“I grew up in a family of five siblings, in a home where art was part of everyday life. My father was a goldsmith, my mother a homemaker who loved craftwork. We were always encouraged to create—with our hands, with whatever we had around us. That early exposure shaped the way I looked at the world.

Even though I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy and worked in that field for a while, something always felt missing. I couldn’t ignore the pull towards art. That inner voice got louder when I came across Madhubani paintings in one of my children’s textbooks. I was drawn to the patterns, the colours, and the stories they told. It was like something clicked.

Slowly, I started exploring the art form on my own. I also began reusing old and discarded items—cardboard, glass bottles, plastic boxes—and turning them into something meaningful. I really believe in the idea of ‘best out of waste.’ It’s not just about sustainability, it’s also about finding value in the ordinary.
My husband, who’s an Engineer, has been my biggest support. He’s always encouraged me to pursue this path. With his help, I’ve had the space and confidence to keep learning, experimenting, and putting my work out there.

Last year, I was honoured with the Tejaswi Kalaratna Samman for my artworks at an event hosted by the Revival of Tribal & Folk Art Foundation. It meant a lot—not just the recognition, but knowing that people connected with what I was trying to express.

Nowadays, I also take summer coaching classes and online workshops, where I teach what I’ve learned. I customise artworks too—mostly return gifts for weddings and functions. People like that personal touch, and for me, every piece is a small way of sharing what art has given me.

Art brought me back to myself. And now I just want to pass that on.”

– Nagarani, Artist