Dubai: A 29-year-old Indian artist who has no hands wowed Dubai with his extraordinary skills last weekend.
Visiting the city from Ahmed-abad on the invitation of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Dhaval Khatri said he discovered his talent by accident – quite literally.
“I was 14 years old when I was flying a kite on the terrace of a building in my hometown when I accidentally touched a high voltage electric cable. I received a shock immediately and tumbled down the building. I lost both my hands in the mishap,” he said.
Road to recovery
Khatri said the road to recovery was long, but made him realise he could be creative.
“During my time in hospital after the accident, my mother was keen to keep me engaged. So she would put a pencil in between my arms which had been cut off. To my surprise, I not only managed to write with it but also do portraits and other drawings. I had never drawn or painted ever before.”
He said there was no looking back since. “I went back to studying although the school I was in dismissed me. I joined another school and completed my Grade 12, after which I went on to college and graduated in commerce. Although I was eligible for a writer, I would pen the exams myself and even finish before time,” he said.
A professional painting artist today, Khatri makes for an inspiring story. In fact, he was in Dubai to judge a painting competition organised by ICAI for both adults and children at a special event. He also demonstrated his artistic skills to those who had gathered. He said he had done portraits of several celebrities in India.
“This is my first visit to the UAE and I am thankful to ICAI chairman Naveen Sharma for inviting me. I am amazed at what the Rulers here have done for the country. I hope to return sometime and do portraits of these great people,” he added.
