History Paintings & Portraits of Indian Leaders

Giani Zail Singh, N.S. Subbakrishna, Oil on Canvas

Location: Banquet Hall

Born on 5th May, 1916 in Punjab, Giani Zail Singh suffered long periods of imprisonment as a freedom fighter. He became Chief Minister of Punjab in 1972, Member of Parliament, Minister of Agriculture in 1951, Home Minister in 1980 and finally the President of India from 1982-1987. He died on 29 November 1994 in a road accident on his way to Anadpur Sahib.

Standing against a green wall, this portrait of Giani Zail Singh provides insight into Subbakrishna’s artistic style. A flat wall and a potted plant with green foliage, provides the backdrop. In a knee length brown bandhgala, folds of his white churidar direct towards his broad construct and eyes in communion with the observer. His juttis form a slight curve in front in accordance with traditional Punjabi attire. A rose is fittingly positioned on his bandhgala.

With a frontal posture, his round face and eyes make contact with the observer and draws attention to his sharp nose, delineating towards thick black beard. A thick moustache occupies its place above the lips. He has thick black eyebrows and wears a white pagdi on his head. His right hand rests on an upholstered high chair in red and gold.