Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD, FACEP, US Bureau Chief of The Desi Buzz and founder of Arlington Integrative Medical Associates (AIMA) and Babies4.us, sat down for an exclusive and inspiring conversation with sat down for an exclusive and inspiring conversation with award-winning artist Medha Atre-Kulkarni, B.F.A. (Painting), Artist, Art Educator and Founder of Medha Art Studio. In this inspiring conversation, Medha shares her artistic journey, creative philosophy and passion for art education, reflecting on the power of painting to express emotions, preserve stories and connect people across cultures and generations. Through her work as an artist and educator, she offers a compelling perspective on creativity, perseverance and the transformative role of art in society.
Check out other interviews: https://thedesibuzz.com/category/interviews-editorial/
Watch the interview on YouTube
Early Life & Artistic Journey
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Medha, welcome to The Desi Buzz Show. Take us back to the beginning—when did you first discover your passion for painting?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: Thank you for very excited to be on the show!
I discovered my passion for painting very early! Art period was one of my favorite subjects, besides PT and recess! 😄 By 7th grade, I had already announced to my friends and teacher that I wanted to become an artist and study at Sir J.J. School of Arts. I was very fortunate to get selected on my first attempt, among thousands of applicants from around the world.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: You graduated First Class with a B.F.A. in Painting from the prestigious Sir J.J. School of Fine Arts, Mumbai. How did your years at J.J. shape the artist you became?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: In the 1990s, choosing art as a career was considered a wild dream. Sir J.J. School of Arts made that dream a reality for me. We had a very structured curriculum in painting, along with art history, aesthetics, and other art and craft disciplines.
What I loved most was that we were encouraged to explore and develop our own artistic voice rather than being spoon-fed.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Who were the people who encouraged you to pursue art when you were starting out?
Both my parents. I was very fortunate because, despite their academic backgrounds, they recognized my temperament and encouraged my art from the beginning.
I still remember how amazed I was when my father told me, as a 6th or 7th grader, that there was actually a college called Sir J.J. School of Arts where I could study art. I think my mind was made up that very moment!
They gave me the foundation, the tools, and most importantly, my wings.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Mumbai is a city rich in culture, history and artistic traditions. How has Mumbai influenced your artistic identity?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: I am a Mumbaikar at heart. “Mumbai meri jaan” is the only way I can describe it!
Mumbai’s energy, diversity, warmth and spirit of opportunity taught me that the sky is the limit if you have a dream and are willing to work hard. It opened many doors for me, including the opportunity to work with some of the top animation studios in India.
Family Support
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Behind every successful artist is often a strong support system. How important has your family been in your artistic journey?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: Family has been incredibly important to my artistic journey. Painting can completely take you into another world—it’s just you and your canvas. I can easily spend 10 or more hours painting without realizing how much time has passed.
My husband has been my constant ally, always encouraging me and helping wherever he can. My children have also grown up watching me pursue my art and have always been very supportive.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: How did your family support you while you were balancing your art career, teaching, exhibitions and responsibilities at home?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: I wear many hats, and the hours can feel endless! My husband has been my biggest believer and supporter.
When the children were young, he helped with babysitting, cooking and household responsibilities whenever he could. He has also accompanied me to exhibitions and helped me set up my art displays.
He has truly helped me continue the dream my parents encouraged me to pursue.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Was there a particular family member or moment when someone gave you the confidence to continue pursuing your artistic dreams?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: Actually, I never needed anyone to give me confidence to continue! 😄 If anything, my family has had to remind me not to overdo it and to take care of myself while trying to do everything.
8. As your career progressed and you began receiving awards and recognition, how did your family celebrate those achievements with you?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: Every award and recognition has been special to me because each one represents years of effort and dedication. My family and friends have always celebrated these moments with great joy.
I still cherish even the little drawing, rangoli and sports awards I received as a child.
From India to America
Dr. Shabana Parvez: You built a significant part of your career in the United States. What was it like establishing yourself as an artist in America?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: When I started exhibiting in America, I had my doubts. I wondered whether people would connect with my art and how I would build relationships while starting over in a new country.
But I found the art community very supportive and encouraging. When your efforts are sincere, doors you never knew existed can open.
Of course, it was challenging doing it as a first-generation immigrant, with my parents and closest relatives thousands of miles away.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What were some of the challenges you faced as an Indian artist entering the American art community?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: One challenge was the cultural and communication gap. It is easier when the subject is universal, like landscapes or florals.
But I also create Indian-themed and spiritual artwork with deeper concepts. Sometimes I still wonder whether an American audience will understand and connect with those ideas. That can make the audience smaller, but it also makes the connection very meaningful when it happens.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Did living in America change the way you see India, your culture and your own identity?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: India will always have a very special place in my heart. At the same time, after living in America for so many years, I have adapted and learned to blend into a new country and culture.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Your work connects Indian heritage with your experiences in America. How do these two cultures influence your art?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: We are all like sponges, absorbing experiences and memories throughout our lives. As an artist, those experiences naturally find their way into my work.
My Indian heritage, American experiences, and the values I have learned from both cultures all influence what I choose to paint and the messages behind it.
Art, Culture & Inspiration
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Your work frequently celebrates Indian history, traditions, memories and people. What inspires you to bring these themes to the canvas?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: Sometimes it is a specific commission, such as my paintings for Mejwani restaurant or spiritual artwork. But often, it comes from childhood memories and heroes who stayed with me.
For example, Rani Laxmibai represents strength and women’s empowerment for me. Hirkani represents courage and a mother’s love.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: You presented your solo exhibition “Nostalgic India.” What does nostalgia mean to you as an artist?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: “Nostalgic India” is very close to my heart. These paintings bring back my favorite memories of India—the India I remember so fondly from my childhood and younger years, before I immigrated to America.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: You have painted iconic figures such as the Queen of Jhansi and Mahatma Gandhi. What draws you to historical personalities?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: They inspire me because their messages are timeless. Figures like Mahatma Gandhi continue to offer guidance not only to Indians, but to people everywhere.
Just as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela inspired people far beyond their own communities, their ideas continue to inspire us today. In fact, Dr. King himself was influenced by Gandhi.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Your Queen of Jhansi painting became part of the Collection of the Consulate General of India in New York. What did that achievement mean to you?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: I was absolutely thrilled. It is a tremendous honor for my art and a milestone I will cherish forever.
It is also my third painting in the Consulate General of India’s collection. Having my work represented there is truly a lifelong memory and achievement.
Hirkani & BMM 2026
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Your recent First Prize at the BMM Seattle Convention 2026 for Hirkani: A Mother’s Love is a wonderful achievement. Tell us the story behind that painting.
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: Hirkani: A Mother’s Love is my humble attempt to capture the extraordinary bravery of Hirkani, a peasant milkmaid who risked everything for the love of her baby.
As a teenager, I loved hiking in the Sahyadri mountains and visiting its historic forts. Seeing the rugged terrain firsthand gave me a deeper appreciation for the incredible courage associated with Hirkani’s story.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Hirkani represents courage, motherhood and determination. Did your own experiences with family influence how you portrayed her?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: The painting is also very personal to me. I wanted to pay tribute to my own mother and the incredible strength and determination with which she raised us.
And now, as a mother myself, I understand more deeply the sacrifices and difficult choices mothers make for their children.
To me, Hirkani represents the beautiful paradox of motherhood—the gentleness of nurturing and the fierceness of protecting.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What emotions did you hope viewers would experience when they looked at Hirkani: A Mother’s Love?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: I wanted viewers to feel a mother’s determination to do whatever it takes out of love for her child. It is a feeling that is truly universal.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What went through your mind when you learned that you had won First Prize?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: I was already very happy that the painting had been exhibited before such a wide audience across the USA and Canada. Winning First Prize was the ultimate cherry on top!
And I felt that in a small way, it was a win for every mother.
Awards & Artistic Career
Dr. Shabana Parvez: You have received numerous awards, including the International Lions Club Presidential Award and several prestigious juried-art recognitions. Which recognition has been most meaningful to you and why?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: Every award and recognition is special to me because each one carries a memory of hard work and joy. I still cherish the little drawing, rangoli and sports awards I received as a child.
I feel grateful and blessed for every recognition that has come my way.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: After decades of painting and exhibiting, how do you personally define success as an artist?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: For me, success is being able to communicate an emotion from my heart to the viewer’s heart.
From my heart to yours. 💞 If my art brings someone joy, I feel successful.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Is there a particular painting in your career that holds a special place in your heart, regardless of whether it received an award?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: All of them have a special place in my heart, but especially the portraits I painted of my children when they were younger. Those are priceless memories for me.
Art, Education & Work-Life Balance
Dr. Shabana Parvez: You have been teaching art since 1999 and founded Medha Art Studio in 2021. What inspired you to become an art educator?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: I was inspired by my own teachers, especially my watercolor teacher, Shri M. V. Kelkar. Even after retiring, at the age of 90-plus, he taught watercolor for free and brought so much joy to his students.
As a mother of young children, teaching art was also a wonderful way for me to work from home while doing something I loved.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: You juggle painting, teaching, exhibitions, commissions, workshops and community activities. How do you manage your health, wellness and work-life balance while pursuing such a busy schedule?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: I wish I could make more time for my health and wellbeing! 😄 Painting takes a lot of time, and juggling all my different roles is well beyond a full-time job.
I’m still working on finding that balance. Before art became my profession, I was very sports-oriented, so I know I need to make more time for that side of myself too.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Does painting itself serve as a form of relaxation, mindfulness or emotional wellness for you?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: Yes, absolutely. I cannot imagine myself doing anything else as a profession. But once you turn something you love into a career, it also comes with stress, responsibilities and sacrifices.
Sometimes I think art is best enjoyed as a hobby—when you can simply paint for the joy of painting, without having anything to achieve.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What is the most rewarding part of teaching someone who initially believes they “cannot draw or paint”?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: Watercolor itself was once a challenge for me. Then I learned a few basic techniques for handling it, and I still remember how happy and empowered that made me feel.
I hope I can give my students that same feeling—“I can actually do this!”
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What advice would you give parents who have a child with artistic talent but are unsure whether art can become a meaningful career?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: Art is a wonderful career, but it is also competitive and unpredictable because art is subjective. Being talented alone does not guarantee success.
I often suggest keeping another source of financial stability while building an art career. But if a young artist is truly passionate and willing to work hard, they can find their own niche. Most importantly, they should keep creating.
Community & Philanthropy
Dr. Shabana Parvez: You have conducted workshops and participated in cultural and community programs across the United States. Why is community engagement important to you?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: Art brings joy to every heart. I always say, “Earth without art is just EH!” 😄
Through my community involvement, I simply hope to spread that joy and bring people together through creativity.
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Your artwork and live painting have helped raise more than $10,000 for charitable and community causes. What motivates you to combine art with philanthropy?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: Many people contribute money to causes they believe in. For me, contributing my art is my humble way of making a difference.
If my creativity can help a good cause, I feel fortunate to be able to give back in my own way.
Fun Questions
Dr. Shabana Parvez: If you weren’t an artist, what do you think you would be doing today?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: Maybe I would teach yoga! 😄
Or I would simply enjoy all the things I love—scenic walks, traveling, dancing, gardening, cooking, meeting friends, socializing, and maybe even doing nothing and resting properly!
Dr. Shabana Parvez: If you could spend one day painting alongside any artist—living or from history—who would you choose and why?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: John Singer Sargent. I admire how he combined realism with bold, fluid brushwork, especially in his portraits and figurative paintings.
He worked beautifully in both oil and watercolor, and I would love to spend a day watching how he painted.
Or Leonardo Da Vinci also maybe such a multi talented genius of a person!
Dr. Shabana Parvez: If your personality were a painting, what would you title it?And what is one thing about Medha Atre-Kulkarni that people would be surprised to learn?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: I have actually already painted a self-portrait called Keep Smiling. 😊
And something people might be surprised to know about me is that I’m a puzzle and game addict! 😅
Message & Looking Ahead
Dr. Shabana Parvez: What is the one message you would like to share with young artists—especially young Indian and Indian-American artists—who dream of turning their passion into a career?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: Focus on the daily process of learning and creating rather than worrying about mistakes or instant success. Stay authentic.
If possible, have a day job or another source of income while building your art career, so financial pressure doesn’t take away from your creativity.
And most importantly, trust the process, keep painting, and keep smiling!
Dr. Shabana Parvez: Finally, what message would you like to share with the readers and viewers of The Desi Buzz? And as you look toward the future, what is the next masterpiece or dream you hope to bring to life?
Medha Atre-Kulkarni: Thank you so much for having me. It has been wonderful chatting with Dr. Shabana and all of you.
Looking ahead, I hope to keep painting and touching more lives through my art for many years to come—hopefully with a little more balance and more time for myself and my wellbeing.
