Q: Can you share the first time an opportunity—like a residency, pop-up, or an exhibition, made you feel like a real artist? What was that moment like for you?

A: The first time I truly felt like a “real artist” was when I exhibited my work at Gandhi Darshan Art Gallery in Delhi. Until then, I had always created from a deeply personal space—just me, my canvas, and my emotions. But seeing my paintings hanging on the walls of a gallery, being viewed and felt by strangers, was surreal. People paused, looked closely, and even cried in front of my work. That moment made me realize art has a life beyond the studio—it connects, it speaks. I wasn’t just painting for myself anymore; I was speaking a language others understood. It was overwhelming in the most beautiful way. That moment affirmed everything I believed about the emotional power of art.

Q: How do you define ‘success’ as an artist, and has that definition changed since you first began pursuing your craft?

A: When I first began painting, success felt like simply finishing a piece or getting someone to like my work. It was very personal and small-scale—a quiet victory over self-doubt. But over time, my understanding of success has deepened. Now, success means creating art that truly connects—art that makes people pause, reflect, or feel seen. It’s about honesty and vulnerability, not just aesthetics or sales. Success also means balancing my dual passions for art and dentistry without compromising either, and inspiring others to embrace their emotions through creativity. Ultimately, success is about growth—both as an artist and as a person—and using my work to build meaningful connections, inside myself and with my audience.

Q: Can you share a recent project or experience that helped reignite your passion during a creative block? What about it sparked new possibilities for your work?

A: During a recent creative block, I found myself emotionally drained and disconnected from my work. That’s when I began conceptualizing my RAGE series—something that wasn’t just about aesthetics but about what I was truly feeling. Instead of avoiding my anger and inner chaos, I decided to paint through it.

I created a series where the color red gradually fades, symbolising how intense emotions rise and eventually dissolve. It became therapy for me. What reignited my passion was realising that I don’t always need to feel “inspired” to create, sometimes, the messiest, most unfiltered emotions hold the most power. This series opened up new possibilities in my practice—it made me realize how art can be both personal and universal, and how vulnerability can lead to innovation.

Q: Have you ever stumbled on a creative boost by accident - something small that unexpectedly changed how you make art? If not, is there something new you’re curious to explore?

A: Yes, absolutely—sometimes the smallest things spark the biggest shifts in my creativity. For me, it was discovering texture mediums and how they could transform a flat canvas into something tactile and alive. That accidental discovery changed how I express emotions visually; the cracks, layers, and reliefs became metaphors for internal struggles and healing.

It opened up new ways to communicate beyond color and shape alone. Right now, I’m curious to explore how combining abstract art with elements from medical imagery—like histology patterns—can deepen the storytelling in my work. It’s a way to bridge my two worlds—art and dentistry—and find fresh, meaningful ways to connect with viewers on both an emotional and scientific level.

Q: What would you tell an artist chasing their first big break? What mindset or approach made all the difference when you were in their shoes?

A: To any artist chasing their first big break, I’d say: stay true to your voice and trust your process, even when it feels slow or uncertain. Early on, I focused too much on what others might want to see or buy, and it drained my energy. The biggest difference came when I started creating honestly—painting what I felt, not what I thought would sell. Also, patience and persistence are everything. Opportunities rarely come overnight, but every small step—an exhibition, a pop-up, even sharing your art on social media—builds your story and presence. Lastly, don’t be afraid to embrace your uniqueness; that’s your strongest asset. Your art is your truth, and that’s what will resonate most deeply with others.