ART IN YOUR PALMS

Meet the artist who is creating trends with mehendi, a unique art for a unique canvas

Words by Rita Sandhu    Photographs from Various Sources

Mehendi is an integral part of an Indian wedding. The bridal mehendi is deeply-rooted in Indian traditions and customs. The sheer elegance of the mehendi art is now taking new forms and is becoming part of many other celebrations as well as fashion events. This is exactly what Ash Kumar works with. He has carried this art beyond India to new frontiers, such as the UK and US, promoting an age-old tradition with a modern twist. He plans to come to India and give a new dimension to the way people have been experiencing mehendi.

Ash Kumar is a self made man, blessed with an artistic mind creating beautiful designs in less than 20 minutes. He strode into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2003 as the world’s fastest henna artist breaking a former record set by his own guru. Ash is very particular in using the purest of products and is very passionate about this art. FWD catches up with the renowned mehendi artist.

How did you happen to choose Henna as your choice of career?

I never thought of becoming a henna artist and that too at such a level. I just followed my passion. I am a typical Indian at heart; I love everything that is connected to India. It was my mother who discovered the artist in me, seeing me doodle and scribble as a child. Now henna is part of my life. This is an art which I learnt with my own observation and practice alone.

How would you describe your Henna designs?

My designs are abstract. I practice mainly two styles in this art – one is the traditional Indian art with intricate designs and heavy mehendi. The other one is the modern art which is more abstract and is done with more exclusivity such as including Swarovski crystals.

What are the latest trends in Mehendi art?

Glitters and crystals play a very crucial role in enhancing the design of mehendi. It makes the designs look like a piece of jewellery and gives a different aspect and definition to henna. Also the traditional bridal mehendi with Mughal designs is coming back with a bang, with a more sophisticated look.

What’s your take on trends in mehendi designs for brides and grooms?

For bridal mehendi, the traditional motifs, heavy intricate designs look the best. Crystallised mehendi can be worn at receptions and dinners. Brides can match their mehendi designs with the embroidery of their lehenga. I want brides to go bespoke with their mehendi and I would like to suggest that they not to be scared to explore new designs with crystals; it looks amazing.

How can brides detect the purity of mehendi used?

If the mehendi is pure then the colour of the paste would be chocolate brown and the smell would be therapeutic, as from eucalyptus or Vicks. Also, when it dries it will turn to green powder again.

Advice for upcoming mehendi artists?

Think out of the box! People are scared to break the mould. If artists start using natural mehendi and professional products then your brand is bound to take off and you will have plenty of repeat clients. It is all about blending quality and art in the right proportions