Q&A#EthosxPartnersInTime: Artist And Lawyer Bahaar Rohatgi

What does time mean to you? 

They say that time changes everything but I have learnt otherwise—we have to change it ourselves. In today’s times, where we have to constantly evolve, fight attachments, regrets and disappointments, and adapt at neck-breaking speed, I find the artist in me resisting this change and revelling in the moment. Unfortunately, I sometimes take too much time to ‘un-feel’ or ‘unlearn’. So the saying ‘time and tide wait for none’ is extremely relevant for me. There is so much I want to do but every so often I want to disconnect. With the multiple hats I wear, time seems to be a luxury that I wish I could manage well. It is the one thing I really struggle with.

What is the importance of time in your line of work? How do timing and deadlines impact art and creativity?

Time is a tool that has to be used carefully. You have to pace yourself because rushing doesn’t help anyone. If your thought process is clear, deadlines can push you to execute your tasks brilliantly. I perform the best under pressure, but I am also a very hard taskmaster. At the same time, if I am rushed during conceptualising and ideating, I feel it interferes with the creative process. So it all depends on the stage of the art process you are in. Your state of mind has to be synced according to time frames.

"If your thought process is clear, deadlines can push you to execute your tasks brilliantly," says artist and lawyer Bahaar Rohatgi about the interplay of time and creativity

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At what time of the day are you at your creative best? Is there a particular time for artistic genius?

After 2:00 pm or 2:00 am is when I am at my best, creatively speaking. Between 6:00 and 8:00 pm is when I enjoy painting with my hands. I can draft emails, shoot or respond to interviews at any time of the day—this may be a result of my legal experience. With regard to creative writing, I am undoubtedly at my best after 12:00 am. This is when I am lost in my own reverie and I can truly unleash myself. During deadlines, it is better if you stay away from this fireball!

Brilliantly balancing the two often incongruous worlds of art and law, Rohatgi is seen here sporting the Corum Admiral Legend 32 watch

With its elegant mother-of-pearl dial fashioned with colourful nautical flags, the Corum Admiral Legend 32 exudes effortless grace and sophistication

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If you could travel in time, which era of art history would you like to explore first-hand?

I’d definitely want to travel back to the 60s. I want to witness how gaining freedom after the most gruelling times had an impact on artists. I’d also want to travel into the future or light years away because that would inspire my interstellar series and virtual reality work immensely. I’d love to be able to learn about the technologies of the future.

Rohatgi confesses that she'd like to go back to the Flower Power-era of the 1960s

₹4,90,000

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"I’d also want to travel into the future or light years away because that would inspire my interstellar series and virtual reality work immensely," shares Rohatgi while sporting a futuristic-looking Corum

₹8,14,000

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I think watches look extremely smart on women. It gives us an 'I mean business' look," says Rohatgi, as she exudes the quintessential business-chic vibe

₹5,59,000

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Do you like wearing watches? Which watches do you own? What styles do you like?

I think watches look extremely smart on women. It gives us an ‘I mean business’ look. I own a few watches, and my favourites are from Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Dior. I like my watches fashioned with leather straps. I prefer automatic timepieces because I don’t know how to wind my watches yet. I like them to be convenient and uncomplicated. Artistic designs are a bonus, and interesting colours catch my fancy.

What’s the ultimate watch on your wish list?

The ultimate watch would be one emblazoned with artwork on it. The art should have layers and be abstract so that I can see something new every time I look at the dial. Who knows, maybe I’ll design one in the future!