Rohan Bhatia's art feels like a playground where pop culture takes on a uniquely Indian twist, everyday observations morph into narratives, and self-discovery intertwines with social commentary. Bhatia's art in animation and illustration is an exploration of versatility and purpose.
Bhatia's talent lies in his ability to reimagine the familiar, just like he does in his comic on Walter Mitty, the quintessential American dreamer, starting on an adventure in Goa or even his comic strip inspired by the whimsical romance of La La Land, but centred around the irresistible pull of a 'good fish thali', a South Indian seafood delicacy. Bhatia doesn't shy away from tackling weightier subjects either. His take on Orwell's dystopian masterpiece, 1984, recontextualises it within the contemporary Indian political landscape.
“I feel every story has a unique flavor and has to be treated differently. This kind of process lets me explore so many tangents I wouldn’t explore otherwise. I don’t know where this stems from but I know I dread repetition.”Rohan Bhatia
Bhatia, however, is a firm believer in defying artistic labels. He rejects the notion of a singular 'style', embracing instead the unique essence of each story. This approach allows him to delve into a myriad of techniques; constantly pushing his creative boundaries. He thrives on exploration, venturing down unexpected avenues and savoring the process of discovery. This aversion to repetition fuels his artistic fire, ensuring his work remains fresh and engaging.
The genesis of Bhatia's ideas is as diverse as his artistic expressions. Inspiration can strike anywhere – a fleeting thought, a snippet of conversation, a curious observation on the world around him. These sparks ignite a creative blaze, blossoming into narratives that take on a life of their own.
"It starts with a thought, a conversation, an observation, something I want to say. It could be a line, a word, a visual and from there it grows into a narrative."Rohan Bhatia
His process isn't confined to a rigid structure, it's a dynamic in nature and juggles between introspection and collaboration. He actively seeks out the perspectives of friends and strangers, allowing their insights to shape and refine his evolving ideas.
“Sometimes the process involves looking inward and explaining my opinion, a commentary of sorts. There are shorts I have written that I probably don’t believe in now, but those had to happen for me to be a better writer and a better person too.”Rohan Bhatia
Bhatia's believes harnessing the transformative power of storytelling. His own life bears witness to this belief. It was George Orwell's 1984 that awakened him to the profound impact stories could have.
Before '1984' by George Orwell, I didn't appreciate the power of written stories. As I reached the last 15 pages, my mom called me for dinner. Having dinner together was an important activity growing up. It was the last 15 pages and I couldn’t let that book go. I was ready to get the scolding of my life because I knew it’ll be worth itRohan Bhatia
Bhatia believes stories have the potential to reshape our world. In an age fraught with conflict and uncertainty, he views storytellers as essential voices. He recognises the power that stories hold, particularly their ability to challenge authority.
I feel stories have the power to change the course of the world. We are all storytellers and in a confused age of war and pandemic. If history has taught me anything, it’s that people in power are afraid of stories. So to the ones reading this, keep sharing yours.Rohan Bhatia
Rohan Bhatia's art is a blend of wit, social commentary, and a constant quest for discovery. His message is clear – keep sharing your stories, for they hold the power to ignite change.
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