No dream is small or big, the passion to fulfill it should be big. This thing fits perfectly with the life of Mehndi artist Raj Rajput working in Khandwa. Born in an ordinary family, Raj had to face rejection in his childhood, but instead of accepting defeat, he turned his skills into weapons. Today, he is not only among the best Mehndi artists of Madhya Pradesh, but has also become an inspiration for thousands of youth.
Faced setbacks in childhood, but passion did not break
Raj Rajput is originally from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. The financial condition of the family was not good and father wanted Raj to do some other work, but Raj was always interested in design, art and creativity. When she started applying mehendi at the age of just 10, some people in the society taunted her.
“What should boys wear mehendi?”, “This is women’s work” such things were heard in Raj’s ears every day. But Raj decided on one thing, “What people call weak will become my strength.”
This stubbornness gave him the courage to follow the path of his dreams.
New story of life started from railway station
Raj sat in the train with the dream of going to Mumbai and becoming big, but the route changed in such a way that he got down at Khandwa station by mistake. They had neither money nor place to spend the night. Under compulsion, he spent the night in Parvati Bai Dharamshala. The next day he started asking for work in beauty parlors of the city, but was refused everywhere.
But it is said that where there is a will, there is a way.
A shopkeeper in a street of Madhusudan Tower in Khandwa allowed him to sit outside his shop. Sitting on the same footpath, Raj started the mehendi work. Raj, who once used to apply mehndi sitting on the road, has today become a famous mehndi artist of Madhya Pradesh.
The magic of art landed on the palms of more than 11,000 brides
Raj’s art became not just his work, but his identity. Till now, a record has been made by applying mehndi on the hands and feet of more than 11 thousand brides. Today 18 members work in his team, which includes both boys and girls. Raj exhibited his art in many big cities like Nashik, Delhi, Bhopal, Mumbai. Today he is counted among the youngest and popular Mehndi artist of MP.
Raj’s mother became the biggest force
Raj’s father did not want his son to go into this field. She believed that applying mehendi was a girl’s job. But Raj’s mother always stood as his shield. One day, when the father got angry and threw Raj out of the house, the mother sold her anklet and gave Rs 4,000 to her son and said, “I am sure you will move ahead.” That trust and mother’s blessings gave strength to Raj. Raj says that my mother’s sacrifice is the biggest part of my success. If he had not supported me, perhaps I would never have been able to reach here.
Khandwa became a city of changing fortunes
Raj even today says that God did not send me to Khandwa by mistake, this city was the turning point of my destiny.
This was the city where people recognized his art. In difficult times, someone provided food and someone provided space. Because of this love, Raj still considers Khandwa as his home. Today his Mehndi Artist Outlet is at Indira Chowk, Khandwa, from where he takes bookings in big cities.
Now brightening the future of others too
Raj did not just limit himself to himself. He has given training to many youth, including both boys and girls. His disciples are now working in big cities across the country. Raj says that art is not anyone’s property. Anyone can become a great artist if there is a desire to learn it. Raj’s story teaches that to fly dreams do not require a big city, but a big heart and unwavering faith. If there is fire in your heart, then even the stations found by mistake can take you to your destination.
