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Nina and Malika: This Dynamic Duo Takes DJ-ing To a Whole New Level!

Who says childhood friendships never last? Enter Nina and Malika. Energise with their fantastic beats and read about their journey.

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Nina & Malika

The art of being a DJ is severely underrated. One needs to understand every crevice of the music and almost dissolve into the rhythm to recreate it. They give you the groove and an experience which is hard to forget. They generate not just the beats but also an atmosphere in which you want to lose yourself. And most of all, they create something so awesome that it gets embedded in popular culture. In this millennia, many DJs have made it big in the music scene. Be it Tiesto, Calvin Harris, Skrillex or David Guetta, they have all carved themselves a solid niche in popular memory. But like many industries around the world, it is exceptionally hard for women to make their mark.

Beginnings and Career

Nina and Malika are two such phenomenal women who have taken DJ-ing to another level altogether. Not only are they a powerful DJ duo, but also childhood friends. Who says childhood friendships never last? Born and brought up in Bombay, they have been friends since the very beginning. Just like their mothers before them. Malika had worked in Finance for some time in Sydney when she decided to return to India to pursue a career in acting/modelling. Meanwhile, Nina was studying to go to the United States for College. But little did they know that soon enough, what they just did for fun would turn into a full-fledged career. 

And of course, there was no stopping their path to success! As their career escalated, they opened for Coldplay’s Global Citizen Concert in 2016 and also featured on the cover of the famed Rolling Stone magazine. On one hand, they had an untapped market but on the other, they had to overcome many obstacles to prove their worth as women in a traditionally male-dominant industry. But in their opinion, their most memorable gig was a small one in Raipur. They said it filled them with amazing synergies. And, they have also showcased their talent in parties for the likes of the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, Roger Federer, Virat Kohli and Deepika Padukone. They have loved performing at the Sunburn, VH1 supersonic and Global Citizen.

In 2016 they also released their single ‘Never Let You Go’  with Zaeden through the record label Spinnin’ records which garnered over 20 million impressions. Not a small feat indeed. And apart from that, they love to incorporate Bollywood music, twists and styles with EDM to create a delightful experience.

Credits: YouTube (Spinnin’ Records)
Personal Lives

They also make it a point to lead a rich personal life, which includes many hobbies like baking, designing and writing and working out. Their faith in Christ motivates them to keep on putting in the effort. Zaeden with whom they have collaborated in the past, remains a big source of motivation for them, as do Christian worship songs. Faith and trust form the foundation of their partnership. Currently, they’re working on their latest track called ‘Fall for your love’ set to release this month! A little new year treat for all.

Their call to all aspirants is to be extremely passionate about what you want to do. In their words, “Passion leads to our destiny and purpose”.

“Don’t take no for an answer. Where there’s a will there’s a way. Stay focused on your dream. What you focus on, you will connect with. Without a vision, people perish. So visualise yourself reaching your goals and living out your passion. Your words have creative power too. So never speak negatively about yourself. Speak positive affirmations and don’t give up when things get tough.”

Nina and Malika
Credits: YouTube (Nina&MalikaOfficial)

Art & Craft

Ritesh Gupta of Creative Caricature Club: Journey of a Young Artist

An interview with the young caricature artist, Ritesh Gupta, founder of the Creative Caricature Club on art, passion, and realities

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Creative Caricature club, Ritesh Gupta , caricature artist

Caricature Art in India is widely misunderstood. It is a style of portraiture that exaggerates a person’s distinctive features for a comic, satirical or grotesque effect. A caricaturist aims to capture the subject’s personality and essence through these exaggerated drawings. A caricaturist’s goal isn’t mockery, but meaning — to capture the soul of a subject through playful exaggeration. This article is a deep dive into Ritesh Gupta, a young artist and painter, founder of the Creative Caricature Club.

Born in 2006 in the restless heart of Mumbai, Ritesh Gupta found his world not in textbooks but in colours. While other children found themselves focused on grades, he chased the feeling of creation, the quiet satisfaction that comes when a blank page begins to breathe yellow, blue and green. What began with school crayons slowly shaped into a goal, an ambition that would define his life. Today, as the founder of the Creative Caricature Club, Ritesh continues to balance learning and leading — growing as an artist while working on live caricature events across the country.

Origins: Middle-class Mumbai, Discovering Art

Ritesh grew up in a middle-class family where art was seen more as a hobby than a future. He wasn’t particularly inclined toward academics in his early years, but things changed when he began participating in art competitions from Class 3. By the time he reached Class 6, he had already made a conscious decision—art would be his chosen path. Ritesh learned that drawing and painting weren’t mere forms of expression but a language through which one could observe, feel, and communicate with the world. From then on, he began preparing seriously for drawing and painting examinations, laying the foundation for his artistic journey.

After class 10, Ritesh formally took up the arts stream. He joined the renowned Sir J. J. School of Art in Mumbai and is currently in his third year of a painting degree. During his journey he undertook meaningful projects: he created work for the municipal corporation, Indian Army, Indian Navy and other civic bodies. He also contributed to the “Mann Ki Baat” initiative of the Prime Minister and created numerous “Swachh Bharat” paintings, including an intense week in Delhi when his work was featured.

How did Ritesh Gupta Start Caricatures?

Caricature painting of a man and woman
Source: Creative Caricature Club

When the lockdown struck, Ritesh found himself with more time yet fewer opportunities—but also with possibility. He discovered caricature on social media and began to experiment: taking people’s photos, creating caricatures, posting on Facebook and Instagram. What began as a personal curiosity soon became a public voice. At the end of 2021 he did his first live caricature session in Dadar. That live-event experience boosted his confidence: the anxiety of public creation gave way to the thrill of engaging an audience. A big help was his friend who had been in the caricature field for long. Observing his quick wit and calm, he was able to adopt the same stance too.

In 2022, Ritesh formally founded the Creative Caricature Club. His aim: not just to be a content creator, but to build a strong portfolio for artists. Within 2-4 months the page gained significant followers thanks to consistent process and artistic focus.

Creative Caricature Club: Structure, Vision, Style

Creative Caricature Club artists
Source: Creative Caricature Club

By 2023-24 the Caricature Club had made impressive progress. The team expanded (in 2024 Ritesh hired India’s best caricature artists), events spanned all over India (corporate, social, weddings). He himself handles Saturday & Sunday events, while the team covers others.

What sets Ritesh’s caricature apart is storytelling. He says: “I focus on the bond, the relationship. We don’t just do physical caricature in that sense.” He especially loves doing caricatures of older couples (60-70 yrs): capturing the love, the bond, the lived experience. This is the philosophical thread: caricature isn’t mere exaggeration, it is life distilled and celebrated.

In a caricature session of 5-6 minutes (for one person) or 10-11 minutes (for a couple), Ritesh follows a thoughtful process: he observes the faces for one minute, notes distinctive features, watches how the couple interact (who speaks more, what their rapport is), then creates a mini-story on paper. Exaggeration is purposeful, not random. The aim is to reflect humor, love, character.

Thus his work remains personal, relational, celebratory rather than partisan. His philosophy: art is a spiritual journey — sādhanā. He adds: “Art is a big and most important part of my life.”
And he perceives creative work as a mirror of his mental, physical well-being. Ritesh insists that as artists we must build strong sleeping schedules, clean diet, and regular exercise to keep our mental and emotional palate healthy.

Ritesh Gupta on Balancing life, Goals and Growth

Though still a student, Ritesh balances multiple roles: his painting degree, running the Creative Caricature Club, live events, team-management, travel, workshops. He follows a disciplined routine: Monday–Friday for painting academy/study, Saturday–Sunday for events; meanwhile gym and diet are his priorities. He believes: only when you keep your mental health and physical well-being intact can your creativity flow.

His goals are ambitious yet grounded: buy a house in Mumbai, travel abroad, explore places and cultures. Moreover, he wants toinnovate in caricature so that when his subjects see their caricature they laugh immediately, create an unanticipating, humorous and memorable moment for them. The vision for his club is to raise awareness that caricature can be a personalised, meaningful feature in weddings and functions across India.

Reflections — Art as life, Caricature as Connection

Caricature portrait of an elderly/old couple by Creative Caricature Club
Source: Creative Caricature Club

Reading Ritesh’s journey one senses a philosophical thread: art as life, life as narrative, caricature as connection. He began with child-like affinity for art which grew into bigger ambitions, one that was at a tug-of-war with his middle-class background, a liking his parents weren’t so supportive of, which eventually progressed into formal education, and earning through it, built a team, and now seeks to touch the human bond in his drawings.

He says: “Whatever I think observe, see, and think in my subjects, I reflect that through caricature.”
It’s a subtle statement of artistic authenticity. The creative act becomes not just drawing lines, but listening to life, seeing relationships, capturing essence.

In a world where art is often commodified or seen as a side hobby, Ritesh reminds us that the true artist holds both the eye of the observer and the heart of the participant. The caricaturist becomes a storyteller, the paper becomes a mirror, the people become countless narratives.

Words of Advice for all Aspiring Artists and Dreamers

For Ritesh Gupta, founder of the Creative Caricature Club, the path is still unfolding. The house in Mumbai, the travel, the expansion of the club—all are milestones. But the deeper horizon lies in how his art will continue to reflect life’s relationships, how his caricatures will make people laugh and remember, and how the club he’s built will enable others to discover their voice. His journey is a reminder: when you answer the soul’s whisper early, and walk the path with discipline and love, art becomes more than a career, it becomes purpose.

To all the young and aspiring artists, Ritesh offers simple yet profound counsel:

  1. Work on what you like. Passion is the root.
  2. Participate in competitions; learning comes from doing and showing your work.
  3. Stop worrying if there is a “future” in this field — just start working hard in your chosen direction; time will prove you.

He emphasizes fundamentals: “If your portrait fundamentals are strong, then you’ll be able to caricature. Caricature is advanced than portrait.” He encourages sketching everything around you, building observation, then moving into caricature.

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Swarnima Telang: Art For Catharsis & Joy

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Swarnima Telang, art, life, work

Art is considered the most supreme form of expression that is counted as very cathartic for good reasons. It doesn’t require you to possess any form of language skills, which allows you to express yourself spontaneously without any hesitation. Furthermore, the fact that you can make something beautiful out of the chaos in your mind only makes you love yourself in all its imperfections. Thus, art not only allows you to express and explore, but also uplifts your soul and your self-worth. It helps you carve a space for just yourself, and that’s something Swarnima Telang did with her artworks in @_itsahappyworld_. Let’s catch up with her!

Breaking The Ice With Swarnima Telang

Born in Vrindavan and spending most of her childhood in Agra, Swarnima Telang holds a unique and special significance in her heart that shaped who she is today. After completing her B.Tech degree, she started working at an IT company. She has always loved art since her childhood days. One would think she would lose touch with it over time with college and work, but somehow she kept finding her way back to it. In 2015, while she was still working at an IT company in order to manage her stress, she relied heavily on art, which soon became a ritual and later turned into an inevitable part of her daily routine.

Swarnima Telang: Art As A Process

For Swarnima Telang, the ultimate goal in life is to fill your life with happiness and fulfilment, and that is something art does for her, unlike anything else. Throughout her entire journey as an artist, there were a lot of things she learnt along the way in terms of skills, and she is positive that she will learn way more with each passing day. Her creative process, as she puts it, is quite “simple and intuitive” as she draws her inspiration from everyday moments such as the time spent with her family, meaningful conversations and small life events. 

Whenever an idea or concept enters her mind, she mentally sorts through it, gathers inspiration from various sources and finally lets it all out on her Instagram page for her community to see and get inspired by. The process, though, seems simple, is actually a lot more complex, as the majority of the work is done mentally as she mixes and matches various elements, finds the right colour palette for the mood of the concept. And the end result is just marvellous.

According to Swarnima Telang, vulnerability in art means, “It’s the courage to create something that reflects who you are at your core—knowing that others might not always understand it, or even like it. Yet you still share it, because it’s real.”

Swarnima Telang expresses how her work ethic is very consistent, self-driven, and deeply intentional. But despite being consistent and driven, she does encounter creative blocks now and then. During that time, she tries to engage herself in something else, like reading books, etc., until the spark of inspiration is ignited within her. There are a lot of artists she takes inspiration from, but it’s Ruskin Bond whose writings give her direction and peace.

Art As A Lifestyle

Swarnima Telang sees the world from the point of view of an artist, as one that is curious, empathetic and celebrates the amalgamation of beauty and complexity. Using art as a lens to explore human emotions, connections and stories, she emphasises how art helps her make sense of the various layers of human emotions and inspires understanding, provokes thought and brings people together by revealing a shared humanity. 

Her artworks mostly talk about: 

  • Appreciating little things in life 
  • Beauty in simplicity 
  • Finding calm and serenity in your regular and everyday life. 
  • Gratitude for things and blessings that often go unnoticed. 
  • Positivity and happiness 
  • Quirky takes on Society from a woman’s point of view

She believes in establishing a strong connection between the artist and their work and putting in effort when no one’s watching, as for her, it’s about personal integrity and pride in what she creates. For her discipline and passion go hand in hand. Further, Swarnima Telang immensely values quality and authenticity but always leaves room for growth.

Sharing her work on social media at times does make her fall prey to chasing after what’s trending or what’s expected, but those are the times she reminds herself why she started doing art in the first place, for herself, and always finds her way back home.

Telang believes that everyone has their own unique talent; it’s just a matter of discovering it. She believes that innate talent can only take you so far; it’s hard work, consistency and dedication that help you get to the finish line. It’s something that is highly reflected in her journey so far.

Message for Young Artists

Lastly, Swarnima Telang leaves us with some advice for the future young artists: “Make sure your art is a true reflection of who you are—something that brings you joy and aligns with your beliefs. Don’t just chase numbers or trends. Be intentional and responsible with what you create, because your work might be influencing more people than you realise. Share ideas you genuinely understand and believe in. Create from a place of authenticity, not imitation—don’t do something just because everyone else is doing it.”

If you are feeling too stressed and overwhelmed with your day-to-day life and wish to take a break to enjoy in the little things that life has to offer, check out @_itsahappyworld_!



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Art & Craft

Parimal Vaghela: The Engineer Who Never Stopped Painting

An interview with self-taught artist and civil engineer, Parimal Vaghela whose paintings transform mere objects into timeless

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Parimal Vaghela , art , artist , painting, civil engineering

Art was never a profession for the 63-year-old Parimal Vaghela, known for his hyper-realistic still lifes, landscapes, and portraits. It was more like a quiet companion he has carried through life, by his side — from childhood through his decades-long career as a civil engineer, and now into his sixties. Even as he spent decades as a civil engineer, he’d come back to his blank canvases, painting them with his reflections of the day – the ‘overlooked’ that Vaghela loved capturing.

Source: Parimal Vaghela’s Instagram

A Childhood Shaped by Art

Vaghela’s artistic gift revealed itself early. By the age of 12, he was sculpting with chalk sticks, work that was also featured in Phool Vadi, a well-known Gujarati children’s magazine. His teachers and headmasters urged him to join a fine arts school, but in the 1970s, art education meant a five-year course with no guarantee of a livelihood. Coming from a modest background, Vaghela chose the safer path of civil engineering — a profession that could ensure survival, even if it meant putting art on the margins. Yet painting never left him. Vaghela proudly states that God has sent him with a pre-installed application on art and painting. “There is a driving force within me,” he reflects, “telling me which composition is right and which is not.”

With poster colours and ordinary paper in his childhood, he graduated to oil and canvas in his twenties. At first, he painted landscapes, inspired by the survey field visits he undertook as an engineer. Later came figure paintings, drawn from melas and cultural gatherings. Over time, he found himself drawn most to still life, where his brush could transform humble, overlooked and ignored objects — a bulb, a broken switch, a spice heap, into compositions of visual treat.

A Mentor Across Borders

Growing up in a small town with no internet, mentors, or access to proper art resources, Vaghela taught himself through observation and books. A turning point came when he discovered A Brush with Art by British painter Alwyn Crawshaw. Deeply moved, he wrote to Crawshaw’s publisher, narrating the story of Eklavya from the Mahabharata — the boy who learned archery by observing Drona from afar.

To his surprise, Crawshaw replied. He sent Vaghela books, videotapes, and cassettes, offering guidance and tips on art and painting, across continents. For Vaghela, Crawshaw became his Drona, and he, the Eklavya who trained in solitude. Crawshaw’s motto — “Go for the top of the mountain” — became Vaghela’s own life mantra, sustaining him through decades of balancing engineering and painting.

Exhibitions and Recognition

Despite his full-time profession, Vaghela held annual solo exhibitions, including three one-man shows at Mumbai’s Jehangir Art Gallery, as well as at Nehru Centre and Lila Art Gallery. His Ahmedabad exhibition caught the eye of a Times of India reporter, who was struck by the originality of his still life work. Over the years, he experimented with oil before settling into acrylics, which now dominate his canvases.

Apart from his observations of the daily life, Vaghela’s subjects are also deeply inspired by culture and locality like folk symbols from Gujarat, cultural events and melas. A painting of spices and herbs even won him a national award. His works also reached prominent personalities: Ramesh Chauhan of Bisleri is a deep admirer of Parimal Vaghela. Vedica’s bottle label has a mountain-view painting done by Vaghela, and one of his portraits was used in a Jackie Shroff-starrer film Grahan.

The Pull of the Ordinary – Parimal Vaghela’s Signature Style

For Vaghela, beauty lies in what most people miss. He recalls finding inspiration in a broken switch on a wall in Nagpur or an old rack in his grandmother’s kitchen. To him, these details are not trivial but deeply alive, waiting for someone to notice them. His newspaper series — paintings of headlines about GST slabs or the passing of Lata Mangeshkar — were not intended as commentary but emerged as by-products of the society he lived in. While Vaghela doesn’t call his arts an attempt at ‘intellectual operation’, or ‘morality’ yet, viewers often find deeper meanings in them.

For Vaghela, the surrender before beauty is the essence of art: to lose oneself in what is before you. He sees painting as a form of self-discovery, a relief from life’s difficulties, and a practice that gives mental peace.

Source: Parimal Vaghela’s Instagram

Between Market Realities and Inner Calling

Though he has exhibited widely in India, Vaghela speaks honestly about the exploitative nature of the art market. Dealers often take more than their share, and monopolies dominate pricing. He recalls reading how a celebrated Gujarati artist’s work, sold in crores, earned the artist only some few lakhs. Such inequalities, along with delayed payments and financial misuse, often reminds us of the cruel capitalistic ladder which often disrespects the real origin of hardwork and creativity.

The Artist Who Endures

Parimal Vaghela firmly believes artists are born, not made: “90% of the ability I have today was with me since childhood.” Yet his own life also testifies to persistence — decades of practice without formal training, exhibitions pursued alongside government work, letters sent across borders, and above all, a fire that still burns to this day.

This higher force within him, a relentless drive to make a breakthrough in the art world draws inspiration from figures like Swami Vivekananda and Amrita Sher-Gil, personalities who left a profound impact on society despite their short lives. He nurtured a similar desire to create something extraordinary in his youth. “I always wanted to make a breakthrough in art at a younger age, and I believe I tried my best to achieve that,” he says. What sustained him through the years was this powerful will, coupled with his belief in his artistic skill and his constant striving to reach, in his mentor’s words, “the top of the mountain.”

Message to Young Artists

To all the beginners and budding artists, Parimal Vaghela reminds that an artist must decide within himself to do something extraordinary. “Consistency, patience, and putting your mind and soul into the work — that is what makes you stand out.” For him, art has never been about fame or market success. It has been about endurance, self-expression, and staying alive to the unnoticed beauty of the world — and that is what he asks of all young and aspiring artists.

Parimal Vaghela is a civil engineer by profession and an artist by mind, soul, and heart. He has been painting since a child, calling it a ‘fire’ within him that never stopped burning. Ever since, Vaghela has captured mere objects into timeless art – creating hyperrealistic paintings, landscape paintings, etc. His work has also featured in Jackie Shroff’s film, Grahan, as well as, Bisleri’s water bottle – Vedika.

Source: Parimal Vaghela’s Instagram

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Confluentia of Talent

Aerospace Engineering to Photography: Journey of Arun Hegden

Arun Hegden is an Indian photographer who left his stable profession as an aerospace engineer to pursue the sphere of photography.

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Arun Hegden , camera, photography, photograph, photographer

When Arun Hegden speaks about photography, he speaks less about lenses and light meters and more about the silence of unguarded moments, the way emotions slip through people’s faces when they forget the camera exists. His journey into photography did not begin with an expensive camera or years of artistic training. It began with the simplest act of seeing.

Born in the small Kerala town of Ettumanoor and schooled in Kottayam, Arun trained in aerospace engineering and went on to work in a corporate job between 2011 and 2018. But parallel to spreadsheets and office hours, a quieter, more artistic story was unfolding. Just before he finished engineering, Arun bought a phone with a good camera and started clicking whatever was around him. He recalls, “I enjoyed the process of creating something unique, even if it was just hostel corridors or college friends.”

By 2012, he had invested in a DSLR. At first, it was just curiosity, the same curiosity that once made him sketch in school notebooks. But photography grew from a pastime into a parallel calling, and eventually, his main pursuit. In 2018, he made the leap, leaving behind the safety and stability of his corporate job to step into the uncertain sphere, an unconventional career path – photography.

Choosing Emotion Over Perfection

Arun’s philosophy as a photographer rests on a simple but profound belief: emotion outweighs technical perfection. “You can create a good picture with perfect lighting and pose,” he says, “but if you want to create a great picture, there has to be an unguarded moment. The imperfections are what make it beautiful.”

He admits he prefers humans in his frames whenever possible. Landscapes and architecture may have their grandeur and symmetries, but for him, photography becomes alive when it carries a trace of humanity—expressions, gestures, small emotional truths. That, he feels, is what creates resonance.

It is also why he publishes very little of what he shoots. From over a million images, less than 0.1% make it to his social media. For Arun, photographs that are technically perfect but emotionally empty remain “failed photographs.” A sharp image but without any connection or feel, he insists, is still hollow.

Source: Arun Hegden Instagram

The Rough Road of Transition

Walking away from engineering into photography wasn’t a smooth crossing. Like every middle-class Indian family, Arun’s family too considered government jobs as the gold standards. Convincing his parents was difficult, as was convincing himself on days when work was irregular and money uncertain.

In a structured office, there are supervisors, deadlines, and colleagues to lean on. In freelancing, Arun had none of that. “You have to figure everything out on your own. There’s no boss to tell you what to do. And when there are long idle periods, creative blocks come in.”

Photography, he learned, was only about 10-20% of the actual work. The rest was marketing, networking, socializing, and constant skill upgrades. In the early years, he sustained himself on a few pre-booked projects and the hope that things would grow. Eventually, they did, though not without months of silences, struggles and challenges.

The Arun Hegden Motto: Photography as Process, Not Pressure

For many photographers, weddings are the bread-and-butter of survival. At one point, Arun was shooting 80 weddings a year, until the burnout set in. Today, he has cut it down to 30-35 days annually. Arun reminds us that while weddings bring in money, after a while, you lose the joy. “I want to enjoy the process, not feel drained by it.”

Having been in the creative field for almost a decade now, Arun has cultivated the approach of process over pressure. He doesn’t carry his camera everywhere, nor does he feel compelled to photograph constantly. If a scene feels worth capturing, he shoots. If not, he simply watches with his own eyes. “Not every moment needs to be photographed,” he says. “Sometimes it’s enough to experience it.”

Source: Arun Hegden Instagram

Navigating a Digital, AI-Driven World

In today’s landscape where AI can generate images at the click of a button, Arun remains grounded. He does use AI tools to speed up editing, bringing down his workflow from an hour to just ten minutes, but he resists the idea of AI-generated photographs. Authenticity is the real art, and for Arun, the process of creating is an authentic act in itself. 

His love for film photography further reveals this attachment to authenticity. With two film cameras in hand, he relishes the slower pace, the delayed gratification of waiting weeks or months before seeing developed negatives. In today’s age of digital archives, it is these moments that bring us back to the materiality and tangibility of our lives. 

Travel and photography, for Arun, evolved hand in hand. In 2012 he bought a bike, in 2013 he visited Ladakh. A photograph from that trip was exhibited widely, convincing him that stepping out of comfort zones was essential. Over time, though, his relationship with travel changed. While earlier he might have traveled to click, but now he travels to experience. Even if he doesn’t find anything worth shooting, he’s happy just being present. Travel and photography have shaped each other and him quite equally. 

In a time where every trip, concert, or meal gets documented for social media, he remains cautious of over-documentation. We’re aware of the multitude of content present online, which is, as Arun points out, overwhelming. Our attention spans are shrinking. Arun comments, “I don’t want to create because others are creating. I share when it feels authentic, not as part of a daily race.”

Source: Arun Hegden Instagram

Advice to Young Photographers

When asked what guidance he would give beginners, Arun Hegden keeps it practical:

  • Practice daily: Shoot for 30 days straight to master your camera. Technical confidence frees you to focus on emotion.
  • Find mentors: Attend workshops, learn from others’ visions, and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance.
  • Create for yourself: Don’t chase validation. If you enjoy the process, the work will sustain itself.
  • Act on inspiration quickly: Don’t let it fade into procrastination.
  • Balance art and life: Pay your bills, upgrade your tools, but never lose sight of why you started.

Looking Ahead

Today, Arun Hegden is experimenting with videography, something he has been practicing for the last two to three years. Having once dabbled in short films, he hopes to return to filmmaking in the future. “Someday, I’d love to make films again,” he says, with the quiet certainty of someone who knows that creative journeys are not straight lines but spirals.

For Arun, success has never been a fixed point, never a fixed definition. “There’s no single destination called success. It’s always ups and downs.” Truly, the real success is in not giving up, in continuing to create even when nobody is watching. 

And perhaps that is what makes his story remarkable. In a world obsessed with perfection and speed, Arun Hegden reminds us of the value of imperfection, patience, and the simple joy of creating—whether for the world or just for oneself.

Arun Hegden is an Indian photographer who left his profession as an Aerospace Engineer. During his college days, Arun started experimenting with his phone camera and loved creating something ‘authentic’ and ‘unique’. Today he does landscape photography, portraits, weddings, cultural events, and more.

Source: Arun Hegden Instagram

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From Canvas to Soul: Haritha Chitta’s Journey

Discover Haritha Chitta’s inspiring journey from childhood sketches to becoming a renowned illustrator and storyteller

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Haritha , art , storyteller, work


In a world where art often feels commercialized and detached, Haritha Chitta stands as a beacon of authenticity. She is an accomplished illustrator, 2D animator, storyteller, and creative multitalent. Moreover, she has woven together the threads of tradition and modernity to create something truly magical. Born in Hyderabad and raised across Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, Haritha’s story captures passion meeting purpose. Additionally, her work shows how ancient wisdom dances with contemporary creativity.

“Art has always been a very natural part of me,” Haritha reflects on her early beginnings. As a child, she was constantly sketching. Furthermore, she drew comics and portraits while observing people and their psychology. She also wove little stories in her mind. However, what transformed her natural inclination into something deeper was a profound realization. “Illustration and storytelling could be more than just expression,” she discovered. “They could be a bridge to preserve and share our cultural heritage with the younger generation.”

Growing up surrounded by South Indian culture, every festival left an indelible mark on her imagination. Similarly, every temple visit and gathering of elders shaped her artistic vision. These weren’t just childhood memories. Instead, they became the building blocks of her creative work. Her multicultural upbringing across three major cities gave her a unique perspective. Consequently, she developed a beautiful blend of traditions, languages, and stories that would later become the soul of her work.

Credits : Instagram @haritha_chitta

The Breakthrough: When Art Becomes Voice

Haritha’s career took a defining turn when people began connecting with her art, words, and voice. Her breakthrough series “Aarojulu Gurthunnaya” became a cultural phenomenon. As a result, it garnered tens of millions of views and appreciation from celebrities. However, for Haritha, the numbers were secondary to something far more precious.

“The real breakthrough in my career picked up when people started admiring my art, my words and especially my voice,” she shares. “The true turning point came when I realized that my art had the power to move people beyond the surface. Furthermore, it could stir something within them.”

Her work began appearing in prestigious publications like The Hindu and Eenadu. Additionally, she gave interviews on channels like ETV Yuva and London NRI Radio. Nevertheless, she measures her success differently. “Those moments matter to me far more than recognition,” she explains. “My greatest achievement is knowing that my art has crossed languages, borders, generations and touched souls.”

The Philosophy of An Artist and a Storyteller

What sets Haritha apart isn’t just her artistic skill. Rather, it’s the philosophical foundation that guides her work. She finds strength in the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gītā. The verse “Karmaṇyevādhikāraste mā phaleṣu kadācana.” reminds her to create with sincerity and devotion. Moreover, it teaches her to work without attachment to outcomes.

This spiritual grounding reflects in her approach to art. “The deepest reward in my work is the utmost satisfaction I get while creating,” she explains. Whether it’s a stroke, script, or voiceover, she finds joy in the process. Furthermore, she treasures the human connection her art creates. When someone says her art reminded them of childhood or brought them peace, she knows she has fulfilled her purpose.

Her vision of art as a unifying force resonates with an ancient verse from the Rig Veda, “May we walk together, speak together, and let our minds be united.” “For me, art is exactly this,” she says. “It’s a union of hearts and minds through shared stories and emotions.”

Haritha embodies the spirit of a modern renaissance artist. She has worked as an architect and continues as a designer, illustrator, writer, and storyteller. Additionally, she’s a photographer, singer, cook, and spiritual seeker. This multifaceted approach isn’t about wearing many hats. Instead, it’s about understanding that creativity flows from living a full, engaged life.

“I’m an optimist, an empath, a prescient, and an egalitarian,” she shares. Her mind is usually filled with ideas. Therefore, she tries to jot them down as often as possible and constantly works on them. This reveals the constant creative buzz that drives her work.

Credits : Instagram @haritha_chitta

For the Young Generation

When it comes to advice for young dreamers, Haritha’s message is both practical and inspiring. “Find that one thing you LOVE doing from all your heart,” she advises. It doesn’t matter when, how, or at what time you do it. Furthermore, find something you can never get bored of. “Once you figure that out, do not be afraid to do it,” she continues. “Even if your journey looks different.”

She knows the struggle of self-doubt intimately. “When I first started, I often doubted myself because my path looked so different from others,” she recalls. She had several ideas for several things. However, she wasn’t confident enough to pursue them at that moment. Her advice to her younger self is powerful. Moreover, it applies to all young artists. “It is not only okay to walk an unconventional path,” she says. “Rather, it is actually your strength. The very things that make you different are the things that will make you stand out.”

Her guiding mantra comes from the Kathopanishad. These are words that Swami Vivekananda also used in his famous speech to the world. “उत्तिष्ठत जाग्रत प्राप्य वरान्निबोधत।” means “Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached.” She encourages every dreamer to carry this spirit in their heart. “No obstacle will ever be greater than your determination,” she adds.

Credits : Instagram @haritha_chitta

Haritha, A Trail Blazer

Haritha Chitta’s journey is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling. In an age of quick trends and viral content, she has chosen the deeper path. This path honors tradition while speaking to contemporary hearts. Her work doesn’t just entertain. Instead, it preserves, connects, and awakens. Furthermore, it reminds us that true art isn’t about individual expression alone. Rather, it’s about creating bridges between souls, generations, and cultures.

“Learning, reflecting and then presenting the knowledge to the world gives me immense happiness,” she says. This captures the essence of what makes her work so impactful. It’s not just art for art’s sake. Instead, it’s art as service, as preservation, as love made visible.

As she continues to touch millions of hearts, Haritha Chitta stands as a shining example. She shows what happens when talent meets purpose. Additionally, her work demonstrates how tradition can meet innovation. Moreover, she proves that an artist’s greatest masterpiece isn’t any single work. Instead, it’s the connections they forge between human hearts.


Connect with Haritha

Ready to experience the magic of storytelling through art? Follow Haritha Chitta on Instagram @haritha_chitta to join her community of over 72K followers. Furthermore, you can immerse yourself in her world of illustrations, animations, and soulful narratives. Whether you’re seeking nostalgia, inspiration, or simply a moment of beauty in your day, Haritha’s content offers something special. Additionally, it provides a window into the rich tapestry of culture, emotion, and artistic excellence.

Don’t just follow – engage, share, and be part of a movement. This movement celebrates the timeless art of storytelling in our digital age. Moreover, it connects hearts across cultures and generations.

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