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A Star Singer Entering the Scene: Journey of Sahil Dhandhia

The journey of an Indian singer and songwriter, Sahil Dhandhia, changing the conventions about musical career.

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Sahil DhanDhia

Music comes as a bliss after a long, tiring day. And when the lyrics find the way to your heart, it is meant to be played on loop. Parties, long drives, heartbreaks and love stories, music has got every mood covered. It is almost mystical how we transform into the “pop singers of a concert” in shower. I, for sure know I am.

Here is the journey of one such rising star of the musical world. A singer and songwriter, whose story will inspire many young musicians to take a step ahead on the way to their dreams. Sahil Dhandhia, an emerging name, whose journey started off from being an engineer to a successful singer-songwriter, shares his experiences and achievements being in the music industry.

Sahil was born and raised in Mumbai. He completed his high school education residing in Mumbai and went on to pursue graduation in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University. And after contributing his 10 years in the family business of diamond trade, he soon realized that life had some other plans for him. He decided to drop his career and business and gave a shot to his passion- Music.

The Beginning of a new Chapter

The initial steps for him to take up music as a full-time profession were quite difficult. Belonging to a business family, it was hard for him to convince his family with his decision. And just like an infant learns to walk, Sahil, too, struggled to find the right steps to take ahead.

Dhandhia states that there is still a lack of clarity for beginners in the industry. There are only a handful of opportunities and auditions for new singers and musicians. This was one disappointment he had to face after starting out as a musician. He did not have enough connections or sources that could help him meet the right people for guidance. Yet, he took a huge leap in his career. He considers U2, Iron and Wine and Coldplay to be his inspiration.

Soon in time, he got a project as a recording artist from a renowned meditation app, Sarva, to record a whole bunch of meditation mantras in his voice. It was a major breakthrough of his career. His talent and work made him stand out in the crowd. He got to perform at TED X event early in his career. This further opened many opportunities for him.

A Star in the Making: Sahil’s steps to Success

His recent big project, music video ‘Chalte Jaana Hai’, is not only a reflection of his struggles, hard-work and perseverance but also inspires young musicians, creators and artists to keep moving with a goal and never give up. The song ‘Chalte Jaana Hai’, in the soothing voice of Dhandhia and soulful lyrics is meant to be played on loop.

Credits: YouTube (Sahil Dhandhia)

Another major break of his career was when he got his first opportunity to sing the jingle of a reality TV show ‘All is Well with Dr. Ahluwalia’. He has been performing live in Mumbai at shows, has covered our favorite songs, sung mashups and is aspiring to release many more music videos like Chalte Jaana hai’, ‘Jaane Bhi Doand Dil Mera.

The Mantras of Music straight from Dhandhia  

Dhandhia is an in-born artist and he writes when music comes to him. He does not believe in sticking to the desk and writing a song. To him, it’s all good till he has enough songs lined-up.

“A song should be raw and straight from the soul, not polished in a factory”

Sahil Dhandhia

For him, Bollywood is the biggest music industry in the country. So, one can always choose to pursue a career in music outside Bollywood but it requires good financial back-up. In the beginning years of a musical career, it is important to have a parallel source of earning to pay off bills.

Sahil believes and encourages the youth to choose a career of their dreams. The artists should follow what they’ll enjoy being a part of and not the final destination of the journey. He suggests the upcoming musicians and creators to watch his music video ‘Chalte Jaana Hai’ whenever they feel low. Giving up on the efforts must not be an option.

He is a constant example of persistence and how dreams can be achieved with consistent efforts, patience and believe in self. Inspiring stories like Sahil’s will certainly change the conventions about choosing dreams as professions and redefine success for generations to come.

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Interviews

Passion to Profession: Interviewing Pichwai Artist Vani Vardannagri

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Vani Vardannagari, Mypaintbrushtales, Artist, Interview

It takes courage to leave the comforts of a high-paying job (comfort only comes from the security of the monthly salary; otherwise, corporate jobs are far from comfort) and take up art as your full-time profession, beginning from scratch. Vani Vardannagri, the perfect A+ grade student and the most valuable employee said goodbye to her corporate job at an IT firm and relied on her savings to begin her new venture in painting.

In this conversation, Vani Vardannagri shares about this transition, from corporate to colours, Pichwai art, life and the tidbits of courage we all need. “There will always be doubts and challenges,” she says, “but nothing is more rewarding than doing what you love.”

Introducing Vani Vardannagri: Early Life, Academic Journey and Love for Art

Born and raised in Hyderabad, Vani Vardannagri always topped all her classes and papers. Growing up, all she knew was excelling in one’s academics. ‘Extra-curriculars’ was out of her dictionary. She mentions that even the school she graduated from didn’t even have extra-curricular subjects. She graduated with a BTech degree and was soon employed in an IT firm. As an employee, Vaani excelled in all her tasks, which led her to lead projects very quickly. All through this while, as a student, and later as a working adult, Vaani always loved sketching and painting. In her free time, she’d get her paper, colours and paint away. On weekends, she would surf through YouTube tutorials and try on new abstract paintings, sketches and drawings which used to come out beautifully well.

Credits: Instagram (@mypaintbrushtales)

The Transition From Corporate to Full-Time Art

Vani’s friend, who was well-versed in her paintings, suggested she start an Instagram page and post her paintings. The same friend then suggested she start taking online orders through her page. Vani began taking orders and would work on them on weekends. Her paintings were received well online. During this time, Vani realised she couldn’t see herself caught up in the routine mundanity of corporate life.

We all know that being an artist in India comes with a lot of risk. ‘Art’ or ‘Artist’ doesn’t qualify for a career in the eyes of many. They dismiss it as a mere hobby. Of course, the decision to leave the job didn’t come easily. She attended workshops, listened to other artists’ journeys and eventually realized that she needed to pursue something more fulfilling. While not entirely supportive, her parents gave her the freedom to choose her path, leaving the ball in her court.

It took nearly a year of living off her savings before she began earning from her art. It wasn’t after 1.5 years that her Instagram page crossed 1,000 followers. But through it all, Vani’s determination kept her going.

The financial instability that came with leaving her job led to immense stress. Vani fell into bouts of overthinking and anxiety, wondering whether she had made the wrong decision. The stress took a heavy physical toll on her. Her doctor diagnosed her with gastritis and she had to take a break from work for a month to recover.

During this time, Vani turned to regular gym and strength training, which helped her reset both mentally and physically. The workouts brought clarity and balance, and when she returned to art, her focus improved. Soon after this one of her first reels went viral, boosting her online presence.

Pichwai Art: What Form of Art is it and How Did She Get Into This?

Credits: Instagram (@mypaintbrushtales)

While exploring different artists and art on Instagram, Vani came across an artist doing Pichwai painting. She was intrigued by its minute details and intricate designs. Even though she didn’t know anything about the style, she decided to try her hand at it and came to like it a lot. Pichwai art, which originated in Rajasthan, is known for its depictions of different kinds of lotuses and its distinctive leaf shapes, often used in muted tones to reflect classical Indian aesthetics. However, Vani added her twist by incorporating bold colors and contemporary touches. Through this, she found her niche, using Pichwai as a medium to represent her culture while making it uniquely her own. Apart from Pichwai art, Vani does a lot of abstract art. That is her second favourite niche of hers.

Vani Vardannagri on her Creative Processes, Creative Blocks, and Social Media

Vani’s creative process is deeply personal and, in many ways, methodical. She describes it as almost obsessive, with each painting needing to be visualized perfectly in her mind before translating it into a sketch. Unlike many artists who do rough sketches, Vaani skips this step, sticking strictly to her own rules to achieve the level of precision she seeks. This meticulous approach, while rewarding, can sometimes feel overwhelming, as the pressure to get things “just right” is always present.

Social media, particularly Instagram, is a double-edged sword. While it helps her share her work and connect with a broader audience, it has also led to moments of doubt and creative blocks. The constant comparison with other artists and overthinking about her progress often leaves Vaani feeling stuck. To overcome this, Vaani has had to remind herself to focus on her own journey rather than comparing it to others.

Vani Vardannagri’s Message for All Aspiring Artists

Credits: Instagram (@mypaintbrushtales)

For Vani, the journey from corporate life to full-time artist has been anything but easy, but it’s one she’s passionate about. She emphasizes the importance of creating a clear boundary between work and personal life, especially when working from home—something she struggled with early on. Having a dedicated space for your art, even if it’s small, can make a huge difference.

Vani Vardannagri’s advice to aspiring artists is to treat art as a business. In the beginning, there are sacrifices, like the absence of a safety net or fixed monthly income. The hustle is 24/7, and there are no weekends, but she believes once you’re settled, it gets easier. “People will have opinions about your work, but it doesn’t have to matter. Focus on your journey, don’t compare, and be grateful for what you have while striving for more.”

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From Kanpur to Canvas: The Artistic Journey of Shashank Shukla

A conversation with watercolour artist, Shashank Shukla, on art, the economy of dreams, and the courage to choose the ‘unconventional’

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Shashank Shukla , Watercolour Artist, Painting, Kanpur, Art


Art, in its purest form, is a reflection of life—capturing moments, emotions, and the essence of existence through colors, shapes, and textures. For those who choose to dedicate themselves to this craft, it becomes more than just a profession; it’s a way of seeing the world, of making sense of its complexities. Shashank Shukla is one such artist who has given himself completely to his art. Widely known as a watercolour artist and excelling in detailed figurative sketches, Shukla’s work is thoughtful, beautiful, and careful with each brushstroke. Like all of ours, his journey was marked with ups and downs, passion and perseverance, and most importantly, self-discovery. In this delightful conversation with him, we’ve unpacked everything that comes with following an unconventional career path like art.

Early Life: How Did Art Find Him?

Born and raised in Kanpur, Shashank Shukla completed his high school and intermediate studies by 2009 followed by admission to B.Sc. Shashank tried his hand at banking exams as well—reminding us of how there existed only this or that routes when it came to higher studies. Not that this ‘norm’ has completely vanished, it still penetrates our society. Having failed twice during the first year of his undergraduate studies, Shashank was upset and demotivated beyond words. Still grateful for his parents and brother’s unwavering support, Shashank tells us how his brother encouraged him to pursue what truly made him happy; And that happened to be art. In a fortunate turn of events, Kanpur University introduced a Bachelor of Fine Arts program the same year Shashank decided to switch his major.
“Sometimes, when a good thing awaits you, there are bound to be difficulties you will face before. It’s upon you to face that with a positive mindset or a negative mindset,” Shashank reflects.

Shashank Shukla: “Everyone draws. As kids, all of us have. The society doesn’t take it seriously.”

Entering the inaugural batch of the Fine Arts program at Kanpur University in 2011, Shashank faced skepticism from a society that often trivializes artistic pursuits. “Everyone draws. As kids, all of us have. The society doesn’t take it seriously. ‘Drawing me kya hoga?’—we leave it because we don’t know how we can take it forward,” Shashank Shukla shares. However, with his family’s support, he navigated the course with determination, even securing a gold medal in his final year. This is the reason why Shashank believes that there should be efforts by private and public institutions to hold seminars on Art and the contemporary integration of this field in so many others fields like social sciences, film and cinema, technology, sciences, etc., so that all aspiring students can know how they can take their skills to the next sphere of life starting their higher studies.

Shashank’s journey was not without its challenges. His first year was a humbling experience, realising he was very much an amateur in drawing and painting, but with his dedicated mindset, Shashank kept on taking the steps of the ladder boldly. He opted for applied arts in his later year, and got training in watercolour painting, sketching, as well as sculpture, along with digital art.

Overcoming Societal Barriers and Personal Growth

The societal disregard for art and the pressure to secure a job weighed heavily on Shashank. The constant glances of his distant relatives would often try to make him question his career choice and the uncertainty of the future. “The society doesn’t support you. ‘Mai kya kar raha hun, yeh log is cheez ko aise kyu dekh rahe?’ I want to change these people—maar na hai toh apne kaam se maaro (respond to everyone who questions you with your work),” he asserts. Over time, as his work gained recognition, even his initially skeptical relatives began to appreciate his talent. This personal validation fueled his resolve to teach his students the value of using art as a medium of expression and change, and as one’s medium of livelihood as well.

This incident also reminds Shashank of how people often ask artists, as friends and relatives, to paint them a portrait or a scenery, free of cost. They see it as a hobby which doesn’t require much skill or efforts. Art, painting, sketching, are all denied of respect and value and that needs to be changed. Artists shouldn’t let their work be devalued or mocked any longer.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, including job loss and financial instability. It was a huge backset for artists who depended upon their physical studios and art exhibitions. Amidst losing his job, (when he almost decided to go back to Kanpur), it also opened new avenues for Shashank. He started teaching students painting through the online mode and has taught over 2,500 students since 2020. This was also when Shashank started posting his work on social media. Today he has more than 80,000 followers admiring his work! Famously regarded as a ‘watercolour artist’, although that is a bit limiting to define this artist from Kanpur! Social media is a game changer for artists who want their art to reach beyond borders.

Final Words of Inspiration and Advice from the Watercolour Artist from Kanpur

For Shashank Shukla, art is not just a profession but a calling. He recommends all aspiring and young artists to go out and connect with nature, and observe their colours. Nature has infinite numbers of contrasts, shades, and hues to offer. As a watercolour artist who specialises in landscape paintings, he shares that regular outdoor and live sketching sessions help one overcome the fear of public scrutiny and brush observational skills.


Shashank’s vision extends beyond personal success. He dreams of creating more opportunities for aspiring artists by establishing art institutes across the nation. He advocates for equal opportunities in art education. Anyone with an interest should have the chance to develop their skills.

For all aspiring artists, Shashank Shukla gives the advice to set a strong intention, commit to your craft with all your heart, and persevere through the challenges. Success will come, whether early or late, but it’s crucial to remember that true achievement isn’t just about personal gain. An artist, Shukla believes, must think beyond themselves—uplifting others is key to progressing in any creative journey. When you work not just for yourself but for the betterment of those around you, that’s when you truly move forward.

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Payal Bansal: Keeping The Spirit of Lippan Art Alive

Meet Payal Bansal a budding lippan artist on Instagram for whom art was just an extension of her existence.

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Payal Bansal, artist, art, lippan, Indian artist, artist interview

In this fast-paced world of commercialisation, it is hard to come across artists who value expression over anything. Artists for whom art is more like a therapy than work. Artists for whom art is happiness in its rawest form. Given the 9-8 work culture we are trapped in at some level it is understandable why someone would hesitate to leave everything behind and focus just on art. But for those who manage to do it, it’s our duty to capture their tale so that we can keep the hope alive in others who are thinking of making a career shift. So, let us introduce you to Payal Bansal, a budding lippan artist for whom art was just an extension of her existence.

Payal Bansal: Initial Journey & Struggles

Payal Bansal started her journey in the art realm at a very young age. And for that she has her big joint family to thank for. According to her, everyone in her family was always involved in some form of creativity or other. Hailing from a small town in Maharashtra Jalgaon, she never anticipated that you could actually do so much with social media in terms of starting a small business and being financially independent. Growing up in a small town there weren’t a lot of opportunities available back in the day when she went to get a college degree. Thus, instead of pursuing a degree in fine arts, she settled for a degree in engineering. But her creative spark never died.

Credits: Payal Bansal

From crochet to embroidery to clay work, Payal Bansal has tried her hands in every possible art form. Initially, it was just a fascination and love for art in general. Her creativity always managed to shine no matter what she was doing. Be it decorating the house for festivals or just making a simple rangoli her creativity always found a way to woo people.

The pandemic of 2020 that brought the entire world to a standstill was no different for Payal Bansal. Just like all of us, she waited at home uncertain about the future, and worrying about her loved ones. And it wasn’t easy given that some of her family members had to be rushed to the hospital. But when all doors close you look for a window and that’s exactly what lippan art was for Payal Bansal. 

During the devastating time of COVID-19, Bansal stumbled upon a piece of lippan art at home. The origins of this art piece are still unknown but somehow it ended up at the right time and the right place for Bansal. Just like the curious cat that she is, she immediately tried different types of mud and tools to figure out how to master this art form. She did her fair bit of research to understand lippan art and took courses to get better at it. During this time she also fell in love with the lippan artwork by Maji Khan. For her, during this terrible time, lippan art was the only source of happiness and therapy that helped her sleep soundly at night and look out for the next day. And gradually from making lippan art for herself and people close to her she got the boost to make it bigger and put it on social media. But it wasn’t until her work got featured in the Sunday Midday that she got her breakthrough moment. And ever since then her popularity has never taken a dip.

Payal Bansal: Lessons Learnt 

Being the first woman entrepreneur in her family and just running a business she never thought in her wildest dreams to start, comes with a lot of challenges. Initially, when she started off, there was a lot of pressure to ensure that the work was dispatched and received in perfect condition, especially for the door torans, which were very delicate. Bansal narrated how it was so difficult to find a way to dispatch for this one customer who really loved her art piece but each time they sent it to her, she always received them broken. But by not giving up and continuing to try different techniques with each failure, Bansal ended up coming up with the ingenious idea of foldable torans that made it possible for her to make huge torans and dispatch them without any issue. 

Credits: Payal Bansal

There was a time in her initial days when Bansal was running the whole creative art show herself. From taking the orders to conceptualising to making the schematics to drawing it on big panels to placing the last mirror, she did everything. But soon she had to undergo two major surgeries that put her in a depressive phase and she just wanted to give up. She even called up her customers whose lippan artwork orders were pending and offered to give them a refund as it would take her longer than expected to make their orders. But not a single customer accepted a penny back as they had a lot of faith in her and even waited patiently until she recovered and was in a better space to do her magic with lippan art. Because of all of this, she values her customers a lot and ensures that constant communication is maintained. According to her, communication is the key to establishing a good rapport with your customers and ensuring both you and they are happy at the end of the day.

Payal Bansal: Creative Process

Whenever Bansal starts on a lippan art piece, she gets so engrossed in it that she doesn’t need to rethink or re-check anything. But just like every other artist out there, it does happen that at times she gets stuck or experiences a creative block. Her go-to strategy involves trying again and again until she cracks it. Out of all her art pieces the one that is close to her heart is her first art piece for a wall that she made for her customer Yamini Sood.

Credits: Payal Bansal

A strong believer in giving back to society she also trains many young girls from low-income families to help them improve their skill set and earn more. They also help her out on her projects. By doing this, she not only ensures that many women of tomorrow have certain skills but also skills they can market and earn out of. Though she loves to teach she doesn’t host any online workshops as she is a strong believer in working with traditional mud and not the moldable clay you may find online. This just highlights her respect and love for the traditional lippan art form. 

Afterword

As an artist, Payal Bansal has faced a fair share of dealing with people who copy her artwork but she never let it get to her. Focusing on just herself she tries to improve in every way she can. A small message that she has for young artists: “Put your heart and soul into what you’re doing, and then only you can truly create art that you love. Getting inspiration from others is fine but you need to find your own style to truly shine.” 

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Gulshan Achari: A Journey Through Watercolors

In Conversation with Gulshan Achari, whose every brushstroke tells a story in watercolors. Experience art that inspires and captivates.

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Gulshan Achari, Art, Creativity, Artists, Artistic, Inspiration

The artists artistic journey often begins in childhood with a deep fascination with drawing, scribbling and exploring the world through creativity, colours and lines. This early stage is marked by a love for storybooks and comics, providing rich visual and narrative inspiration. For those raised before the digital age, these activities were cherished pastimes, filling the void left by the absence of mobile phones and limited television programming.

Growing up in Mumbai with roots in Kerala, an artist like Gulshan Achari finds inspiration in both regions and cultural and artistic richness. However, it’s not just the environment that shapes one’s artistic inclinations but an inherent appreciation for art and creativity. The drive to pursue art must come from within, with the surrounding occasional inspiration to recharge and find new perspectives.

Gulshan Achari’s journey into art is an innate inclination to express oneself visually. From drawing inspiration as a child to seeking new expressions, his journey is marked by a refusal to stop. While many halt their artistic pursuits at various stages of life, those who persist continue to evolve and mature in their craft.

Credits: Instagram Gulshan Achari

Inspirations and The Essence of Art

A pivotal moment for Achari came from discovering a mentor or an inspirational figure in the field. Encountering the works of Milind Mulick, a renowned watercolour artist, was transformative. Mulick’s vibrant and lifelike paintings, which look digitally enhanced, reveal true brilliance to a more profound commitment to craft and a desire to learn from the master. This underscores the crucial role of mentors in an artist’s journey, guiding them towards new techniques and perspectives.

Mulick’s approach to art emphasises passion over popularity. He paints daily, driven by love for the act itself rather than the pursuit of fame. This dedication is a powerful example, illustrating that true artistic fulfilment comes from commitment to the craft. The rewards, whether in recognition or personal satisfaction, follow naturally when focused on the art.

Art, in its essence, is about conveying emotions and experiences. While some artists may embed hidden emotions and messages in the work, the primary goal for many, including Achari, is to evoke a sense of happiness and connection. Creating art should be a joyous experience, which should be palpable to the viewer. If the artist feels happy creating, this sentiment can transcend the medium and resonate with the audience.

Credits: Instagram

Achari’s work is a testament to the beauty in the ordinary, shifting perspectives and bringing unexpected joy to viewers. Painting a simple hut in the shadow of a grand fort can help the viewers see their everyday surroundings in a new light, appreciating the beauty in the ordinary. His work celebrates the transformative power of creative expression, evoking a sense of wonder and appreciation.

The Artistic World View

The life of an artist is often viewed through the lens of pros and cons, but some categorisations can be limiting. What one perceives as a disadvantage, such as the uncertainty and unpredictability of an artist’s path, can also be seen as an adventure. Achari’s journey is about embracing the unknown, finding joy, and breaking free from conventional constraints. His work is a testament to the transformative power of creativity that evokes a sense of adventure and open-mindedness.

Ultimately, Gulshan Achari’s perspective on life and creation transcends traditional notions of good and evil, as well as pros and cons. It is about experiencing each moment fully, finding beauty in the present, and continually evolving in one’s craft. His journey is a testament to the enduring power of creativity and its significant impact on both the creator and the observer.

Credits: Instagram Gulshan Achari

The Transformative Power of Creativity

Embracing and utilising waiting periods can lead to a profound shift in one’s mindset. Instead of viewing delays as a nuisance, Achari began to appreciate the extra time engaged in productive activities. This shift in perspective enhances personal growth and positively impacts social interactions. When friends arrive late, instead of being frustrated, they are greeted with an unexpected smile. This comfort, although not directly stemming from friendship, fosters a deeper appreciation for the company of others.

The creative fields come with their unique set of challenges. An artist often struggles between personal creativity and commercial demands. For example, Gulshan Achari might prefer painting landscapes, but the markets may prefer subjects like luxury cars. This creates a dilemma: Should artists pursue their passion or cater to commercial interests? Additionally, societal expectations can pigeonhole an artist into specific themes, such as religious motifs, limiting creative freedom. Over time, this can lead to creative stagnation, where repeating the same subject becomes monotonous. Understanding and navigating these societal pressures is a significant part of an artist’s journey.

Another challenge is the modern obsession with social media metrics. Artists may focus more on gaining followers than on honing their craft. This shift in focus can dilute the quality of their work and stifle creativity. Pricing artwork for exhibitions presents another hurdle. High expectations based on market trends can lead to disappointment if sales need to match the inflated prices, causing frustration and discouragement.

Credits: Instagram Gulshan Achari

Persistence and Adaptability

Despite these challenges, persistence and honesty in one’s artistic journey are crucial. Setting realistic goals and continuously learning and adapting are critical to long-term success. Early wins should be seen as opportunities for self-assessment rather than reasons for complacency. Consistent effort and staying grounded help artists navigate their paths more effectively. This emphasis on persistence and honesty in the face of setbacks can inspire artists and provide a realistic view of the rewards of pursuing art.

The Leap of Faith

Gulshan Achari’s journey started balancing creative pursuits with demanding careers, painting late into the night after working long days. The transition to full-time artistry can be daunting but fulfilling. Such dedication often stems from a lifelong engagement with art where formal training might be absent, but relentless practice and passion drive progress.

The fusion of creativity, inspiration and logical thinking can be a powerful asset. In corporate environments, for example, visualising initiatives as a creative process can identify potential challenges and solutions more effectively. This duality allows for innovative problem-solving and enhances the overall effectiveness of business strategies.

Ultimately, the message is clear: creativity is inherent in all of us. It should be nurtured regardless of one’s profession. Engaging with our creative side can bring immense satisfaction and success. Whether in art or other fields, creativity drives innovation and makes us more adaptable and resourceful. Consistently pursuing creative endeavours and integrating them into various aspects of life can lead to a more fulfilling life.

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Arpita Patel: From Hyderabad to the Heights of Photography

Discover the inspiring journey of Arpita Patel, a Hyderabad-born photographer who defied traditional norms to pursue her passion.

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Arpital Patel, Arpita Patel Interview, Interview, Photography, The Talented Indian, Photographer

In the bustling city of Hyderabad, amidst the humdrum of daily life, Arpital Patel was born. Raised and educated in Hyderabad, Arpita’s journey from a typical Indian household to becoming a celebrated photographer is nothing short of inspiring. Her early education at Sri Aurobindo International School played a pivotal role in shaping her career. The school, known for its creative environment and lack of a uniform, fostered Arpita’s creativity and instilled in her a love for the arts. It was here, more than at home, that her teachers provided the support and encouragement she needed, setting her on a path destined for a creative future.

Discovering a Passion

Photography chose Arpita rather than the other way around. Her mother, passionate about capturing moments, was meticulous about getting family photos clicked at studios. She instilled in Arpita the importance of photographs as markers of personal growth. With a basic roll camera in hand, her mother taught her the significance of a good background in any image. These lessons, absorbed subconsciously, slowly ignited a love for photography within Arpita.

Coming from a traditional Indian family where women were not typically encouraged to work, Arpita was initially prepared to marry right after her education and become a homemaker. However, her passion for photography and art eventually led her to realize that she could forge an independent path. The turning point came during her college days when she discovered the work of Richa Kashelkar, a wedding photographer whose stunning captures of simple moments inspired Arpita. Seeing a woman excel in this field gave her the confidence to believe in herself and pursue photography as a profession.

Credits: Instagram (Arpita Patel)

The Struggles and Triumphs

Reflecting on her journey, Arpita believes that struggles are essential for growth. One of her earliest challenges was acquiring her first DSLR camera. Her parents, unsure of investing ₹50,000 in a camera, hesitated, prioritizing education instead. It was her uncle who ultimately stepped in, helping her buy the camera and supporting her dreams.

Entering a male-dominated field like photography presented its own set of challenges. Surrounded mostly by male photographers, Arpita found little initial support. However, she was fortunate to work with talented mentors who guided her. One such mentor was Shreyans Dungrawala, who welcomed her as his student. Interning with Shreyans and his friends, Arpita learned valuable lessons about purpose, innovation and the evolving technology in photography.

During those early days, Arpita had no clear direction for her career but deeply enjoyed the process of photography. Social media, especially Instagram, played a significant role in her journey. Her work resonated with many, leading to opportunities such as judging events at colleges and winning the award for the youngest female photographer in Hyderabad.

Credits: Instagram (Arpita Patel)

A Dream Come True

A major breakthrough in Arpita’s career came in May 2021 when she received an offer from a heritage hotel chain to photograph their properties across northern India. Traveling to cities like Haridwar, Mussoorie and Nainital, she was able to combine her love for travel and photography, fulfilling a long-held dream. However, Arpita’s ultimate dream is to shoot for National Geographic, a goal she continues to strive towards.

Looking back, Arpita wishes she had known early on that photography is an expensive profession and not just a hobby. She learned the importance of valuing her work and setting clear boundaries. Doing free shoots, especially for commercial projects, undermines the profession. Professionals charge for their expertise, time and quality and establishing fair pricing from the start is crucial for building a sustainable career.

For Arpita, the most rewarding aspect of her work is meeting new people and getting to know their unique stories and perspectives. Each person she photographs teaches her something new. Traveling, another significant part of her work, enriches her creativity and passion for photography. Exploring new places and experiencing different cultures allows her to blend her love for travel with her profession, creating memorable images that tell compelling stories.

Credits: Instagram (Arpita Patel)

A Message for Aspiring Artists

To young dreamers who wish to follow unconventional careers, Arpita Patel says, “Dreams are meant to be pursued and turned into reality. Keep going and life will provide what you need. Never lose your passion for what you love the most.” She advises staying focused on your goals, enjoying the journey and believing in yourself. Embrace obstacles as opportunities to grow, take risks, surround yourself with supportive people and let your passion drive you forward.

Arpita Patel’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance and the belief in one’s dreams. From a young girl in Hyderabad to a celebrated photographer, her story inspires us to follow our hearts and pursue our passions, no matter the challenges.

Credits: Instagram (Arpita Patel)
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