Thu Dec 18 17:29:33 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article rewrite:

Summary:

Ram Vanji Sutar, the renowned Indian sculptor known as the “Statue Man,” has passed away at the age of 100. His prolific career spanned seven decades and included over 50 large-scale public works, most notably the Statue of Unity. Sutar was celebrated for his hyper-realistic bronze and stone portraits of national icons, particularly Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He was trained at the Sir J.J. School of Art and was inspired by the caves of Ajanta and Ellora. Despite some criticism for his traditional style, Sutar’s work was immensely popular and contributed significantly to India’s monumental sculpture landscape. He established a studio in Noida and mentored young sculptors, collaborating with his son Anil Ram Sutar.

News Article:

Indian Sculpture Loses a Titan: Ram Sutar, Creator of Statue of Unity, Dies at 100

Noida, December 18, 2025 – Ram Vanji Sutar, one of India’s most celebrated sculptors and the man behind iconic monuments such as the Statue of Unity, passed away on Thursday at his home in Noida. He was 100 years old.

Known affectionately as the “Statue Man,” Sutar leaves behind a legacy of over 50 large-scale public works projects, defined by their hyper-realistic portrayals of Indian national heroes. His most prominent work, the 182-meter-tall Statue of Unity depicting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, stands as a testament to his engineering prowess and artistic vision.

Born in Maharashtra, Sutar trained at the Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai and was influenced by the ancient caves of Ajanta and Ellora. His career began with restoring temple sculptures before transitioning to independent monumental works. He is particularly renowned for his numerous sculptures of Mahatma Gandhi, capturing the essence of the leader’s spirit and purpose.

“I wanted my works on the Mahatma to portray his strength of purpose, while through the ‘Statue of Unity’ I wanted to depict the face of the Iron Man,” Sutar said in an interview with The Hindu.

Sutar’s works include statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji, B.R. Ambedkar, and Jawaharlal Nehru, transcending political and ideological divides. While some critics considered his style conservative, his ability to capture lifelike likenesses made him immensely popular and a sought-after artist for government and national projects.

The Padma Bhushan recipient maintained a rigorous work ethic well into his 90s, working eight hours a day on clay models. He fostered a collaborative environment at his Noida studio, mentoring young sculptors and collaborating with his son, Anil Ram Sutar, to integrate modern techniques into his art.

Ram Sutar’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian monumental sculpture, but his iconic works will continue to inspire generations to come.

Read More