"I want commerce to bow down to art" – Saurabh Turakhia

The very name of ‘Saurabh Turakhia’ may not ring a bell, but, those who know him, his art and creativity, Read More">simply cannot stop swearing about his immense talents. He is an ‘Artist’ in the true sense of the word. His impeccable works can be seen in the form of an array of flawless hand paintingsRead More

The very name of 'Saurabh Turakhia' may not ring a bell, but, those who know him, his art and creativity, simply cannot stop swearing about his immense talents. He is an 'Artist' in the true sense of the word. His impeccable works can be seen in the form of an array of flawless hand paintings that he has created of Bollywood stars and even politicians. Besides being a painter, he also is an active blogger. By his own admission, he does not paint full time and does so only holidays and whenever he gets time. Although his Twitter handle introduces himself as 'Writer, artist amateur, short stories', he is much, much beyond and ahead of all these introductions. Saurabh Turakhia is someone who is young and is raring to go.

Satish Sundaresan of Bollywood Hungama met up with the extremely talented artiste

You are a man of such varied talents. How would you like to be addressed as: a painter, an avid blogger, a Bollywood freak or something else altogether?
I would like to be known as a passionate and aspiring writer and an artist. Writing and painting are the two terms that define the core of my passion.

When and how did you discover your passion towards this art?
I used to sketch a lot during my school and college days. I got to know about an excellent lady artist named Mrs. Soparkar, who prepared many students for their elementary and intermediate examinations. My inclination towards the arts started from there. Besides her, there were many other influences in my life. My aunt Rajul Dodhiwala, who is also an artist, has also inspired me a lot. That's how it all started...

In your opinion, how important are the social media platforms in the growth of any artist? In my opinion, it’s immensely important. These social media platforms make it extremely easier to connect with celebrities and public figures as well, Read More">which otherwise would have been so very difficult. What are your future plans? I would wantRead More

In your opinion, how important are the social media platforms in the growth of any artist?
In my opinion, it's immensely important. These social media platforms make it extremely easier to connect with celebrities and public figures as well, which otherwise would have been so very difficult.

What are your future plans?
I would want to be always creatively inclined. I would ensure that I dedicate a lot of energy and passion. I wish to specialise in the art of making portraits. One day, I would like to be well versed with all the arts and art forms.

Which has been your most cherished compliment till date? It has to be from the well-known media person Mr. Jehangir Pocha. Once, when he wanted to buy a pencil sketch of the legendary Ratan Tata from me, I did not want to attach a fee for that as it was a pencil sketch. But, Read More">heRead More

Which has been your most cherished compliment till date?
It has to be from the well-known media person Mr. Jehangir Pocha. Once, when he wanted to buy a pencil sketch of the legendary Ratan Tata from me, I did not want to attach a fee for that as it was a pencil sketch. But, he insisted on charging him. When he said, "Art should have a price", I quoted Rs. 2000 for that pencil sketch. But, he picked up the same for Rs. 5000!

Do you find painting and sketching to be a money spinning art?
Yes... I am totally convinced about this (smiles). I want commerce to bow down to art.

What is the medium/s that you use for your art? I use a lot of poster colours and water colours. I also work on the ‘digital medium’ as well. Have you shown your art to the respective personalities or celebrities? If yes, Read More">how has been the reaction from them? I have not been able toRead More

What is the medium/s that you use for your art?
I use a lot of poster colours and water colours. I also work on the 'digital medium' as well.

Have you shown your art to the respective personalities or celebrities? If yes, how has been the reaction from them?
I have not been able to do that face to face. I have shown my works to the celebrities on twitter. While Vidya Balan responded to my tweet, Anil Kapoor retweeted my tweet. It's such a wonderful feeling.

Till date which has been your most: Difficult painting: Vidya Balan in a saree Challenging painting: The legendary trio of Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand and Dilip saab. Time consuming painting Again, it’s Vidya Balan in a saree, because, it required many minute details.

Till date which has been your most:
Difficult painting:
Vidya Balan in a saree

Challenging painting:
The legendary trio of Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand and Dilip saab.

Time consuming painting
Again, it's Vidya Balan in a saree, because, it required many minute details.