Founder's Story

"After 35 years shaping stories in the digital world, I decided it was time to get my hands dirty."

Hello, I’m Dr. Mangesh Karandikar, founder and artist at Kalaarang Wall Decor.

For most of my professional life, my craft lived behind screens. But after more than three decades in digital media, I felt drawn toward an art form you can feel beneath your fingertips—one that captures light, texture, and centuries of tradition. That calling led me to Lippan art.

Where Traditional Craft Meets Modern Detail

I started Kalaarang—meaning Art (Kalaa) and Colour (Rang)—to bring the meditative beauty of mud-and-mirror art into contemporary living spaces.

While Lippan is an ancient folk tradition, my process bridges classic techniques with refined, modern finishing. My personal hallmark is precision: many of our relief patterns are sculpted so fine and clean that people often mistake them for intricate embroidery rather than clay. From sleek, urban apartments to classic, heritage-inspired spaces, each piece is designed to feel timeless on your wall.

Crafted for Your Space

Kalaarang is based out of Thane, Maharashtra, but our work finds homes all across the globe. Alongside our signature pieces, a large part of what we do is bespoke. If you have an idea, a palette, or a specific architectural nook to fill, we work together to design a one-of-a-kind statement piece.

When I’m not in the studio sculpting clay and placing mirrors, you’ll usually find me lost in music—playing the flute or harmonica, practicing the mandolin and saxophone, or exploring new creative media.

Take a look around the gallery, explore our newest work on Instagram @kalaarangwalldecor , and feel free to reach out directly to discuss your space.