Celebrating Hamida Banu

A: I delved into Hamida's world during my doodle research. It was inspiring to learn that she fought fiercely against the conservative norms of her time. Going against groupthink is one of the hardest things one can do, and being a woman adds another level of complexity to it. Despite that, Hamida powered through and won. Her story is both heartbreaking and incredibly inspiring and resonated with me. It was an absolute honor for me to pay a small tribute to her through my work.

A: I couldn’t quite believe it when I saw the email inviting me to design the Google Doodle! With commercial projects and daily life keeping me busy, I hadn’t had a chance to illustrate for a while, which is how I started in design. So, this opportunity felt like a refreshing creative break. Exploring Hamida’s work and life was fascinating; it aligned with qualities I deeply admire and strive for. It truly felt like a passion project.

A: Hamida vanished from the wrestling scene just as she was on the verge of gaining international recognition. Her passion and talent deserved acknowledgement and celebration, which became my main focus as I searched for inspiration. I delved into the Akharas of the colonial era, the training grounds for wrestlers adorned with traditional Indian motifs and vibrant colours. Additionally, I drew inspiration from the intricate designs found in trophy shields and newspapers. Incorporating all these elements into the composition, I aimed to capture a sense of celebration and joy in Hamida’s success.

A: Hamida’s story is one of courage and resilience. She tried to push through societal barriers, pursued her passion fearlessly when women wrestling was unheard of in India, and challenged traditional norms. I hope her life inspires people to believe in themselves and embrace their uniqueness. And most importantly, to do what you love and keep at it.