“The brush strokes and the music plays, the audience wonder what’s happening and within the blink of an eye, he completes the most beautiful art filled with colours. That’s Vilas Nayak! “
Vilas is a self-taught artist from India who started painting at the age of 3. He worked in Bangalore for about 6 years as a human resources officer before quitting his lucrative corporate job in 2011 to pursue his passion for art. Finalist of India’s Got Talent Season 3 and Winner of ‘EC live quotient Most Innovative Act Award’ 2012, he is currently one of the most sought after speed painting artist in the world. His performances on Asia’s Got Talent on AXN and Got Talent World Stage Live have caught attention of millions of art lovers across the world. He has performed at some of the biggest events in India and 23 other countries. He has performed in some of the most prestigious events like – United Nations General Assembly, Singapore President Star Charity show, Asia’s Got Talent, Asian Achievers Awards in London, NBA half time show for Legend Tim Duncan, Heart of Asia conference Amritsar, PM of India Narendra Modi and Japanese PM in Varanasi, Honorable President of India Sri Pranab Mukherjee, Ex President of India APJ Abdul Kalam, Indian Armed Forces, ISRO, International Film Festival of India, numerous International and National television appearances and many more.
Watch Vilas Nayak’s live performance here
Visit his official website to go through his wonderful works
In conversation with Vilas Nayak-
1. As far as we know you are from a very small town Ujire, how did you train yourself so well to bring yourself to this position today? Did you get the necessary opportunities?
Growing up in a small village 20 years ago with no access to internet or TV I had no other way to get inspired but by the beautiful nature around. I am a self taught artist. Opportunities didn’t come my way – I had to struggle to create my own path.
2. Was there any specific person or reason which made you interested in this field of art?
Nature is my biggest source of inspiration to paint. I feel it has everything that an aspiring artist looks for. With regards to speed painting I was inspired by BKS Verma and Denny Dent.
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3. Tell us about the journey of a small town guy to the ‘Asia’s fastest speed painter’?
I was always into art from age 3. All that I dreamed of becoming in future was an artist. Because I was good in academics everyone encouraged me to carry on with that and join work. I had to follow that path to make a living also. However after working for about 6 years as a Human Resource officer in MNCs I realized I am not making use of my talent. That growing dissatisfaction pushed me to get more involved in paintings and I took part in a regional reality show in Karnataka before getting into India’s Got Talent in 2011. That was my first big break. I quit my job after the reality show and then went on to perform in 25 countries. Asia’s Got Talent was a great exposure on International media.
4. We all have seen you in ‘India’s Got Talent’, how did you feel showcasing your talent on National Television? Tell us about your complete experience in IGT?
Showcasing talent on national TV was an exhilarating experience. I was nervous all the time and it was very stressful in that way. Just the pressure of exceeding your performance each time was a learning experience. It was fantastic to meet Bollywood stars like SRK, Salman Khan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Kiron Kher and many more. The show gave me confidence to perform at any big stage.
5. What was the major turning point in your life or career according to you?
Definetly, appearing on national television show – India’s Got Talent and taking risk to quit my job soon after that.
6. What are the challenges that you had to face to establish yourself and what are the challenges that you face daily?
The challenge was and still is to ‘Be yourself’. We need to remain that unique person and not become a copy of someone else. Because I believed in my instinct and went on to pursue my passion for Speed painting I could create new avenues to perform. It’s an ongoing challenge that every artist faces…
7. Do you feel that a reality show can influence the career of an artist to a great level?
Definitely yes! My life so far is an example itself that it influences an artist career positively. But yes we need to understand that reality shows kick starts an artist’s career for sure but then after an year when the public memory fades, it’s up to the artist to continue- to be innovative and passionate to go a long distance. Else like most of the reality shows sensations we will disappear in no time.
8. What has been the most memorable moment in your complete journey?
There have been many but getting a hug and blessing from The Dalai Lama on stage and meeting personalities like Pele and Abdul Kalam was memorable.
9. Do you think you have already achieved your ultimate goal or is there more you’ve got to achieve?
I am happy about the progress so far, but there’s much more I want to do in future.
10. Tell us about the support of your family and friends throughout and how do they feel when they see you presenting live shows all over the world?
Family and friends have always supported me. They are quite used to seeing me on different shows now but they do get excited and proud each time a bigger opportunities comes my way.
11. Few unknown facts about Vilas Nayak!
I am an introvert. Love to travel and spend time with nature. Love to sing. My friends say I am quite good at it!
12. You are an inspiration to all, what message would you like to give to others in order to motivate them?
In this generation when we have resources to connect with people across the globe I feel we have forgotten to connect with ourselves. We have no time for that! Please do spend some time every day with yourself – you will know who you are, what you really want to become, what’s your passion and purpose in life. Follow your passion, take calculated risk in life and have fun!