as prime minister narendra modi acknowledges the power of a free media it is instructive to look back at indian medias first liberated star raja ravi varma 19th century painter and agent provocateur whose prints exploded their frames to become a mirror of the timesread also the goddess lakshmi that we pray to on diwali was painted by raja ravi varma raja ravi varma is widely hailed as the father of modern indian art his paintings captured by filmmaker ketan mehta in his upcoming movie rang rasiya presented indian mythological scenes varmas work was breakthrough mingling eastern and western styles depicting shakuntala or arjuna in modes evoking the bright colours and fine brushwork of european masters like titian and ruebens mehta captures varmas paintings golden jewels creamcoloured swans carpets of green grass moving observers to pray before thin paper prints varmas passion even inspired another indelibly indian art dadasahab phalkes first hindi film financed partly by mentor varma however varma went beyond the skin and bones of arty aesthetics his painting was spiritedly political kickstarting one of indias stormiest debates freedom of expression versus moral police on the one hand varmas divine figures in serene repose or sensual turmoil became a national craze his prints fuelling indias emerging consumer culture adorning calendars soap tins matchboxes importantly appearing on walls where those considered untouchable inhumanly excluded from temples could pray but varma faced tremendous flak too as selfappointed gatekeepers of tradition challenged his freedom of expression his daring to depict the divine in human dilemmas as bombay was hit by plague at the 19th centurys end varma battled obscenity cases shrill critics claiming his artistic liberties were angering the gods what would mehta say to moral police who even today attack an individuals right to freely express thought id say indian culture is more liberal and liberated than any other in the world mehta told toi will such attackers ban khajuraho or kalidasa now varma challenged narrow repressive notions of india if we face intolerance we must too through his life varma passionately defended freedom of expression underlining how a truly liberated society must be free of intolerance that stunts real introspection and bites back growth only freedom enables artists to present a countrys true life only freedom empowers media to be a mirror of its times only freedom allows individuals to live freely loving writing and painting in colours that both disturb and delight