Dr. Arun Yogiraj, the Creator of Ram Lalla for Lladro, Reveals the Power of Indian Craft Globally

India has no dearth of artists; art breathes in every nook and corner of our country. Yet, there are a few creators who stand apart, whose work transcends boundaries of time, leaving behind legacies that generations will marvel at. One such artist is Dr. Arun Yogiraj, the master sculptor behind the revered Ram Lalla idol now enshrined at the Ayodhya temple.

His creation is more than a sculpture; it is a spiritual experience. It is this depth, this ability to breathe life into stone, that defines Yogiraj’s art. But Ayodhya is only one chapter in his illustrious journey. Yogiraj has shaped many such timeless works of art. For his recent collaboration with Lladró, he brings his divine vision to Lladró’s porcelain artistry, resulting in a historic, limited-edition piece that blends Indian spiritual symbolism with Spanish craftsmanship. The collection, which honours the profound stories of Indian mythology, features only 499 sculptures created in High Porcelain.

We catch up with Dr. Yogiraj for a quick conversation on his legacy, his craft, and this exciting new collaboration.

Robb Report India: What first drew you towards sculpture as an art form?

Dr. Arun Yogiraj: Sculpture has always felt like destiny rather than a choice for me. Growing up surrounded by chisels, stones, and the fragrance of sandalwood dust, I saw art come alive in my father’s and grandfather’s hands. I was drawn to the magic of turning a raw block into a divine form that evokes devotion and emotion. For me, sculpting is meditation; it’s a dialogue with the material where patience, faith, and creativity meet.

RR: Your family has a legacy of sculptors. How has that influenced your style and artistic philosophy?

Dr. Arun Yogiraj: My family’s legacy has been both a blessing and a responsibility. For five generations, we have been sculpting deities that adorn some of India’s most sacred temples. From them, I inherited not just skills but also the philosophy that sculpture is not merely art, it is seva (service). My style blends the discipline and devotion of traditional Indian sculpture with the need for contemporary precision and detail, so that each work resonates across generations.

RR: You sculpted the Ram Lalla idol. What was your state of mind while sculpting it? How do you feel seeing millions of devotees connect with your work in such a profound way? How many days did it take for you to bring it to life?

Dr. Arun Yogiraj: When I began sculpting Ram Lalla, I approached it with deep humility. I spent days in prayer and silence because I wanted the work to be a spiritual offering, not just a technical creation. To see millions of devotees bow before the idol today with tears, prayers, and love fills me with gratitude. I feel like a medium through which faith has taken form.

We completed the idol in about six months, but those months were filled with intense discipline: the right proportions, the perfect expressions, the smallest details of ornaments and posture. Each day was an offering, and I often felt as though the Lord himself was guiding our hands.

RR: Please tell us about your collaboration with Lladró.

Dr. Arun Yogiraj: When Lladró approached me to collaborate for their 25th anniversary, I saw it as a meeting of two artistic traditions, Spanish porcelain artistry and Indian spiritual iconography. It was heartening to see a global brand treat Indian spirituality with such reverence. The Ram Lalla porcelain sculpture celebrates that bridge between cultures, East and West, coming together to honour something divine and universal.

RR: What does such a collaboration mean for India?

Dr. Arun Yogiraj: This collaboration is a cultural milestone. It tells the world that Indian spirituality and craftsmanship are not just local treasures but global inspirations. For Indian artists, it opens doors to dialogue with international platforms, ensuring our traditions evolve while retaining their soul.

RR: Indian art and craftsmanship are being increasingly recognised internationally. What do you think has led to this global appreciation?

Dr. Arun Yogiraj: Indian art has always been consumed across the world, from our gemstones, architecture, textiles, to even food. I think thanks to global awareness in the last few years, the world is recognising Indian art.  Also, people are realising that Indian art is not just decorative; it carries centuries of philosophy, symbolism, and storytelling. As people seek authenticity and depth in what they collect, Indian craftsmanship with its handmade precision and spiritual undertones naturally stands out. Social media and global exhibitions have further amplified this appreciation.

RR: What, according to you, is the future of Indian sculpture? 

Dr. Arun Yogiraj: I believe Indian sculpture will continue to evolve while staying rooted in tradition. With technology, we now have tools for precision and preservation, but the heart of our craft will always be hand-carved devotion. The future lies in creating works that honour heritage yet speak to modern sensibilities, ensuring our art lives on for centuries.