Lamborghini and R day Google Doodle – how Pune’s Rohan got them all

“I remember spending countless hours watching Animal Planet and National Geographic documentaries as a child,” says Dahotre. “The way animals moved, their expressions, their personalities fascinated me. I would try to capture these moments in my sketchbook and on the walls, often struggling to get the details right, but never gave up.”

Speaking about his journey, Dahotre says, “This early fascination with wildlife later shaped my career choices but the journey so far hasn’t been easy. With a degree in Animation, I initially worked with some related companies but didn’t feel content with the work so I decided to shift to drawing illustrations. After joining Chumbak, a merchandise firm, I honed my art to create unique patterns of wildlife animals and discovered my true calling.”

Rohan Dahotre, a Pune-based wildlife illustrator, has gained fame for his artwork featured on Google and used by global brands like Starbucks and Lamborghini. (Express Photo)

“Initially, I was hesitant to pursue this domain full-time, but as people began recognising my art, my resolve gradually increased. Now, after freelancing for seven years, I have found a rhythm that has helped me connect with global brands. It takes immense patience to observe animals in their natural habitat. Sometimes, I would spend days just studying the way a tiger’s whiskers move or observing the intricacies of a peacock’s feather. Each illustration is a meditation in itself,” he adds.

Dahotre’s Google Doodle for India’s 76th Republic Day bears testament to his artistic evolution. The tech giant approached him with a wildlife-related theme, and he combined both—using different animals across India dressed in distinct attires like Ladakhi, dhoti, etc.

“The idea was to showcase India’s unity in diversity through wildlife. The illustration blends the country’s wildlife with its cultural heritage, featuring a snow leopard in traditional Ladakhi attire, a tiger playing musical instruments while dressed in a dhoti-kurta, and others. Each animal represents a different landscape from the snowy Himalayas in the north to the verdant rainforests of the Western Ghats in the south,” the artist explains.

He says that through the doodle, he wanted to remind people that our wildlife is as much a part of our national identity as our cultures and traditions. “It also aligned with this year’s Republic Day theme of ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,’ focusing on India’s heritage and progress,” Dahotre adds.

This wildlife illustrator from Pune has not only captured the nation’s spirit with his Republic Day 2025 Google Doodle but has also left an artistic footprint on global brands like Starbucks, Lamborghini and others proving that passion for nature and art knows no boundaries. (Express Photo)

Over time, he says, his work garnered appreciation and caught the attention of major brands such as Adobe, Snapchat and others. “For instance, my work with Starbucks involves creating themed artwork for their brand outlets. Such corporate projects require a delicate balance between artistic vision and brand guidelines. However, these collaborations have helped me push my boundaries, grow and learn a lot while staying true to my wildlife conservation message,” Dahotre says.

“Working with organisations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and various forest departments across India has given me a unique perspective on wildlife conservation and the pressing need for it,” he says. “Art has the power to create awareness and emotional connections, and people are more likely to care about conservation after seeing animals portrayed in relatable ways.”

He has a word of advice for aspiring wildlife illustrators: “Do not just draw what you see, but draw what you feel. Being passionate about this work would help to pursue it in the long run. Every animal has a story to tell and, as illustrators, we are their storytellers. Spend time in nature, observe patiently, and let your art speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.”