Flip the switch: Five experts show you how to get more creative now

Inspiration strikes when it wants to. But creative people know how to ignite the first spark. A comedian, sculptor, novelist, musician and filmmaker show us how

If you were to stumble upon filmmaker Koval Bhatia in the morning hours, you’d be surprised to find her staring at the blue wall in front of the writing-desk in her Goa home, doing seemingly nothing for hours. Bhatia, who made the award-winning documentary Against The Tide (2023) and the TV show Postcards from Arunachal (2021), had the wall specially painted the colour of the sky. “I wanted a feeling of openness, but without the distraction of a view,” she says. Staring at it allows her mind to wander. And if all else fails, it serves as a reminder that every day is a fresh start.

Being creative is something you’re born with, but also something you can hone, say artists.

Stand-up comedian Jose Covaco says being thrown into the deep end helps with generating ideas.

Filmmaker Koval Bhatia says we need to make room for ideas to drop in.

Ceramic artist Vinita Mungi says creativity is innate; it needs to be channelled well.

Author Novoneel Chakraborty eavesdrops on people’s conversations for inspiration.

Musician Mohammad Muneem Nazir, aka Alif, goes for a run to fight creative blocks.