“Art, for me, has always been a lifelong pursuit. When I decided to become a full-time artist, I knew there were no hard and fast rules to succeed. You have to pursue it with passion. I am glad I could bring my own approach to Nirmal paintings, an art form named after the town of Nirmal in Telangana, with roots going back to the Kakatiya period.

I come from a family that was into agriculture, while my father worked in the health department. Some of my extended family members were involved in art, so I was naturally drawn to arts and crafts. My school, Sri Saraswathi Sishu Mandir, also played an important role, as I actively participated in extracurricular activities.

A major influence on me was my Guruji, Shri Ravinder Sharma from Adilabad district. He worked with metal casting and travelled to different villages to understand their local art. Through him, I was exposed to tribal communities and their way of life. I was fascinated by his work and the way he looked at art.

I also drew inspiration from the place where I grew up. The greenery, wildlife and rustic surroundings around my hometown became a part of how I looked at the world and eventually found their way into my paintings.

My father wanted me to take up a stable job, so I appeared for a few entrance examinations. But I continued painting in my free time and even sold a few paintings without my father’s knowledge (laughs). After my marriage, I also tried running a stationery business, but it did not work out as I had expected. That was when I decided to pursue Nirmal paintings full-time.

Looking back, I feel that choosing a career is not always about following the safest path. Sometimes, you have to recognise what you are naturally drawn to and have the courage to give it a chance. I chose art, and over the years, it has taught me that staying true to what you love can itself become a way of life.”

— Thota Laxminarayana