Do you believe you are guided and protected by a superior force?
I have constantly felt so at a personal level, but the moment I think of a larger scale, I doubt it. How could I comprehend and explain all the pathetic inequalities of our society, the tragedies of the tsunami or other natural disasters of the kind?

Do you believe you have a special mission or purpose in this life?
I always felt I had to paint. I started at the age of three. And it has always been such a strong conviction, that it made me think it does not come from this lifetime only; it is a heritage from some past birth. Still, I never felt confident about my work. Even now, at the age of fifty three, I always find so many flaws in it and feel I may not be skilled enough. Sometimes I worry I am saying too much through my figures, or I am telling too many stories at once. Doubts always arise. But it is also a way to permanently grow. And I feel that if one seeks to better oneself, it is a way of walking in the Creator’s footsteps. Otherwise, just living for oneself without growth would mean there is no purpose to life.
So no matter what, painting is a form of quest, a thirst to express what is inside and what is beyond, and it is pure joy.
Painting can also be cathartic, helping me to confront situations, get them out of my system.
Of course I could say that it is also about touching others. But the reality is that so few people visit the hundreds of galleries and museums of India. They are empty most of the time. So it is first and foremost about a very personal exploration and journey.
Today, I can make a living out of it, I can help others thanks to it, and living from my passion is such a privilege, it is ultimate freedom.

... contd.