EXCLUSIVE: “I often address Ridhi (Dogra) as my low maintenance wife” – Raqesh Vashishth

Raqesh Vasishsth is on a new high these days. The dishy actor is busy exploring the artist in him by venturing into painting and sculpting like how!

The best part is that the compliments for his work at art exhibitions are pouring to his delight. Pinkvilla.com recently caught up with Raqesh to speak about his new pursuit, his wife Ridhi and much more. Excerpts:

What inspired you to pursue a career in painting? How did you begin painting? Did you take any training in the art form?

It feels good when a hobby is called a career. I feel blessed today that I'm able to pursue a form of my artistic expression as a career as you call it. But to me it's a hobby that has evolved into something bigger and I am just gladly going along with it. I am self-taught and didn't get any training apart from the art classes at school. I began painting with a sense of exploration. I used to be fascinated with paintings and sculpting and anyone who could do it. Every time I painted, I used to feel a sense of accomplishment. And I guess it was my fascination of the art along with that sense of adventure to create and accomplish something that fed my curiosity as a child.

What or who has been your muse behind your paintings?

Life itself (is my muse). I am a shy person by nature. It may seem strange considering I became an actor but I'm an introvert and always found it easier to express myself and my thoughts in my paintings. When I started painting, it was only for me. When my friends and family saw it they pushed me to pursue it seriously. I have always painted what moves me. I follow what impacts me for that particular time. Be it portraits, or horses, or a series on partition. I don't follow themes. I follow my heart.

We hear that you have exhibited your art work in other cities (around the world) as well. And the best part is the curators like your paintings. In which all cities have you exhibited. Please share some reviews/feedbacks with us.

Have you really heard that? I wish your words manifest in the universe fast and wide. No I haven't exhibited yet. But yes, I have met several art enthusiasts and curators, art buyers and fellow artists just to understand and make sure I'm on the right path. I have received a lot of encouragement for my work from them and that has given me the courage to chase my passion.

You have been into sculpting as well. Please share some details on it.

I was an adventure freak as a child, exploring in the mountains little ahead of where I was bought up. I was part of a trekking group in my school years. There was a temple on our routine trekking path where I would always see someone sculpting ganpati murtis and painting on the temple walls. Since I was always fascinated with the art, I would often sit there and observe the person, kinkar kaka, who I'm pleased is the one lighting the inaugural diya for my first exhibition. It's observing him day and night that I developed the interest in sculpting, learning the nuances and the techniques. I would just mix the mud as he didn't like any interference in his work but I was determined to absorb as much as I could. As a result for as long as I have been on my own, I make Eco friendly Ganpati murti every year.

Do you plan to showcase your paintings in other parts of India as well?

I would much rather let my work talk about that than do it myself, there are plans to go next to Delhi, Dubai and Mumbai as well but and of now my focus is on my first exhibit.

As an accomplished actor and painter, you have surely donned multiple hats. What else do you wish to do now?

My next aim is to do an intensive course in sculpting so I can learn and understand that craft as well. I want to make sculptures in different forms, materials and shapes. It will be like painting in a 5 D form.

How has Ridhi been supporting you in your creative pursuits?

She is the woman behind my success. She is an extremely supportive partner and a very talented girl. The way she writes marvels me! Her words can literally move the reader to tears or a smile. The literature in my coffee table book and website is her work. I am eagerly waiting for her to write a book.

How does it feel to have a life partner like her?

I feel we are a perfect combination art and literature coexisting under one roof. She is a woman of substance a true metaphor of 'beauty with brains'. She understands and lets me be when I need time off for my creative space. I often address her as my 'low maintenance wife' :-) I feel blessed to have a partner like her!