It’s not always easy to get out of one’s comfort zone and try one’s hand at something different and unusual, especially amid rigorous schedules that engineering students have to cope with. But you always come across students who seek to be different, break stereotypes and manage to find their niche in the world. A perfect example is 22-year-old Dilip Das from Hyderabad, who sketches celebrities as a hobby.
Currently pursuing Electrical Engineering from Gokaraju Gangaraju College of Engineering, Hyderabad, Dilip has always had an artistic side to him. “From my intermediate days, I loved to sketch and paint and I wanted to get into architecture. My parents, however, insisted that I join engineering. So I decided to follow their advice,” explains Dilip.
“Initially, I could not find time for it, as I was busy with engineering coursework, making new friends and getting used to my college. But once I settled down, I resumed sketching,” says the fourth-year student.
A big fan of rock music, Dilip says he enjoys sketching his favourite rock stars the most. “I’m mainly into sketching portraits. Apart from rockstars, I also sketch popular celebrities like Robert Downey Junior,” says Dilip who thinks there aren’t many Indian rock artists. While his sketches have struck a chord with his family and friends, Dilip still hasn’t considered shifting to it full-time. “For now, sketching is strictly a hobby or a pastime. And for as making my work commercial, I honestly haven’t thought about it,”he says.
Everybody needs relief from their usual college work and hectic examination schedules. For Dilip, sketching is the perfect getaway. “I get very involved in it when I start sketching, as it needs a lot of observation. Sometimes people say that portraits are a mere imitation of other sketches and do not require any skill. But I feel that a separate set of skills is required for portraits, as one has to closely observe every inch of the sketch. More importantly, a lot of patience is needed,” he explains.
Stating that he often sketches for his own satisfaction and for his friends, Dilip remains humble while talking about his work. “I’m still learning and I have a lot to learn before I am anywhere close to perfect,” he admits.
— suhas@newindianexpress.com