Born in Punjab in 1923 in undivided India, Bal Chhabda was a versatile and influential figure known for his multifaceted personality Recognized as an artist, gallerist, avid collector, and filmmaker, Chhabda's journey in the world of creativity unfolded through various artistic expressions

Before delving into the realm of painting, Chhabda was immersed in the family business of film distribution and exhibition in Ahmedabad His passion for filmmaking led him on a transformative journey to Hollywood in 1947, where he spent a year exploring the world of cinema In the 1950s, he ventured into filmmaking with "Do Raha," a poignant exploration of the conflict between art and love Despite its theme and artistic merit, the film sadly failed to make an impact at the box office

Undeterred by the setback, Chhabda embarked on a mission to finance another production His fateful encounter with renowned artist MF Husain led him to the Bhulabhai Desai Institute in Mumbai, a hub for creative minds such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, dramatist Ebrahim Alkazi, and artists like Tyeb Mehta, SH Raza, Krishen Khanna, Ram Kumar, and VS Gaitonde Influenced by Husain and Gaitonde, Chhabda decided to try his hand at painting, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life

In 1958, Chhabda founded Gallery 59 in Mumbai, a pivotal space that showcased the works of emerging artists, including Krishen Khanna, MF Husain, and Tyeb Mehta He became an integral part of the Progressive Artists' Group, contributing significantly to the modern art movement in India The group, active in the 1950s, sought new artistic idioms to capture the essence of post-independence Indian reality

Chhabda's artistic journey extended beyond the boundaries of India, with his participation in prestigious group exhibitions in Paris and Tokyo He received accolades, including the Governor's award at the Tokyo Biennale in 1961, the Lalit Kala Akademi Award in 1965, and a Rockefeller Fund Fellowship to travel and work in the USA

In 1970, Chhabda played a crucial role in realizing the dream of a museum of modern art at the National Center of Performing Arts in Mumbai, facilitated by a generous donation from Jehangir Nicholson His commitment to preserving the legacy of modern Indian art was further evident in the 2001 group show, "Ashtanayak," featuring iconic artists such as Akbar Padamsee, Krishen Khanna, MF Husain, Tyeb Mehta, SH Raza, VS Gaitonde, and Ram Kumar

Bal Chhabda's unwavering support for young artists, showcased through exhibitions at Gallery 59, cemented his legacy as a nurturing force in the art community His influence continued until his passing in 2013, leaving behind a rich tapestry of artistic endeavors that spanned painting, filmmaking, and art curation Chhabda's impact on the art world endures as a testament to his dedication to fostering creativity and preserving the cultural heritage of modern Indian art