Smita Prasad stands out as a multidisciplinary creative force who seamlessly unites art, engineering, and Bharatanatyam. As both an artist and a classical dancer, she combines technical precision with aesthetic sensitivity. Consequently, her paintings reflect discipline alongside emotional depth.
Her artistic journey draws from contemporary Indian painting traditions rooted in culture, while also engaging with modern perspectives. Moreover, she uses performance and visual expression to investigate storytelling, rhythm, and human connection with clarity and intent.
Recently, Prasad participated in the exhibition Maa – A Heartbeat of Every Home at the Gandhi Darshan Art Gallery. There, she presented her mother’s paintings. In doing so, she not only extended her artistic voice but also strengthened her role in India’s evolving cultural landscape, while actively promoting her mother’s creative legacy.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Prasad reflects on her mother’s paintings. She explains the emotional significance of showcasing them. Additionally, she shares a message for the next generation and highlights how art shapes personality and perception. The following are the key takeaways from this engaging conversation.
Q: Could you elaborate on the paintings by your mother that are being showcased at the Maa Art Exhibition?
A: I have been painting since childhood, and my journey began under my mother’s inspiration and motivation. I often watched her paint, and those early moments shaped my creative path.
Now, on this Mother’s Day, I feel privileged to present both her artwork and my own in the same gallery. At the same time, the moment carries deep emotion for me, as she is no longer with us.
However, this exhibition marks a significant milestone. For the first time, her paintings are entering public view. As a result, I feel both excited and deeply moved to share her creative legacy alongside my own work.
Q: How does it feel to showcase your mother’s paintings here, and what emotions or sense of nostalgia does this experience evoke for you?
A: These paintings by my mother date back nearly 40 years. She began her artistic journey with oil painting, and all the works on display are created in that medium. Among them are a fruit basket and a rose pot, each reflecting her early creative expression.
She painted during her free time, yet her work always carried depth and intention. Today, these paintings hold immense value for me, not only as art but also as a legacy of inspiration that has shaped my life since childhood.
Moreover, she nurtured creativity in others as well. She conducted art classes locally and even taught underprivileged children. Through this, she extended her passion beyond personal practice and into community upliftment.
Consequently, she has remained a profound influence in my life. Revisiting her work now feels deeply nostalgic, as it reconnects me with both her presence and her enduring artistic spirit.
Q: What message would you like to pass on to the next generation of your family?
A: I am also launching a new company called Alapadma Events. Through this platform, I aim to promote art, music, dance, culture, and heritage. In particular, I focus on Indian classical art forms and their continued relevance in contemporary times.
At the same time, I believe we must not drift away from our roots. This connection is essential. In today’s modern lifestyle, we often overlook the depth of our classical and traditional foundations, even though they offer immense knowledge and insight.
For instance, texts like the Natya Shastra are not just theoretical works; they represent a complete artistic and philosophical journey, especially in forms like Bharatanatyam. Therefore, artists should actively engage with these foundational texts. They should study them and, more importantly, reflect their wisdom in their creative practice.
Q: What kind of impact does art have on an individual’s personality and personal development?
A: As an artist, I approach life through a consistently creative lens. This perspective shapes everything: from my dressing sense to my daily lifestyle choices. I always explore how far I can extend creativity in each aspect of living.
Colour plays a central role in my life. It influences not only my artistic expression but also how I perceive the world around me.
At the same time, I strongly believe that art must carry social responsibility. It should communicate meaningful messages beyond aesthetics. In fact, art holds immense power; it can inspire change, create awareness, and drive collective reflection.
Therefore, we must consciously integrate social causes into artistic expression. We should use art as a medium to respond to what is happening in the world today and to engage society in deeper dialogue.
