In November 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to showcase my lifelike Vada Pav prop at the IGDC in Hyderabad, representing the upcoming game Mumbai Gullies, which beautifully captures the essence of the City of Mumbai. What began as a small, trial-sized Vada Pav miniature soon turned into a full-scale prop crafted from a dozen carefully sculpted clay pieces. Each piece was painstakingly painted to resemble the real deal, right down to the crispy golden crust of the Vada Pav.
The prop’s realism was so striking that when I arrived at the event, security officers mistakenly thought it was actual food and initially refused to let me in. After a bit of confusion and a thorough explanation that I was the artist behind the piece, they finally understood the situation and allowed me entry. It was a little frustrating at first, but I couldn’t help but smile—after all, it was a testament to how lifelike my work had become!
The experience sparked something new in me. Encouraged by the positive response, I began expanding my creative horizons, venturing into new clay art projects. This led me to experiment with making clay earrings, designing miniature sculptures, and even immersing myself in the world of pottery at a local studio. Each new venture brought fresh challenges and inspiration, allowing me to push my artistic boundaries even further.