Myself and My thoughts

Thats me!

Architecture

Architecture is mother of all arts. To me it is parental art and supports my other arts ventures. After graduating from Sir J J College of Architecture, Bombay, I moved to developing city Pune in 1980. Working with various architectural firms was a good experience in itself. I started on my own in 1988  and since then I am very much active in architecture.

I prefer to work in geometric patterns and simplicity of design. I am more concerned with the basic principles like plans in structural grid, cross ventilation, controlled natural lighting, good ambience and exploiting natural surroundings. To me, external and outer spaces are equally important. Nowadays my focus is shifting to eco friendly architecture.

My main emphasis is on the convenience of the end user rather than developer. I like to compliment my simple design themes with touch of detailing. To me, designing the building is more like painting. You begin it and eventually let it control you. I like to go with the flow and let it happen out of the blue.

Normally, plans are worked out considering internal arrangements or requirements, but I prefer to go for, out to inside rather than inside out approach. It is like designing the house within greenery rather than greenery around the house. I don't like to add ornamental features for the sake of aesthetics. I believe good elevation evolves out of good plan. My designs are more of space oriented nature.

I did few interiors also and tried different ideas but I prefer architecture. It encompasses broader spectrum. I love sky lights, use of natural materials as I am influenced by F.L.Wright, Charles Correa, Achyut Kanvinde.

In spite of so many years in architectural practice, I would call myself novice in this field.

Art

I like drawing or sketching, I enjoy doing them and it's like trying to touch the subjects at different plane altogether. My gurus encouraged me to dabble with painting too. It also helped me sketch better. I used to be scared of using colors because I am color blind to one light shade of yellow. This was discovered accidentally while viewing for highlighted text matter. I like watercolors for their lucidity, transparency, spontaneity and happy accidents. Painting is like talking to your Self.

My gurus Pratap mulick and Milind Mulick have greatly influenced me. They inspire me to try out again and again. Learning painting has helped me in architecture field. I have discovered so many other facets and aspects of space through painting. It has always been another energizing factor for me. It helps me to think of leaping beyond my abilities. Painting is the expression of the whole experience. Once you start painting, you begin to look for subjects, compositions, colors etc. In short you look at everything intensely.

Painting begins with a challenge of choosing subject. At times, skill, technique and drawing ability limits the choice. But, you are always tempted to take the risk and that's the fun in painting. Composition fascinates me too. I like play of lights and darks, colors - tones and values.

2-3 years stint is too short a period to talk about painting. I have shared few of my thoughts. Your opinions and thoughts are most welcome.

Percussion : Tabla

I love rhythm. Tabla is one of the best Indian percussion instruments. It has emerged from Pakhawaj. Whenever I heard any kind of music, I used to try to accompany it on table or chair.

Instead of concentrating on architectural practice alone, I decided to spare some time for my hobbies. Hobbies are balancing factors for work and life. Tabla is another favorite. I am learning it 'beat by beat'. Initially, it was dragging me to nothing but by the encouragement of my guru Mr. Mukhade Sir I persevered and I hope to make best out of it. It energizes and sets me in happy mood. One can become happy by playing tabla and vice versa. Tabla is an instrument of joy. It is never played in sad moods or occasions.

The great Indian maestros like Ustad Ahmedjaan Thirkhava, Gulam Rasul Khan, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ustad Allarkha, Anindo Chattergie, Shubhankar Bannerji, Pandit Surash Talwalkar, Pt. Samta Prasad, Anish Pradhan, Yogesh Shamsee, Mukesh Jadhav and several others have contributed to the growth of this instrument. All exponents have done so much in this field that following their foot steps is considered good enough.

I am moved by the beauty of the syllables, their pronunciation on tabla and experiencing rhythm itself. Though all these factors are the generally same in any successful tabla performance, it is so individualistic. It lets you express yourself and your individuality. It can not become a machine like instrument. It speaks like another human being or living creature. It can let you touch the divinity. This is the factor that I love about all these - tabla, painting, architecture or all kinds of performing and creative arts. It can mesmerize one and lets you forget the vary existence.