From working as an illustrator at an ad agency, to owning his own ad agency and taking up music and art fulltime, Sanjay Ashtaputre has come a long way.
Q) How did you take up music and art?
After I moved to the city, I came across a competition by the Hyderabad Art Society at the Numaish, so I took part in it. I won the competition and I realised that I have it in me to pursue art, so I did and there was no looking back. But, my tryst with the sitar happened earlier than that. My homeowner was selling his sitar and I decided to buy it. After that, I started practicing and after 30 years I now perform at events.
Q) Who inspires you in the field of music and art?
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and other legends have been a positive force in my life. Their music played an important role while I grew up, and I unconsciously imbibed a passion for it. When it comes to art, I’m inspired by Van Gogh and Picasso. How they thrived despite all their troubles, inspired me.
Q) What has been the turning point in your life?
I hadn’t pursued music for a couple of years, but all that changed after I lost my son in 2000. I wasn’t able to paint, but I found solace in my sitar. Playing it gave me a peace and I never realised when it became a way of life.
Q) Any regrets in your decade long career of music and painting?
When I look back now I realise I have no regrets. Yes, there were setbacks, major ones sometimes, but no regrets.
Q) Where do you see yourself five years from now?
I see myself as an accomplished artist and musician. These two fields are like train tracks in my life, they move parallel and so I hope I’m able to do well in both my chosen fields of art.
