The Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation has brought an immersive multisensory experience that merges art, history, and technology to celebrate the life and work of one of India’s most revered painters. Launched on February 26, this innovative initiative draws inspiration from the diary of C. Raja Raja Varma, Raja Ravi Varma’s younger brother, collaborator, and chronicler, offering audiences an unprecedented look into the painter’s creative world.
At the heart of the experience is an abstract audiovisual presentation, an eight-minute cinematic journey that brings select excerpts from C. Raja Raja Varma’s diary to life. Through a fusion of art, music, and historical narratives, this film serves as a gateway into the mind of Raja Ravi Varma, shedding light on his artistic process, inspirations, and lasting influence. The carefully curated visuals and soundscapes create an evocative introduction.
Visitors can then engage with the experience through two interactive paths, both powered by augmented reality (AR) to provide a dynamic and engaging narrative. Using elegantly designed printed cards and an intuitive digital interface, audiences can explore Raja Ravi Varma’s Artistic Legacy- a visual and narrative deep dive into his most significant works, his extensive travels, and the recognition that cemented his place in art history.
A Personal Perspective offers a closer look at his personal life, his enduring connection to the Travancore royal family, and the relationships that shaped his artistic vision. This aspect of the experience humanizes the legend, allowing visitors to see beyond his paintings and into his world.
“This initiative is the first of its kind, leveraging cutting-edge technology to bring Raja Ravi Varma’s legacy into the modern era,” Gitanjali Maini, Managing Trustee and CEO of the Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation said. “Since the diary maintained by his younger brother is an invaluable historical document, we wanted to elevate its significance from a simple reading experience into something more interactive and technologically advanced.”
This groundbreaking experience merges to bring The Diary of C. Raja Raja Varma to life like never before. Through immersive storytelling and interactive visuals, these untold stories of one of India’s greatest artists in a dynamic, multisensory journey. Experience this revolutionary tribute until May 1, 2025, between 10 AM and 5 PM at Gallery G on Lavelle Road, Bangalore.