Ganesha painting on plane window sparks debate, artist reveals the truth

An Instagram video of an artist painting Lord Ganesha on an aeroplane window started a debate online. She later issued a clarification on the matter.An artist faced backlash after drawing Lord Ganesha 'on' an airplane window. (Photos: liveindianpainter/Instagram)Artist Mitali Salunke found herself at the centre of an online debate after a video showing her painting Lord Ganesha against an airplane window went viral. While the clip made it appear that she was painting directly on the aircraft window, Mitali later clarified that the artwork was made on a transparent sheet and that no property was damaged.The artist had shared the video on Instagram herself with the caption, “Found a new canvas while travelling.” The clip showed her beginning with an outline of Lord Ganesha on what appeared to be the airplane window before gradually adding colour to complete the portrait of the deity.The video was shared on Instagram and soon made its way to X, where several users criticised the artist. Many viewers believed that she had painted directly on the aircraft window and accused her of damaging public property. Watch the video here:One suggested, “No fly list for property damage,” while a third called for action over what they believed was graffiti on an aircraft. Some users also raised concerns about the safety implications of painting on an airplane window. One person pointed out, “Windows are not supposed to be obstructed especially during takeoff/landing.”As the criticism grew, Mitali clarified in the comments section of her Instagram post that the artwork was not painted directly on the airplane window.“It’s on a transparent sheet,” she wrote.She also shared a photograph of herself holding the painted transparent sheet as proof that the artwork had been created separately and placed against the window for the video. Mitali Salunke is one of the artist duo behind ‘Live Indian Painter’, along with Chetan Advirkar. The duo is known for creating live paintings and art performances.- EndsPublished By: Srimoyee ChowdhuryPublished On: Sep 23, 2026 16:34 IST