Serum Institute of India managing director Dr Cyrus S Poonawalla bought Raja Ravi Verma’s painting, Yashoda and Krishna, for Rs 167.20 crore at Saffronart’s Spring Live Auction in Mumbai. (Photo Credit: Special Arrangement)The Raja Ravi Varma Temple of Arts plans to release authenticated copies of selected Raja Ravi Varma paintings, likely by the end of this year.Talking to The Indian Express during a recent visit to Pune, Ramavarma Thampuran K R, a descendant of Raja Ravi Varma and chairman of the Ramavarma Foundation for Art and Culture and the Raja Ravi Varma Temple of Arts, said, “I have seen Raja Ravi Varma prints online, on the streets and in shops that are of very poor quality. The colour combination is not accurate. The Foundation plans to release high-quality prints.” Ramavarma Thampuran K R (Photo Credit: Special Arrangement)He said this was needed as the enduring popularity of Raja Ravi Varma’s art has led to the proliferation of fakes.This is Thampuran’s first visit to Pune since Serum Institute of India managing director Dr Cyrus S Poonawalla bought the legendary artist’s painting, Yashoda and Krishna, for Rs 167.20 crore at Saffronart’s Spring Live Auction in Mumbai and set a new record for the selling price of modern Indian art at an auction.Talking about the auction, Thampuran said, “It is a very positive and heartening development that Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings are commanding such high prices. It reflects not only the monetary value of a painting, but also the growing recognition of Raja Ravi Varma’s extraordinary contribution to Indian art and cultural history.”What this auction – and others – have done is “bring into the public eye many of Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings that have remained largely unknown, often preserved for generations in private collections,” Thampuran said, adding that there are paintings that even the owners might not know are originals.Also Read | How Raja Ravi Varma, whose ‘Yashoda and Krishna’ fetched a record Rs 167 cr, blended Indian themes with European sensibilities“When Raja Ravi Varma’s works come up for auction, they are documented, discussed and seen by a much wider audience. Ultimately, these record prices demonstrate that Indian art, and Ravi Varma’s art in particular, is receiving the recognition it deserves. As a descendant of the great artist, I feel that such auctions encourage greater interest in preserving, researching and documenting his legacy for generations to come,” he further said.Story continues below this adThampuran is the special guest at the exhibition, “India in Image: Two Masters, a Shared Canvas” that brings together oleographs of Raja Ravi Varma and rare works by the famous cartoonist R K Laxman. The exhibition will be held at RK Laxman Museum in Balewadi on August 22 and 23, 5.30 pm-9 pm.Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read MoreClick here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our storiesTags:pune