How Sushen Mohan Gupta Turned the Mall into a Stage for Local Art & Talent

When you think about a mall, what comes to your mind? Shops, food courts, and maybe a movie theatre. But what if a mall could also be a place where artists show their work and performers share their talent? That is exactly what happened in Mysore, thanks to Sushen Mohan Gupta. 

He looked at the Mall of Mysore and thought it could be more than just a shopping space. He imagined a place where music, dance, painting, and theatre could come alive. Today, the mall is not just a place to buy things but a place where local talent shines. 

Seeing the Bigger Picture 

Most people think malls are built just for business. But Sushen Mohan Gupta saw a bigger purpose. He believed that a mall should be a space where the community gathers, learns, and feels proud of its culture. He wanted the people of Mysore to see their own art, music, and traditions being celebrated. 

This idea was new and exciting. Instead of filling every corner only with shops, Sushen Mohan Gupta created open areas and stages where events could be held. He believed that visitors should leave with memories, not just shopping bags. 

Giving Local Artists a Chance 

Mysore has many talented people, painters, dancers, singers, and craftsmen. But many of them never get a chance to show their work to a big audience. Sushen Mohan Gupta wanted to change that. 

He invited local artists to set up stalls in the mall and sell their paintings, pottery, and crafts. Shoppers loved it because they could buy unique, handmade things. Artists loved it because they could earn money and share their skills with more people. This simple idea turned the mall into a living art gallery. 

Weekend Performances that Bring Joy 

Another thing Sushen Mohan Gupta added was live performances. Every weekend, something fun happens at the mall, music shows, dance competitions, theatre plays, or even poetry nights. People gather to watch and cheer. The mall becomes full of life and energy. 

For many young performers, this is their first stage. They feel excited when they see a crowd clapping for them. Sushen Mohan Gupta believes that these small moments of encouragement can help young talent grow in confidence and skill. 

Festivals that Celebrate Culture 

Festivals in Mysore are already famous, but Sushen Mohan Gupta wanted to make them even more special inside the mall. During Diwali, the entire place is lit with diyas and lanterns. During Dasara, you can see traditional art displays and cultural dance programs. Visitors love taking photos and sharing them with friends. 

These events not only bring more people to the mall but also keep Mysore’s culture alive. Sushen Mohan Gupta says that when people see their traditions celebrated, they feel proud of where they come from. 

Space for Workshops and Learning 

Art is not just about watching; it is also about learning. This is why Sushen Mohan Gupta added small workshop areas in the mall. Here, children and adults can join painting classes, pottery sessions, and craft lessons. Families spend quality time together while learning something new. 

These workshops are often free or very affordable, which means more people can take part. Sushen Mohan Gupta believes that everyone should have a chance to discover their creative side. 

Building a Sense of Community 

When you walk through the mall today, you can feel that it is more than a shopping place. People stop to watch a street play, kids dance in front of the stage, and shoppers pause to admire art displays. This sense of togetherness is what Sushen Mohan Gupta wanted from the beginning. 

He says that malls should not feel cold or empty. They should feel warm, welcoming, and alive. By turning the mall into a stage, he gave Mysore a place where people meet, talk, and share experiences. 

Helping Young Talent Grow 

Many students in Mysore now see the mall as a place where they can show what they can do. School bands play music during events, and college groups perform drama. Sushen Mohan Gupta makes sure that these events are promoted so that performers get a good audience. 

Some young artists have even been discovered by local media after performing here. This makes the mall a launchpad for future stars. Sushen Mohan Gupta feels proud whenever a young person says their first performance was at the mall. 

Supporting Local Economy Through Art 

When artists and performers get a space, they also earn money. Craft stalls bring income for local families. Performers get paid for their shows or get hired for future events. Sushen Mohan Gupta says this is another way the mall gives back to the city. It is not just a place that takes money from shoppers; it also puts money back into the community. 

Inspiring Other Cities 

The success of this idea has inspired other cities to do the same. Some nearby towns are now planning malls with cultural spaces because they saw how well it worked in Mysore. Sushen Mohan Gupta believes this is how real change spreads, one city at a time. 

A Mall That Feels Alive 

Today, the Mall of Mysore is never boring. There is always something happening, an art show, a live concert, a dance battle, or a new festival decoration. Visitors come not just to shop but to enjoy themselves. 

This is exactly what Sushen Mohan Gupta dreamed about. A place where art and talent could be seen, heard, and celebrated every day.