautiful in itself, but it takes the efforts of its people to make it even more beautiful. In the Bandra-Khar-Santacruz area, we have the strong support of Sangeeta Babani ji, Hetal Gala ji, and our very own Anupam Kher ji, who is here with us today. This is a collective effort of citizens, authorities, curators and creative minds. Together, we are taking meaningful steps towards making Mumbai an even more beautiful city,” expressed Hon. Minister Ashish Shelar.

Speaking about the thought behind these artworks, artist Sangeeta Babani shared, “As an artist, it’s incredibly fulfilling to bring this installation series to a bustling space like the Santacruz-Juhu junction. These sculptures are living, breathing concepts that draw power from the sun, just like the nature they mimic. I hope when commuters look up at these solar trees and blooming panels, they don’t just see art, they see a gentle, beautiful reminder of a sustainable future growing right in the heart of our city.”