For Raj Bhandare creative pursuits have the capability to blur the boundaries between home and office. Generally on his return home, that too if early, he plays with his kids. He tries to participate in their games, be it hide and seek, cricket, hop scotch, seven tiles or any game for that matter. It is a great stress buster for him as he transcends himself to his childhood.
A walk in the woods or a swim at Bogmalo, yoga or simple walk in the nearby locality, followed by a shower and meditation and his evening Puja of gratitude is his way of life out of office. The interesting ritual that he follows after dinner is to read out stories of the Indian mythology, Amar Chitra katha, Twinkle to his little one who loves to cling to him and go to sleep.
A lifestyle change has seen him less partying, but movies continue to be his favourite. His evenings end by hearing or watching a creative podcast, or videos or designing.
Raj recalls his formative years and sums up in just one word “Freedom”. He grew up as a close knit family where fun and freedom within the broad
boundaries of discipline was a norm of life.
When quizzed on his source of inspiration, he said, “As man progresses the goal post shifts, and the peak looks a step further. My journey from school days has been to live a ‘life full of fun and exploration’. I am inspired by great achievers like martial artist Bruce Lee, cricketer Sunil Gavaskar to spiritual leaders like Yogi Yogananda, to corporate czar like Steve Jobs and creative geniuses like Picasso, Mozart, Michael Angelo.”
He added that his mother gave him values like honesty, hard work, to be helpful and compassionate which continue to guide his decisions even today.
“Through the medium of art, I attempt to inspire the kids to aspire the dare to dream and work towards their goal. My art workshop is a regular way to share these ideas and the recent workshop which was in Dubai with special kids was really fulfilling,” said Raj Bhandare.
On a sentimental note Raj says, “My mother, wife Sneha and three kids is the world that I live in. And my extended world is my Nirvana family and we bond really well with the team at Nirvana since we spend the best hours of the day together. Sneha is my sounding board and a huge inspiration.”
