Nalini Manasani has crafted over 100 intricate artworks using waste materials, earning multiple world records and prestigious awards.
Published Sep 08, 2024 | 11:00 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 09, 2024 | 5:26 PM
Nalini turns waste into wonder. (Supplied)
In the world of miniature art, few names stand out like that of Nalini Manasani. A self-taught artist hailing from Yadgiri in Karnataka, Nalini has carved a niche for herself with her intricate creations, defying the odds and critics along the way.
Born on 9 April 1996 to Raghavendra Shetty, a businessman, and Veena Manasani, a homemaker, Nalini’s early life was shaped by the unwavering support and encouragement from her parents.
She recalls, “Before I believed in myself, they believed in me. Their love and kindness is never repayable.” Their faith in her talent became a constant source of motivation, driving her to explore her creativity.
“Since my marriage, my husband has also been a constant source of support, helping me to continue pursuing my passion,” Malini said.
After schooling at Shree Venkateshwara High School and graduating in Computer Science from C.E.S. College in 2017, Nalini felt the urge to do something unique. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for art and began experimenting with miniature creations. From childhood, she had always been drawn to arts and crafts, but it wasn’t until after graduation that she fully realised this was her calling.
Nalini’s art journey began by studying the work of artisans. She reached out to them for advice and soon understood that in art, there are no fixed rules—it all depends on one’s creativity.
Nalini spends hours working on miniature pieces. (Supplied)
The allure of miniature art captivated her, and she dedicated herself to mastering the form. Her works, made from everyday materials such as waste paper, chalk, matchsticks, and even pencils, reflect her eye for detail and precision.
The first significant turning point in her career came in 2015 when she created a miniature statue of Lord Ganesha using glass bangles.
This work earned the admiration of her family, who encouraged her to pursue her artistic dreams. From that moment, Nalini resolved to make her mark in the world of miniature art.
Nalini’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. When she initially started spending 6 to 8 hours a day on her art, relatives and neighbours dismissed her efforts as a waste of time.
However, Nalini never wavered in her belief that hard work and determination would eventually pay off. Today, she proudly recalls how those same people now appreciate her work and recognize her talent after witnessing her incredible success.
Nalini’s persistence has earned her multiple prestigious accolades. She is a two-time world record holder, having achieved recognition from the Champion Book of World Records and the Supreme World Records.
Ram Mandir, a chalkpiece statue measuring just 4.5 cm by 5 cm. (Supplied)
She has also been honoured with the National Women Pride Award in 2022, the Indian Book of Records, Tribune World Record, Achievers Award 2021, DCB World Record 2022, and several others.
One of her most notable creations is the smallest Ram Mandir, a chalkpiece statue measuring just 4.5 cm by 5 cm, which took her eight hours to complete. The painstaking attention to detail and patience required for such work epitomize Nalini’s dedication to her craft.
Despite her many achievements, Nalini’s artistic journey is far from over. She is constantly striving to improve her skills and expand her horizons.
Her next goal is to break a Guinness World Record and further establish herself as one of the finest miniature artists in the world. As she says, “Success won’t come easy—it takes patience, determination, dedication, and desire.”
Nalini has been honoured with multiple accolades. (Supplied)
Alongside her personal ambitions, Nalini also harbours a desire to give back to her community. She dreams of setting up a platform in her hometown where aspiring artists like herself can find encouragement and inspiration to pursue their passions.
One of Nalini’s guiding principles is never to forget her roots. As her career soars, she remains grounded in the values instilled by her parents and her humble beginnings.
She encourages others to believe in themselves and never give up on their dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may seem. In her own words, “Grow up high and higher, but never forget your roots.”
Nalini Manasani’s story is a testament to the power of self-belief, resilience, and the pursuit of passion. From her miniature masterpieces to her relentless drive for excellence, she continues to inspire others, proving that with hard work and dedication, even the smallest art forms can make a big impact.
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