“I grew up in a very academic environment—one of those places where everyone around me was brilliant in studies, and the main focus was always on marks and performance. But I was different. I had all sorts of interests and found it hard to fit into that mold.

Until 9th grade, I lived in Hyderabad. After that, I moved to Suryapet, a smaller town, and it was there that the artist in me really began to come alive.

As a child, I was always drawn to art. I used to fill my notebooks with flowers, butterflies, and later, faces and figures—sometimes even funny drawings of my classmates and teachers! I didn’t really think of it as anything special back then. It was just something I loved to do. But the appreciation I received for those little sketches gave me a sense of joy and confidence.

After finishing my 12th, I took art more seriously. I started practicing regularly, trying different mediums and techniques. Around the same time, I began exploring literature, yoga, and spirituality. That inner pull became stronger than anything academics could offer. I didn’t really know what to do with it, though, so I went back to my village and started working in agriculture for a while.

But life had its plans. I got the chance to join Eenadu as a trainee artist, and that was my first real step into the world of professional art. After two years, I moved into advertising, working as a visualiser in an agency. I really enjoyed the creative part of it—coming up with ideas, playing with visuals, and using my art in brochures and campaigns. My love for reading helped me a lot in that field, too.

I never went to art school or studied art in a formal way. Everything I have learned has come from years of practice, observation, and pure passion.

Even while working in advertising, I continued to paint. Eventually, I felt like I had done enough in that field. I wanted to focus fully on what I loved the most—painting and sculpture.

Over time, my style developed naturally. I had already explored abstract landscapes and created a series on energetic bulls, which had a unique visual language. But after that, I took a break for about six months. I spent that time in silence, reflecting and meditating.

One day during meditation, I had a vivid vision. I saw chakras spinning in beautiful colours. That image stayed with me and became the seed for a new direction in my work. I started creating paintings that focused on meditation, energy, and the inward journey.

My technique changed, too. I began layering different colours on the canvas, then scratching away the top layers to reveal textures and images underneath. This process brings out surprising tones and contrasts, and it also feels symbolic of the deeper journey we all go through—peeling away outer layers to find what’s inside.

Yoga and philosophy play a big role in my creative process. Yoga is not just about physical postures—it’s a full system of living. It teaches discipline, breath control, and eventually, deep meditation and inner stillness. That philosophy deeply influences my life and my work. For me, painting itself has become a form of meditation.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is the Vaishvanara Series. Vaishvanara is a Sanskrit word that combines Vishva (the universe) and Nara (human). It refers to a conscious and awakened state in meditation. It represents the universal self—a state of being where we feel completely connected to everything around us. I tried to capture that idea visually in the series.

My routine in the studio is not fixed. Some days, I wake up as early as 3:30 AM and start working. On others, I paint late into the night. Starting a new piece takes a lot of planning because the process is detailed and slow. But once I begin, it’s very intuitive. I don’t always have a clear image in mind—I just follow the flow.

The response to my work has been incredibly touching. Many people tell me they feel calm and peaceful when they see the paintings, as if they’ve entered a meditative space. I have seen visitors stand quietly in front of a piece for long periods. Once, a woman sat in front of a painting for almost an hour. Another time, someone hugged me with tears in their eyes. Moments like that remind me why I do what I do.

Of course, the journey hasn’t been easy. In the beginning, I had no direction, no formal education in art, and no clear path. But I kept showing up. I kept working, learning, and staying sincere in my efforts. That is what helped me grow.

If I could give one piece of advice to young artists or anyone starting a creative journey, it would be this: stay honest with yourself, keep practicing, and don’t be in a hurry. Consistency and strong fundamentals will take you far.

As I look ahead, I hope my work reaches more people—not just in India, but across the world. There are new projects and exhibitions I am looking forward to, but more than anything, I just want to keep exploring—both on canvas and within myself.

For me, art is not just about creating something beautiful. It is about listening deeply, going inward, and expressing what words often cannot. It’s my way of staying connected to myself, to the universe, and to the stillness within.”