General
From playful fights to shared artistic dreams, siblings Sharada and Siddharth Kerkar talk about their bond on Bhai Dooj
From childhood squabbles over the TV remote to sharing secrets and protecting each other through thick and thin, siblings share a bond unlike any other. This Bhai Dooj, Goa’s talented artist duo — Sharada and Siddharth Kerkar — embody that special connection, one that has evolved from playful rivalry to deep friendship and creative collaboration.“Bhai Dooj is a reminder that sibling bonds are to be treasured, nurtured, and celebrated,” smiles Sharada, who currently serves as the Director of the Museum of Goa, a private art museum.Reminiscing about their childhood traditions, Sharada shares, “Bhai Dooj is special to us. While Raksha Bandhan was about sisters getting gifts in exchange for a Rakhi, for Bhai Dooj, it was usually the sister who gave gifts. Siddharth would always look forward to it and ask, ‘This time, who gives the present?’” she laughs.Their relationship, however, extends far beyond festive rituals. Siddharth reflects on how their equation has evolved over the years: “Our bond as siblings is one of the strongest relationships I have, and we’ve worked on it. I remember when we were teens, we’d discuss giving each other feedback — what we liked about each other and what we didn’t. We’ve shared relationship advice, art, and ideas. As we grew older, we became more than just siblings — we became friends.
We’ve grown to know each other as adults, as equals.”That closeness is also rooted in years of shared laughter and playful chaos. “My brother and I used to be such fighters, always hurling toys at each other, pranking, and literally beating each other up. He’d catch frogs and surprise me with them or pretend to be John Cena and wrestle me to the ground. There was a time when I, being the elder, would always get the upper hand, but as he grew older, the tables turned and he became way stronger than me,” laughs Sharada, mimicking Siddharth as she recalls their childhood antics.As the two continue to grow — personally and creatively — their story perfectly captures the essence of Bhai Dooj: a celebration of love, respect, and the irreplaceable bond between siblings.