Radha Patkar's Art Breathes Life Into Mumbai’s Everyday Chaos

In a tiny Mumbai suburb, Radha Patkar’s journey as an artist began in the humblest of forms. Her childhood, marked by long afternoons glued to 9XM, would later define her eclectic style. “When you’re raised on a diet of Bollywood and drama,” she says, “it naturally finds its way into your work.” But it wasn’t until she entered art school that Radha started peeling back the layers of these influences. “You stop enjoying things purely for what they are and start deconstructing them,” she says, reflecting on how her practice evolved. Today, her Instagram is a colorful grid of illustrations that feel deeply rooted in observation and memory, channeling the energy of the city she calls home.

Radha’s biggest inspiration is, unsurprisingly, the everyday characters who populate Mumbai. “It’s the aunties leaning over their balconies, the autorickshaw bhaiyas chatting on Bluetooth, and the uncles arguing at bus stops,” she explains. For Radha, these fleeting interactions are rich sources. They’re less about spectacle and more about subtle gestures that reveal universal truths.

Her process is equally layered. “It starts with a memory, an incident, or a qissa,” she says, which she then dramatizes and ties to an aam cheez. The result is visual metaphors that leave room for you to connect the dots, whether it’s a sari-clad figure with Kali-like energy or a snail couple questioning traditional dynamics.

While Bollywood may have lit the initial spark, her radar has expanded significantly. Radha cites Ram V’s graphic novels as a major influence. “The way his work portrays Mumbai and its people is something I deeply resonate with,” she shares. Radha wishes she could have collaborated with creators, especially on Rare Flavours, which combines mythological elements with deeply human stories. “I would’ve loved to work on a project that portrays Bakasura as both a demon and the most relatable character,” she says.

Her sketchbook, a constant companion, is both a tool and a journal. It’s a reminder of moments missed. “I regret not sketching the people I met on a train journey or jotting down sarcastic remarks exchanged between uncles,” she admits. For Radha, the act of documenting is about preserving fleeting memories that might otherwise vanish.

Radha’s work is storytelling in its purest form. Her illustrations, rooted in metaphors and humor, turn everyday observations into universal narratives. Whether it’s a bird lamenting domestic chores or a reimagining of a childhood tale, Radha’s pieces invite us into her world while allowing us to bring our own interpretations. Radha’s work is a testament to the power of perspective. She reminds us that even in the chaos of a city like Mumbai, there’s beauty to be found in its smallest moments — and that these moments, when translated with care and humor, can resonate far beyond their origins.

Follow Radha here.

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