At 70, Kafeel Ahmed Ansari is winning hearts with Fred Again’s India tour poster

In the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, artist Kafeel Ahmed Ansari continues to keep alive a fading yet iconic tradition, hand-painted film posters and hoardings that once defined Bollywood’s visual identity. At 70, his work has found renewed attention, blending decades of craftsmanship with a cultural legacy that shaped Indian cinema’s public imagery. (Source: Photo by official instagram handle of Artist Kafeel Ahmed Ansari (painterkafeelartist))

A legacy rooted in Old Delhi: Kafeel Ahmed Ansari, often known simply as Painter Kafeel, works from a small studio near Jama Masjid. His art reflects the bustling world of Bollywood poster-making that once flourished across India before digital printing took over. (Source: Photo by official instagram handle of Artist Kafeel Ahmed Ansari (painterkafeelartist))

Keeper of a fading art form: He is among the last surviving artists continuing the tradition of hand-painted cinema hoardings, a craft that once involved large teams painting massive film posters for theatres and street displays. (Source: Photo by official instagram handle of Artist Kafeel Ahmed Ansari (painterkafeelartist))

The golden era of Bollywood posters: In earlier decades, film promotion relied heavily on hand-painted visuals, dramatic faces, bold typography, and vibrant storytelling on canvas-like boards. Kafeel’s work reflects this golden age of cinematic advertising, where every poster was a piece of fine art. (Source: Photo by official instagram handle of Artist Kafeel Ahmed Ansari (painterkafeelartist))

A journey shaped by struggle and craft: Born in Uttar Pradesh, Kafeel’s artistic journey began early, learning calligraphy and sketching before moving to Delhi in search of opportunities after personal and financial setbacks. Over time, he refined his skills through apprenticeship and independent work. (Source: Photo by official instagram handle of Artist Kafeel Ahmed Ansari (painterkafeelartist))

Preserving emotion through brushstrokes: For Kafeel, every poster is more than advertising—it is storytelling. His work carries emotion, texture, and individuality that digital prints often lack, keeping alive a human touch in visual culture. (Source: Photo by official instagram handle of Artist Kafeel Ahmed Ansari (painterkafeelartist))

The digital shift that changed everything: With the rise of flex printing and digital design in the 2000s, hand-painted hoardings rapidly declined, pushing many artists out of work. Kafeel survived by adapting his skills but eventually returned to his first love, traditional painting. You can also read more about the artist at https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/cinema-in-colour-the-story-of-painter-kafeel-keeper-of-bollywoods-hand-painted-poster-art-10720134/ (Source: Photo by official instagram handle of Artist Kafeel Ahmed Ansari (painterkafeelartist))