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Aparna Mahalingam has a unique talent. She makes stained glass paintings and inlays them in furniture. All kinds of furniture from diwans, sofa sets, murals to ceramic tile inlays are being experimented with, at her showroom in Adyar. Most of the furniture is based on old classical styles with a mix and match approach to evolving new ones. "We don’t dabble in modern or contemporary work," opines Aparna, the proprietor of Apurva Stain Glass and Furniture.
Stained glass paintings are mostly in vivid colours – with reds, blues and greens predominating - though pastel shades are also in vogue depending on the specific requirement of the customer. It all started in 1995, when people who visited Aparna’s home were struck by her beautiful inlay work on her dining table. Thereafter, she received plenty of orders from friends to duplicate the same. Soon the hobby turned into a throbbing home business. One part of the house was converted into a studio to house her beautiful stained glass paintings. Incidentally, Ramesh, Aparna’s husband is an artist, so she received a lot of support and ideas from him. Also, he has been a tremendous help to her with the drawings and sketches.
Aparna did a three day course in stained glass painting from Dallas in U.S.A. Sounds surprising how a person can learn in just three days, but that’s how it was. Aparna is quick to clarify that they provide sufficient knowledge for you to take off and its constant practice more than anything else that further sharpens the skills. Initially after completing the course, Aparna worked upon it as a hobby. For fourteen years, all the paintings that she developed were gifted away to near and dear ones. It was only when Aparna returned to India that the hobby evolved into a full-fledged business by word of mouth. 
Most of the work churned out at Aparna’s showroom is on order. "People’s tastes and colour choices differ, so it’s not possible to change the paintings once they are made," clarifies Aparna. "We suggest the designs and colours to our clients but the basic idea we draw from them," she continues. Glass paints are used on the base, which is either glass or mirror. Says Aparna, "Mirrors look glamourous and reflect colours imparting an ethereal quality to the furniture." Where light is passing through, glass is used - for instance, partition screens or locations near the window. In either case, a sheet of glass forms the outer protective shield for the painting so that marks or scars don’t deface it. Aparna points out that she uses only the first quality glass and wood for her work. Paints are imported from America, and water based colours are used. These take about a week to dry and are hassle free. No pungent smells to disturb you.
Designs vary from florals complete with butterflies and hummingbirds to geometrical patterns. Says Aparna, "We don’t repeat designs so that the exclusiveness of the work is maintained." Of course, design books are also brought into use as and when required. After the stained glass painting is ready it is incorporated onto the furniture, say, a dining table top. Furniture is of teak or rosewood complete with carvings and mouldings. The painting is placed in such a way that it draws out the best from the work. But isn’t stained glass inlay on furniture the first in India? "Well, yes, I have never seen it being done before," quips Aparna. "Many are doing stained glass paintings but not inlay work." 
And Chennaites have given a good response to the handiwork too. "We have a good clientele from all classes because we have something to offer for every budget," says Aparna. Right from Rs.500 - 50,000 the choice is unlimited. Pick and choose according to your choice and preference.
