Still Alive

What inspired you to dive into the world of prosthetics and SFX, and how did you begin your self-taught Journey?

Studying Fine Arts, I naturally inclined towards sculpting. And the curious cat in me loved the layered nuance of materials and techniques and so I dove deep into online tutorials. Hence, embarking on this self-taught journey to refine my sculpting skills.

A close friend of mine, seeing my inclination and growing passion, introduced the world of SFX and prosthetics. Intrigued, I connected with experienced artists on Instagram from this industry that extended guidance and shared amazing insights through which I was able to bring my passion of creating realistic sculptures and the knowledge of materials and techniques to become the artist I am today.

What were the biggest challenges you faced while learning on your own, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenges I faced were gaining material knowledge, mastering techniques, and managing the cost of expensive materials. I had no prior experience working with silicone, so it required significant practice, experimentation, and perseverance. Initially, I couldn't afford silicone, so I started with flour as a substitute and created daily video challenges on Instagram during the lockdown.Post-lockdown, I gradually invested in silicone materials and began experimenting to understand their properties and how they worked. I complemented this hands-on practice by watching YouTube tutorials and seeking advice from friends who had relevant experience. This iterative process of learning and adaptation helped me overcome these challenges and build confidence in working with silicone.

Can you share a project or creation that you’re most proud of and why it holds a special place for you?

One of my favourite projects was creating life-size animatronic newborn bird babies. This project is especially close to my heart because I built everything from the ground up, dedicating so much effort to making the models as realistic and lifelike as possible. The process was incredibly challenging—I had to redo certain parts nearly 30 times before getting them just right. It was a truly transformative experience that taught me new skills in coding, mechanical design, and wiring. All that hard work paid off when the animatronics were displayed as an art piece at my college exhibition after two months of dedication. Watching my creation come to life and being recognised for it was deeply rewarding. This project not only showcased my technical and creative skills but also reinforced my determination and problem-solving abilities.

How do you approach designing and executing a prosthetic or SFX concept from scratch?

Navigating project requirements and execution can sometimes be a challenge, often involving a lot of effort and discussions. My process starts with a thorough understanding of the brief—clarifying all the requirements and defining the project’s scope within the given budget and timeline. This step is essential for ensuring alignment and setting a solid foundation for the entire project. Next, I dive into extensive research to gather references and inspiration. I sketch out rough concepts to visualize how they fit with the character or environment, ensuring that elements like prosthetics or special effects integrate seamlessly into the design.

Selecting the right materials, such as silicone, latex, or pigments, is key to achieving the desired outcome. I ensure that these materials can withstand wear, movement, and environmental conditions. If challenges arise, like material failures or tight deadlines, I’m quick to adapt, finding alternative solutions that demonstrate my problem-solving skills and flexibility.

Managing the workflow efficiently is another crucial part of my process. I organize my tasks to maximize productivity while maintaining high standards. This includes planning for unexpected issues, keeping timelines in check, and striking the right balance between creativity and practicality.

What tools, techniques, or resources were game-changers in your self-taught journey?

Throughout my journey in fine arts, I’ve developed a diverse skill set, including clay modeling, mold making, casting, and techniques in airbrushing and coloring. These have formed a strong foundation for my work, and I’ve expanded into areas like mechanism design, coding, wiring, 3D modeling, 3D printing, and painting. Diving into special effects (SFX) and prosthetics has been particularly rewarding, allowing me to bring creative ideas to life in exciting ways. Platforms like YouTube and Instagram were crucial in turning my passion into a career, with Instagram helping me land my first Bollywood project, Phone Bhoot—a defining moment in my life.

To pursue my dreams, I relocated from Delhi to Mumbai and immersed myself in the Bollywood industry. The last four years have been a whirlwind of experimentation, failure, and learning, all of which have deepened my passion for creating. It’s a never-ending journey, and I’m grateful for every part of this artistic adventure.

Do you think being self-taught has given you a unique edge or perspective compared to formal training?

Formal training provides foundational knowledge, materials, and techniques. It’s a structured approach where you have guidance on what to do or avoid, and it's undoubtedly a valuable way to learn. However, formal training, especially abroad, can be prohibitively expensive for many . On other hands Being self - taught is a test of patience and determination-a challenge to see how much grit you have to pursue your goals. It is about the relentless urge to become what you aspire to be . The journey is tough; it requires persistence, working on the same craft every day , striving to improve , an inching closer to perfection.if you have that kind of passion, nothing can stand in your way.you will find solutions to any problem, no matter how difficult it seems and constantly challenging yourself. The joy of overcoming those challenges and achieving your goal is indescribable.. in those moments of triumph, i feel like the happiest person alive.

What advice would you give to someone looking to break into prosthetics and SFX, especially if they lack access to formal education?

To improve your skills and knowledge, actively engage with various social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.Explore videos and posts related to your area of interest. Focus on process videos where artists showcase their work and techniques. Reach out to professionals in your field. Follow them, engage with their content, and ask thoughtful questions. While some may not have the time, others might offer valuable insights.Research and learn about the materials and tools used in your craft. Familiarise yourself with different techniques to broaden your skill set. Watching alone isn’t sufficient. Dedicate time to practicing what you’ve learned. Experiment with materials and techniques to develop a deeper Understanding and enhancing your creativity .

Interviewed by Sapna Moti Bhavnani