From creating a marble sculpture of Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of the UAE, to crafting the likeness of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar’s Father Emir, Indian sculptor Aman Sharma, from the state of Rajasthan, continues to express his admiration for Gulf leaders through his traditional art. Following EmiratesReporter.com’s earlier coverage of his tribute to Baba Zayed, Aman Sharma now shares the story behind his latest creation, his family’s sculpting legacy and his dream of visiting the Gulf.
By Amit Kakkar, Managing Editor, EmiratesReporter.com
Dubai, UAE- Art can preserve memories, express respect and build an emotional connection between people across borders. For Aman Sharma, an Indian sculptor from Rajasthan and the owner of Shanidev Moorti Bhandar, sculpting is much more than a profession. It is a family tradition, a way to honour individuals and an opportunity to keep their memories alive.
After attracting attention for creating a sculpture of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, affectionately known as Baba Zayed, Aman Sharma has now created a marble sculpture of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the father Emir of Qatar. His work reflects his growing interest in Gulf leaders and his admiration for the region’s development, technology and architecture.
In an exclusive conversation with Emirates Reporter, Sharma speaks about his journey, the inspiration behind his creations and his hopes for stronger relations between India, the UAE and Qatar.
A family tradition passed down through generations
For Sharma, sculpture is a profession that has been part of his family for generations. He says he continued the tradition after leaving school and gradually developed his own experience and skills in the craft.
“I have been involved in this work since I left school. Making sculptures is our ancestral profession, and this tradition has continued through generations of my family,” he explains.
His work includes sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses, as well as lifelike representations of people. Among his most meaningful creations are sculptures commissioned by families who wish to preserve the memory of someone they have lost.
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From Baba Zayed to Qatar’s Father Emir
Aman Sharma’s earlier sculpture of Sheikh Zayed introduced his work to a wider audience through Emirates Reporter. His latest creation, a marble sculpture of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, represents another significant step in his artistic journey.
For Sharma, creating sculptures of respected leaders is an opportunity to express admiration through his craft. His interest in the Gulf is not limited to one country or one personality. He hopes his work will help him establish a lasting connection with the region.
AMAN SHARMA’S TRIBUTE CONTINUES: Qatar’s Father Emir, the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ruled Qatar as Emir
Although he has never visited the Gulf, Sharma has long dreamed of seeing Dubai, particularly its towering buildings, modern infrastructure and advanced technology.
“I have always wanted to visit Dubai and see its magnificent buildings, new technology and vision for the future. I often wonder when I will get the opportunity to experience all this in person,” he says.
The inspiration behind his most emotional work
Beyond famous personalities, Sharma’s greatest inspiration comes from the bond between a mother and her child, especially the families of soldiers who have lost their lives in service to the nation.
He creates marble sculptures from photographs to help families preserve the presence and memory of their loved ones.
“When a soldier makes the supreme sacrifice, his mother feels the pain of losing her son. Through a marble sculpture made from his photograph, I hope to give her a sense of comfort. Seeing the sculpture may make her feel, even for a moment, as if her son has returned,” Sharma says.
He believes this emotional connection gives his work a deeper purpose. His aim is to ensure that families continue to feel close to the people they have lost, regardless of their nationality or background.
“I do not want people to feel that their loved ones have disappeared from their lives. Whether it is a respected leader or a soldier, I want my work to preserve their memories,” he adds.
Nurturing a dream of visiting the Gulf
Aman Sharma’s ambitions extend beyond his workshop in Rajasthan. He hopes to visit the Gulf at least once in his lifetime and meet its leaders in person.
“Even if I get the opportunity only once in my entire life, I want to visit the Gulf, meet its leaders and seek their blessings. That would make my life feel fulfilled,” he says.
He also hopes to see India’s relations with the UAE and Qatar grow stronger in the years ahead.
“My wish is that the friendship between India, the UAE and Qatar remains strong. I hope these countries continue to stand together in difficult times and work towards progress through new technology and innovation,” he says.
Sculpting beyond borders
Aman Sharma’s journey demonstrates how traditional Indian craftsmanship can reach beyond geographical boundaries. From honouring the founding father of the UAE to creating a sculpture of Qatar’s former Emir, his work reflects a personal admiration for Gulf leadership and a desire to connect cultures through art.
He has yet to visit the region that inspires him, but his sculptures have already become a way for him to express that connection.
For Aman Sharma, every sculpture carries more than the likeness of a person. It carries a memory, an emotion and a story that deserves to be remembered.
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EmiratesReporter.com will continue to bring forward stories of individuals whose work connects communities, preserves heritage and builds bridges between India and the Gulf.
