For 10 to 15 days, I had the incredible opportunity to document the intricate process of Dokra casting, an ancient craft, in a tribal village of Chhattisgarh. The experience was more than just photography—it was a journey into the lives of Vikram and Mahendra, the craftsmen who not only taught me the art but welcomed me into their world. I captured every step of the process, from melting the wax near a low fire to molding it into intricate doll and sculpture shapes. The artisans skillfully layered mud over the wax forms, dried them, and created channels in the ground for molten copper. After baking the mud molds, the wax melted away, leaving space for the molten copper to be poured. Once cooled and the mud broken, the metal artwork emerged in its full glory. Photographing this process allowed me to dive deep into their creative world, capturing not just the craft but also their daily lives and traditions. It was an unforgettable experience that connected me to the heart of an ancient art form.