From Starbucks and Lamborghini to India’s R-Day Google Doodle: Pune Artist Making Waves with His Wildlife Illustrations

Ziya Khan 1 week ago

49 1 minute read

At just six years old, Rohan Dahotre began carving animals on the walls of his home in Pune, unaware that three decades later, his art would greet millions of Indians through a Google Doodle on Republic Day. Today, this passionate wildlife illustrator has not only captured the nation’s imagination but has also collaborated with global brands like Starbucks and Lamborghini, proving that his love for nature and art knows no bounds.“As a child, I spent countless hours watching Animal Planet and National Geographic,” recalls Dahotre.

“I was fascinated by how animals moved, their personalities, and their expressions. I struggled to capture those details in my sketchbook, but I never gave up.”Though his fascination with wildlife shaped his career, Dahotre’s journey wasn’t easy. After earning a degree in Animation and working with related companies, he felt unfulfilled. Joining Chumbak, a merchandise firm, helped him refine his artistic style, particularly in creating intricate wildlife patterns. Eventually, he transitioned to freelancing, dedicating himself to wildlife illustration full-time.Dahotre’s Google Doodle for India’s 76th Republic Day is a testament to his artistic evolution.

Tasked with a wildlife-related theme, he blended India’s rich biodiversity with its cultural diversity. The doodle features animals like a snow leopard in Ladakhi attire and a tiger in a dhoti-kurta playing musical instruments, symbolizing the country’s unity in diversity. “I wanted to remind people that wildlife is as integral to our national identity as our traditions,” he says.Over the years, Dahotre has worked with brands like Adobe and Snapchat while collaborating with organizations like WWF and Indian forest departments. “Art can create awareness and emotional connections,” he shares. “People care more about conservation when animals are portrayed in relatable ways.”Dahotre’s journey reflects his unwavering passion for wildlife and his belief in art’s power to inspire change.