KATHMANDU: Prominent artist and founder of Lalit Kala Campus Kalidas Shrestha has died at the age of 93. Shrestha breathed his last at Blue Cross Hospital, Tripureshwor on March 2 at around 7:15 am.

Famous for his traditional, classical, modern and impressionism art works, Shrestha was also known for landscape and portrait arts. He was accredited with bringing fine arts in academics in the country through Lalit Kala Campus — the first fine art college in Nepal. He was also an honorary member of Nepal Academy.

Kalidas, suffering from urinary problem for last one year, had been admitted to the hospital nine days ago. “For about last five days, he had also been suffering from pneumonia and respiratory problems were seen. He also had problems in kidney functions,” informed his son Rajeshwar Shrestha.

Kalidas’ dead body was kept at Nepal Association of Fine Arts (NAFA), Naxal for final condolences during the

afternoon on March 2. People from art and literature field along with others were present at the venue to pay tribute to the famed artist. A minute of silence was observed in memory of the eminent artist.

Remembering Kalidas, Ragini Upadhyay Grela, Chancellor of NAFA, expressed, “He was our guru and his contribution towards the art field can never be forgotten. He was a prominent artist who lived a simple life.”

Ganga Prasad Upreti, Chancellor of Nepal Academy, stated,

“Death is inevitable. It is our responsibility to immortalise his creativity and take them to the younger generation.”

Kalidas’ last rites were performed at Pashupati Aaryaghat as per Hindu tradition — his son Rajeswar lit the funeral pyre. Kalidas is survived by four daughters and three sons.