Times of Youth: In brief, could you enlighten our readers about yourself for those who may be unaware?
Hi, I am Rahul Arya popularly known as India’s Sand Animation Artist. Currently Director of Flying Rock Studio Pvt. Ltd., a film production house. I’ve been on several TV Reality shows & 3 films other than my 500+ Sand Art Live shows globally.
Times of Youth: You have inspired many a young and old in your country today. What/who inspired you in the first place to be who you are today?
Well, My Dad is my sole inspiration whom I lost recently. My every story has a message, mostly how my dad used to see the world. I wish there will be one complete day; with nothing wrong happening. I know its a lot to wish for.
Times of Youth: Albeit you’re a trainer designer, animator and IT professional from a reputed university, what made you fall for sand artistry?
Yes, I’m an Engineer & Masters from IIT Mumbai, but my love for drawings was from my childhood, when we used to draw friendship day greetings for our friends. During childhood, I used to love our first Alto car & Enjoy cleaning it. When car is filled with dust I used to scribble the sand on windshield with fingers. That’s how it all started.
Times of Youth: Despite sand art being a rather unexplored career option in today’s times, you had the courage to venture into it with extraordinary gusto. When and how did you aspire to achieve all this? What helped you the most in the long run?
Well, I started doing professional Sand Art since 2007, but my major breakthrough was when I won ‘Entertainment ke liye Kuch bhi Karega’, a SONY TV show, post which my association with Wizcraft built stronger. In our society Event Industry was considered lower, as being Doctor, Engineer & IITian considered more reputed. I had to go through a difficult time to convince all & give my 100% dedication to what I believe in; regardless of fear of success/failure.
“When your loss is big, then your success will be bigger” is something I say and uphold.
Times of Youth: Your perfectionist approach towards the intricacies of sand art has won you several national and international accolades and attracted sizeable media attention. How does that make you feel?
Am not exaggerating, in all honesty I never made anything to attain attention. I’ve always said and worked for what I myself believe in. for eg. In my Nepal Tribute video, I’ve asked people to donate when I myself have donated & I’ve visited Nepal & felt the pain of actual victims. I’ve got several awards including Best Film from Carnegie, USA & from Film Division of India & few more. It makes me feel proud but also gives a responsibility that my message should convey both sides of the story. For eg. My Peshawar Attack Tribute has got humongous success with lakhs of views, even when India & Pakistan were not in good terms, but people in pakistan have welcomed a small Sand Art Tribute with open arms; as titled ”Indian Artist Tribute to Pakistan”. Hence, If you genuinely believe in your work, it will connect to the audiences heart.
Times of Youth: We hear about your marvellous work for several films like ‘Zainab’, ‘Mitti Na Pharol Jogiya’ etc. has been winning many hearts including that of prominent movie stars and common public alike. Would you please elaborate on the lucrativeness of the concept of sand art in films for us?
Sand Art in films like Ormayundo Ee Mukham, MNPJ & Zainab are more of fun as well as difficult than a Live Event.
Reason 1- You get to learn while working with the stars like Jimmy Shergill, Anurag Basu, Vineeth Srinivasan & more. A little bit of excitement and anxiety comes naturally. But slowly I’m improving myself.
Reason 2- When you see you name on film credits & audience applauding your work coming on the big screen, while sitting next to them quietly. It’s a feeling of butterflies in the stomach, can’t explain in words.
Times of Youth: What was the idea behind naming your studio ‘Flying Rock’?
If you look closely, Earth is a flying rock in our galactic space. And so are all the planets & their moons, which are actually rocks flying in our Universe. It all came from that idea.
Times of Youth: Being a part of Flying Rock studio, which is an agency on par with international standards, please share with us your biggest achievement so far.
Flying Rock Studio was credited in a full feature length Bollywood film in just 3 months of its inception.
Times of Youth: Since sometime now, you have been into creating a benchmark in the field of sand based artistry by being the first one of its kind in a country like India where talent abounds. How has been the overall experience?
I don’t want any other artist to go through the difficulty of learning Arts, as I had been through. Hence, I’m actively taking workshops & online tutorials for Sand Art from last 7 years.
Times of Youth: If not a sand artist, what would you have been career wise?
Although I’m an Computer Engineer & IITian, I would love to be a drawing teacher in a primary school.
Times of Youth: ‘Rare is here’ is another concept we see you propagating these days. What do you exactly mean by it and why call it ‘rare’ if its ‘here’ at our fingertips now?
It is a new venture; dedicated only to showcase unique art forms. People are thriving for out of the box ideas & we serve to search for rare artworks. You’ll see a lot more at our official website.
Times of Youth: Currently as a upcoming yet already prominent entertainment professional of your nation, what are your endeavors in this field?
I’ve won a few awards, nominated twice as Most Innovative Artist & performed with majors like Mr. Sachin Tendulkar’s Retirement, Mr. Shahrukh Khan’s Kidzania Launch, John Abraham, TV show India’s Raw Star with Honey Singh & many more, which has given me a reputed name. I feel I’ve got more then what I deserve, so I try to give away whatever I can to the society via films or charity.
Times of Youth: What, in your eyes, are more easier to tackle- films or ads?
Ads. If you can convey your message beautifully in 30 sec ad film, you’ll connect more people faster. “When your work can communicate, no piece of paper is required to prove.”
Times of Youth: In the wake of how popular you have become by your incessant adventurous approach to sand artistry, what is your ultimate dream now at the end of it all?
Its ambitious, but I want to have my own Art & Travel show. I’ll still continue directing ads.
Times of Youth: Which experience would you say has been most memorable of all?
When Sachin Tendulkar called me by name. When your idol knows you by name there’s nothing more important than this. I was born in when Sachin started playing for India.
Times of Youth: What has been your biggest moment of pride?
When Shahrukh Khan applauded for me on my Live Sand Art Tribute.
Times of Youth: How has your family been handling your success filled journey?
It is always a huge support from family and friends, especially my brother. They’ve shielded me from few responsibilities, when I was working for TV shows or events. They are always happy with my TV appearances & success, only annoyed with my refusal on getting married for now.
Times of Youth: Do tell us one incident that totally changed your life/perspective.
When I lost my father few months back. It made me realise- money, fame, success should never be the ultimate goal. “Success is, if you can make a better world before dying, then what it was when you were born.” –
Times of Youth: What is the first word that comes to your mind when you read the following-
Sand: Hand
Design: Skills
Achievements: Happiness
Youth: Demand for Better World
Nation: Needs a lot of improvement
Life: The time between; Sand to Human, Human to Sand
Times of Youth: What makes your day? What spoils it?
When I talk to my mom, and tease her for anything, it makes me smile. On the other hand, When someone mistreats a person working under him in public; really annoys me.
Times of Youth: If you were given one wish, what would it be?
I would hug my dad, and say I’ve always loved you.
Times of Youth: Considering your enormous potential, we believe that you have the power to bring a rational change in the world. If given an apt chance, what would you do to make this world place a better place?
I wish we all would treat everyone (I repeat, everyone) as their loved ones.
Because we always try to understand our loved ones actions & their situation before judging them.
Times of Youth: What advice would you give to the budding generation, especially artists?
I like to write quotes; so will try to convey my message in the same manner.
“To be a STAR in ART, you need to ‘START’. ”
“FAIL, and lose the fear of failure forever.”
Times of Youth: Any message for your fans and followers via Times Of Youth?
“Sometimes, we have to unlearn to match up with the youth”.
“Your last failure, will not be your last failure.”
Times of Youth: Do tell us how your admirers can reach you to share their appreciation/queries.
Like us & get a free hug.
Visit: http://www.RahulAryaLive.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IamRahulArya
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFRstudio
Insta: https://instagram.com/iamrahularya/
