Rekha Vyas Interview
Rekha Vyas, India's first female shadow artist and founder of PEPUP Storyteller, has transformed the ancient art of Shadowgraphy into a powerful storytelling medium. In this interview, she reflects on her creative journey, preserving a rare art form, and the emotions that come alive through light and shadow.
Q. For readers meeting you for the first time, could you introduce yourself and tell us how your journey into shadow art began?
I am Rekha Vyas, an international shadow artist, puppeteer, and founder of PEPUP Story Teller. My journey began more than a decade ago with a simple fascination for light, shadows, and storytelling. What started as curiosity slowly became my life& passion. Every performance reminds me that even the simplest things can create magic and touch people and hearts.
Q. Being India’s first female shadow artist is a remarkable achievement. What inspired you to choose such a unique art form?
I was drawn to shadow art because of its beauty and simplicity. With just hands, light, and imagination, it can create powerful stories and emotions. I wanted to preserve this rare art form and give it a new identity in India. The thought of creating wonder and joy through shadows inspired me to dedicate my life to it.
Q. Shadow art turns light and darkness into storytelling. What fascinates you most about this medium?
What fascinates me most is the way shadows can express emotions without words. A simple movement can create animals, characters, and stories that make people smile, laugh, and sometimes even cry. It is magical to see audiences of all ages connect through something so simple yet so powerful.
Q. What was the biggest challenge you faced while establishing yourself in a niche field, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was introducing people to an art form that very few had seen before. There were moments of doubt and uncertainty, but my love for shadow art kept me going. Through hard work, patience, and countless performances, I slowly built trust and appreciation for this unique art form.
Q. How do you transform an idea or emotion into a shadow performance?
Every performance begins with an emotion a memory, a message, or a story that deserves to be told. I spend hours experimenting with hand shapes, light, music, and movement until the performance truly captures that feeling. My goal is not just to entertain but to create an emotional experience for the audience.
Q. As the founder of Pep Up Story Teller, what vision drives your work and your performances?
My vision is to keep traditional storytelling alive in today’s fast moving world. Through PepUp Story Teller, I want to inspire creativity, spark imagination, and bring people together through art. Every show is an opportunity to create meaningful memories that stay with the audience long after the performance ends.
Q. Is there a performance or project that holds a special place in your heart? What made it unforgettable?
My work for National Geographic and Disney Channel holds a very special place in my heart. Along with that, performing for the Ambani family and Indian icons like Sachin Tendulkar, Deepika Padukone, M. S. Dhoni, and Shah Rukh Khan has been truly unforgettable. What makes these performances even more special is the process of creating customized shows for every occasion. Understanding each story, turning emotions into shadows, and bringing them alive on stage is always challenging, but those challenges have helped me grow as an artist. Seeing audiences connect emotionally with my performances is the most rewarding part of my journey.
Q. How can storytelling through art inspire children and adults in today’s fast-paced digital world?
In a world filled with screens and constant distractions, storytelling helps people slow down and reconnect with their emotions. It encourages imagination, empathy, and meaningful conversations. Art has the power to bring families together and remind us of the beauty of human connection.
Q. What skills or mindset do aspiring artists need to succeed in unconventional creative fields?
Passion, patience, and perseverance are essential. The journey is not always easy, especially when you choose a path that is different from others. Artists should stay curious, keep learning, and believe in their vision. If you truly love what you do and continue to work hard, your art will eventually find its audience.
Bio:
Rekha Vyas is an internationally acclaimed shadow artist and puppeteer with over a decade of expertise in transforming ideas, legacies, and emotions into powerful visual experiences. As India’s first female hand shadow artist, she has elevated the traditional art of hand shadowgraphy into a refined and premium storytelling medium for corporates, luxury gatherings, and prestigious platforms.
In 2014, she founded PEPUP Storyteller, a creative studio specializing in high-impact visual storytelling through hand shadowgraphy and puppetry for brand promotion, corporate journeys and cultural showcases.
Her work has been featured in Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman’s official music video Bheegi Bheegi and on Disney+ Hotstar in Disney Imagine That (Season 2), where she was recognized as a Super Maker Shadow Artist.
She also curated and delivered an exclusive, customized hand shadowgraphy performance at Gir Forest for a private celebration hosted by the Ambani family. The intimate gathering was attended by distinguished guests including Shah Rukh Khan family, Deepika Padukone-Ranveer Singh & family, Sachin Tendulkar family, and MS Dhoni Family positioning her artistry within India’s most elite and discerning private celebrations.
Interviewed By: Vanshika Gupta
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