GOPI : One more illustrious soul is gone – Tribute by B.NARASING RAO

when I came to know Gopi is no more’ then my memory took me in 1970’s

I met him at fine arts college, hyderabad. we became friends even though he was junior to me. on and off he used to show his sketches to me. from the beginning he was a bright personality. At that point of time even he is a student his work was quite good. I use to encourage him. all most all he became friend to me.

As a student he used to work hard. and entered the print media. with in short time he became popular illustrator. I think in the beginning he had artist Bapu influence. later on he came out of that. he became completely independent. at one point of time he became very very popular. the demand increased. most of the magazines editors use to chase him.

Gopi’s line had a magic. his style of drawing a line was fantastic.

Gopi’s line had a magic. his style of drawing a line was fantastic. he was going strong. many illustrations and cover designs, advertisements what not, he didn’t look back. in between we missed each other for long time. I was mostly involved into the theatrical activity at that point of time.

First he designed the logo for ‘Maabhomi’ that was something great. later on Gopi worked for my next film ‘Rangula kala‘ where I directed and acted in the film. Specially at this movement I spent lots of time with him. I really enjoyed his company.

when I made ( produced ) ‘Maabhomi’ again we got in touch. I wanted an artist for the publicity designs. I was in search. then Gopi came in contact with me. when I spoke to him regarding this matter he happily accepted my proposal. then we started working hand in hand. First he designed the logo for ‘Maabhomi’ that was something great. ultimately he delivered the work in time. his designs were fantastic. Everyone appreciated his work.
later on Gopi worked for my next film ‘Rangula kala‘ where I directed and acted in the film. the work was on at Manjeera hotel, Kachi guda, Hyderabad. specially at this movement I spent lots of time with him. I really enjoyed his company. While working he used to tell me many jokes. just I used to laugh laugh and laugh. mostly he used to tell stories of Vijayawada. of his experiences working with media. really I had wonderful time with Gopi when he was working with me for my film Rangula kala.

Once he invited me for a wedding in his family performed at railway club. I attended it. at that point of time he was very happy. he told me ,he is into real estate business. again very big gap between us.

Again in 2014 when I was working on ‘Art @ Telangana‘ coffee table book I met him. he spoke me with the same smiling face. that is the hallmark of artist Gopi. as I mentioned earlier he was a great illustrator. but not the painter. that is why I could not accommodate him in the above book.

Finally I met him recently at Sadasiva Rao’s funeral. Gopi sat next to me and explained how ‘ sada ‘ died. because Gopi was next to him when he dyed.

Now ‘Covid- 19’ taken away Gopi from us. but his art and smiling face are always with us. if I get any chance I would like to document his illustrations. with tears in my eyes I pay tributes to my departed friend Gopi