PEAKLIFE

Celebrated artist Brinda Miller believes empowerment for every successful woman comes from within her own self.

“It is up to each of us to empower ourselves and make it happen,” says Brinda Miller, one of India’s most famous artists. An alumnus of Parsons School of Design, New York, and Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai, Brinda has been the powerhouse behind the successful Kalaghoda Festival that colours the city’s cultural scape every year with renewed gusto.

“I was already a celebrated artist when I married. There was no way I was going to give up my career even though I decided to have two children quickly, thinking that I would be done with family,” laughs Brinda. “My daughters are in their 20s and little did I know that I would be playing mother to them even now. But we women are raised to be able to multi-task efficiently. I was lucky to be born into a family that never differentiated between boys and girls. We were raised equally, and the empowerment came from within me.”

With her late father Nana Chudasama (eminent jurist, mayor, sheriff of Mumbai), and husband Alfaz Miller (of ABM Architects that has crafted the swanky T2 international terminal) it was a pool of talent at home. Brinda has been exhibiting her artworks solo on Indian and foreign turf over the years to resounding applause. As a woman artist what has been the biggest challenge she has faced? “Like in most other professions, women have not made it as big as male artists. There are very few celebrated female artists in the country. Fortunately, I have carved a niche for myself: from shaping the iconic Kala Ghoda Arts Festival to functioning as a mentor and adviser to art museums, galleries, and younger artists… It is important to follow your own instinct to understand what you are capable of. My learning is to follow your dream with determination, and stroke forth your own destiny.”

(As told to Shilpi Madan)