aIdol making is an art and not means of earning money. It gives immense satisfaction to the artist. when the art created by the artist is appreciated, the artist feels fulfilled. Atul-Vijay are the artists who have achieved immense success in life yet they stay humble. They have to create eco-friendly idols. Art is in the DNA of Atul and Vijay Jirafe who are well known artistes in Ambanagari. The brother duo learnt the skills of moulding idols from their father who was a natural artist. The idols crafted by these artistes are not just beautiful: they are expressive and artistically communicative. They reached this level of excellence after constant practice, cultivation o f beauty a n d sensitivity besides self satisfaction. They breathe life into the idols of clay and bring them to life. Coming from a humble background with grandmother working as a maid and father as a waterman, his father got apprenticed to the then noted artist Krishnarao Sonsale and soon he mastered the art. Seeing their father mould idols, Atul Vijay also learnt the art of idol making. Then they decided to make career in idol making. Atul completed education in fine arts in Pune and Vijay did a degree in interior designing.

They gave a modern twist to the traditional art. Considering the format of their business today, their dream seems to have come true. Attractive and speaking masks of Gauri have proved to b e very popular on the social networking site. These networking sites received 40000 likes on the social media sites in 3 days. After those masks went viral on the social media sites, many people approached Jirafe brothers and asked them to make masks. This is the greatest acknowledgment of our creativity, they say. From 2003 to 2008, Atul Vijay Jirafe made many traditional sets. They built an elegant idol of Radha Krishna performing rasgarba. Then they set up Ramrajyabhishek set. Ganpati childhood set, Ashtalakshmi scene which gave them spiritual satisfaction. The Jirafe brothers say that the idol of Sant Gyaneshwar crafted by them is their favourite. They say that this most beautiful creation by them. Besides Ganpati, they have made idols of Mahatma Gandhi, beautiful and graphic masks of Mahalaxmi. Gauri masks which made them famous on the social networkingsites. They have been making idols of Ganpati for many Ganpati mandals since long. T h e i r idols h a v e d e m a n d from Jalgaon, Khandesh and other parts of the state. Along with idol-making. Jirafe brothers also started t h e interior designing business. Their business took off in no time because of ingenuity and creativity. They employ 30 workers who help them in their business. We are all for self satisfaction. Earning money secondary motive, they say. They have earned a lot of name Now they are planning to enter the field of art effects. The family is mentored by their 65 year old mother Ashabai. Their wives also contribute to this artistic business.