“I was born with a burning passion for animation and sketching. From my earliest memories, I found solace and joy in bringing my imagination to life through art. Back in the 1990s, I had a small setup where I taught myself digital animation, eager to explore the endless possibilities this medium offered. I didn’t stop there; I pushed myself to learn 3D animation as well, immersing myself in a world of creativity and endless potential.
One fateful day, I completed a project that captivated the attention of my schoolmates. It quickly went viral within the school, sparking a fire within me. The overwhelming positive response encouraged me to consider studying architecture, as I saw the potential to merge my artistic talents with the field of design. However, my parents had different aspirations for me, urging me to pursue a career in medicine. Undeterred, I managed to convince them that my true calling lay in the art field.
With unwavering determination, I gained admission to MEASI Academy of Architecture in Chennai, embarking on a journey that would shape my future. Little did I know that my college life would offer me countless opportunities for growth and exploration. MEASI Institutions, in particular, provided a platform that kept me engaged and motivated throughout my time there. I poured my heart and soul into my studies, leaving little time for leisure activities or socializing with friends. Competitions became my second home, and I participated in around 50 to 60 of them. The fruits of my labor soon became evident as I secured 13 national recognitions and even reached the finals for three international awards. Recognition seemed to come easily to me, and my college gained prominence, with my efforts playing a significant role in its rise to fame.
My skills extended beyond animation and sketching; I developed an interest in cameras, photography, and music. People started approaching me for storyboarding, and I expanded my knowledge to include camera angles, cinematography, and direction, ensuring that my designs met their expectations. I even had the privilege of assisting artists with story nuances and finalizing scenes for movies. I had a chance to be a music director for a Tamil film “Pakkaam 15″, but unfortunately it was not released. I have also assisted art director Naguraj on set designs.
Wearing multiple hats allowed me to explore and contribute to various aspects of the creative industry.
However, amidst the whirlwind of my diverse pursuits, I realized the need for stability and a reliable income to support my growing family. By then, I was happily married to Aparanjitha with two children, Poshikah(11) and Kuhan(9). With their future in mind, I took a leap of faith and opened an architecture skill development coaching center named ‘Excellearnt Education’ in Anna Salai, Chennai. Through this venture, I guided aspiring students in their careers and prepared them for entrance examinations like JEE, NATA, NIFT, NID, and more. It brought me immense satisfaction to help others fulfil their dreams while ensuring financial stability for my own family.
After a few years, I made the decision to focus on my role as a full-time professor, sharing my knowledge and expertise with young minds. For over 15 years now, I have been dedicated to educating and nurturing the next generation of architects. Along the way, I pursued further education, earning five master’s degrees, two of which were in architecture and one in Journalism. I embraced the diverse opportunities that came my way, fueled by an insatiable thirst for learning and personal growth.
While I acknowledge the unique path I’ve traversed, I do not advocate the same level of diversity in professions for everyone. It is crucial to identify a mainstream and then explore other fields as passions or interests, rather than attempting to juggle too many professions simultaneously. I would suggest young minds follow their passions in a flowing manner, allowing themselves to gain proper exposure and experience in one field before rushing into others. Patience, dedication and a commitment to continuous learning will undoubtedly pave the way for a remarkable journey of self-discovery and success.”